beebs

2019 Fiat 500 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Fiat 500 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Compact for effortless parking
  • Nostalgia look
  • Upgraded horsepower

Cons

  • Lackluster fuel efficiency despite sluggish acceleration
  • Constricted interior space in the rear
  • Limited rear visibility with the top down

Mileage (EPA estimate)

28 city, 33 highway, 30 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

Compact daily with retro styling

The 2019 Fiat 500 is compact with ample leg room for the front passengers, making it a comfortable ride for the driver. The car has a lightweight body and upgraded horsepower, making it easy to speed up on on-ramps, when changing lanes, and if you’re able to take the five-speed manual up to task on highways. The four-cylinder engine equipped with Fiat’s MultiAir technology allows for improved performance and the car’s small size makes it a breeze for parking.

All Fiat 500 years

What is new for the 2019 Fiat 500?

  • The 500 is available in a new trim called the Retro.
  • 500 trims have been upgraded with Skylight(s) and Automatic Transmission as standard equipment this year.
  • Full Roof Rack and Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The Abarth trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.

2019 Fiat 500 trims

Curious how Fiat 500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Abarth:

  • 160-hp, 170-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • View our Fiat 500 Abarth inventory

Lounge:

  • Includes all features available on the Abarth
  • 135-hp, 150-lb-ft of torque 1.4L
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather Seats
  • Skylights

Pop:

Retro:

  • Includes all features available on the Pop
  • No significant upgrades found on the Retro

Fiat 500 photos

5 reasons to buy the 2019 Fiat 500

1. Comfortable front seats 

For a compact car, this two-door hatchback has a relatively roomy front seat area. It’s great if you only want to take your partner or one friend (or a pet) around town. The small backseat or limited trunk space are good excuses if you don't want to give rides to more than one friend or help them move. 

2. Special throwback packages 

Look out for the 1957 Edition package on the Retro trim that features retro paint colors, two-tone wheels, more chrome, and retro-looking Fiat badges throughout. Optional features include two-tone door panels, a white steering wheel and console, and a white hardtop. If you're looking for a speedy car that gets double-takes while you're waiting at a red light, you'll love this Retro style. 

3. Power bump 

In the Pop and Lounge models of the 2019 Fiat 500, the engine roars out 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque for a nice little get-up-and-go. Abarth models have a little power bump to 160 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. Any of these versions are very responsive and easy to work your way out of traffic with this compact zippy car.  

4. Fun for hot hatch enthusiasts 

If you’re looking for a hot hatch that performs well and is easy to maneuver quickly, while delivering a rumbling exhaust sound, you’ll love the Abarth version of the 2019 Fiat 500. The 2019 Fiat 500 is available in the following trims: Pop, Lounge, Retro, and Abarth. It's a cheeky ride with a cutesy, unique look to a car that can leave plenty of others in the dust. 

5. Browse several trims 

Opt for the Lounge trim to get features such as automatic climate control, buttery leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, and oh-so-comfortable heated front seats. If you're looking for a manual transmission, check out the Pop Hatch or Abarth Hatch, or nab a convertible top with the Cabrio versions.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Fiat 500 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Fiat 500 18th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Fiat 500 is $448, compared to an average of $447 for Subcompact Cars and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

According to RepairPal, Fiat 500 owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 1.0 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Subcompact Cars and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 11% for the Fiat 500, compared to an average of 11% for Subcompact Cars and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.

Fiat 500 features and specs

Pop 2WD 2D Hatchback

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Alpine Sound System
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • Beats Audio System
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

2WD

Engine size

1.4L

Horsepower

135

Torque (ft-lbs)

150

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

10.5

Wheelbase

90.6"

Overall length

139.6"

Width

64.1"

Height

59.8"

Leg room

F 40.7"/R 31.7"

Head room

F 38.9"/R 35.6"

Front tires

P195/45HR16

Rear tires

P195/45HR16

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Fiat 500 FAQ


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.