2012 Fiat 500 User Reviews

Pros

Roomy front seats, comfortable

Cons

Noisy engine, road noise, AC not working

Purchased As Not Purchased

Rented while my PT Cruiser was in the shop. It RPM'd too high and was jerky. The AC didn't work, and I live in S CA.
No thanks.

Pros

Looks, handling, fuel economy, attention, color

Cons

cost of oil change, some interior issues

Purchased As New

First let me say I LOVE THIS CAR so much! However, if the folks at Fiat were to ask me what I would change it would be this....first, you have to take your own oil filter to where ever you want to change your oil as no one carries it...it's a special one that costs almost $40 alone...then throw in they charge you more at the shop...I think it was another $40 to change it! Surprise! There is no accessory power so if you're waiting in the car for someone and want to listen to radio car must run the entire time, only one power port, it needs a second arm rest for the passenger side, the back seat sits at a 90 degree angle with head rests that push the riders head uncomfortably forward...had to pull mine out. If you raise them then you can't see out the small rear window. The door panels are plastic so they scratch if you are wearing anything with buttons, bling, snaps, etc. The owners manual is very vague, The front cupholder appears to hold three...but you can only fit in one...I don't know why they didn't go ahead and give you just two so that two people can place a drink up front. I got the loaded lounge...power everything...but not seats...why not power the seats too? Auto alarm seems to disarm itself??? Don't understand that and since the manual is so vague don't know how to turn it back on.

Ok....all that being said, this is the most fun car I've ever bought, I love it so much, so fun to drive, people love it! I even added eye lashes to the headlights because it's so stinking cute and people are always taking pictures of the car! So many compliments I've received....I was driving a gas hog and it is such a pleasure to go to the station and not be broke after...I think it costs about $35 to fill and it lasts while I do a lot of driving and running! Love that you can change the amount that the top is down! Wish it had a smidge more power for steep gravel hills....and snow...(our honda civic kicks it's butt there). The only other thing I can say is that I was torn between the abarth or the lounge..but so badly was searching for a fuel efficient convertible that I went with the Lounge....now a few months later they are coming out with the convertible Abarth! Wondering if I should trade :) How fun would that be!!! Just wish they'd fix a couple of those minor things I mentioned....read morehide

Purchased As New

Great car for 2 people! My wife sold her 2011 Fiesta, bought the Fiat Lounge and loves it. We took 3500 mile trip with luggage for 2 and Yorkie. After that I sold my pickup and bought the Sport model with manual transmission; I get 40 MPG on highway and it's a blast to drive in the twisties.

Pros

Engine Growl, Exterior Design, Spunkiness, Value

Cons

Cabin Space!

Purchased As New

First and most importantly, I LOVE that the Abarth is only offered in Stick YEA! And secondly, that it has more power than it's European cousin! I own an Audi TT which is stick AWD. Could not find a vehicle with stick in AWD (no Subaru for me, thanks!). So my choices were very limited, and came down to Volvo C30 or Fiat Abarth* (*see driving comparison), both FWD. Picked up my car on the 1st of Jan. I assumed I would need the options, leather ($1000), stereo upgrade (750), sport wheels ($1000). At my 4th dealership, the salesman knew his stuff; I discovered the Beats sound system upgrade would take up precious cargo space, and that the sport wheels are suggested to be changed into winter tires (meaning another set of rims and tires). *On a snowy day, prior to buying, I took the Abarth out for a serious run on a snow and ice covered windy road. For a front WD car, it had a good grip (with stock tires not upgraded). I also took a Volvo C30 for a test drive, same day, same road, same conditions and the C30 came in second for hazardous winter conditions. The Abarth is fun, has decent power even without the 'sport' mode engaged. Living in an urban area, people are not respectful or careful in the parking lots etc. My poor TT has suffered some abuse, and the Abarth cost close to half what the TT cost many years ago. Driving is zip zip around, and there's no need for stereo upgrade. XM radio comes free for a year. The cabin is REALLY small and I've ordered organizers to have some storage in the car. The Abarth has a lot of electronics that come standard. I'm enjoying my Abarth and think it's a terrific value. Two suggestions for the next generation Abarth: Adjustable seat heaters (ouch), and please LUMBAR support (none). The seats are not power but that's fine with me. A little sportscar doesn't need such acoutrements! Test drive one, or just go have them turn the ignition switch and enjoy the roar!...read morehide

Pros

Looks, visibility, standard features, build quality, gas mileage.

Cons

Needs extra arm rest, overall power.

Purchased As New

After two months, good gas mileage, good visibility, good build quality - no problems. Can travel at freeway speeds - a little noisier and slower than other [more expensive] cars - but easy to park and can take four passengers and some luggage, shopping bags, etc.

Cons

not 1, not 2, how about 4 electrical problems

Purchased As New

A different story after each repair, & "you will have no more problems after this". Oh, how about an oil change indicator saying "change oil now" every 3600 miles, what happened to 8,000 miles?

Pros

well equipped.

Cons

The road noise

Purchased As New

I bought my car a little over a month ago and have put 3000 miles on it already....and that is just in town. I love driving my Fiat! It's fun, peppy, stylish and good on gas. I knew I was going to love it when I saw it, I just didn't realize I would love it as much as I do.

Pros

Good Fuel Economy, Appearance, Reliability

Cons

I wish it another arm rest and a center console

Purchased As New

I just bought my Fiat last week and I am in LOVE with it!!! I drive alot so it's great on gas! When you are in this car, get use to alot of heads turning! It is so much fun to drive!!!

Pros

"Go-Kart" fun, fuel economy, amazing features

Cons

3rd gear and internal door handles

Purchased As New

I traded my 2010 Mustang GT that I had alot of money for my yellow FIAT 500 Sport and it was best decision I have ever made. Driving the car is so much fun...whether around town or on highway. When in the car it doesn't look or feel like a $19000 car but comparable to a $30000 car. My only real complaint is 3rd gear. I wish the gearing was a little different to get up to speed faster. I love this car so much I'm going to buy the Abarth next summer!!!!...read morehide

Pros

Excellent fuel economy without gimmicks like buttons or hybrid tech, reliable, sporty

Cons

Tiny visors, Only one armrest/no center console

Purchased As New

I never pictured myself as a Fiat guy. We got it as a rental when we were on vacation, and after that my mind was made up. It's sporty looking on the outside and the inside (Sport model), it has a great sound system, and it has been extremely reliable. Of course it also gets excellent fuel economy without gimmicky buttons or hybrid technology, which I'm not sold on. I average around 40 mpg hwy on my daily commute to work, which is well above the 34 EPA on my automatic. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a car that's fun to drive, turns heads, rides smooth and gets great fuel economy, look no further....read morehide