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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 FIAT 500

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Overview

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2013 FIAT 500 Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.1

The slick and sassy 500 anchored Fiat's 2012 return to the U.S. market, where it's become Chrysler's new small-car brand. It's easy to see the 2013 Fiat 500 as an Italian Mini Cooper: They're both small cars with big personalities and both have storied pasts dating to the 1950s. But they're very different cars, the 500 countering the Mini's superpower and sharper handling with lower prices, a more comfortable ride and superior fuel efficiency. For 2013, the 500 comes in eight model/trim configurations, including a convertible, two levels of up-power sport tuning, and a new electric version, the 500e (California only). All models offer opportunities for personalization.

You'll Like This Car If...

Cool, funky, fun and unexpectedly refined, the 2013 Fiat 500 bridges the gap between the sportier, pricier Mini Cooper and the more pedestrian Toyota Yaris. If you like a little car with attitude, and hear the call of Italian style sensibilities, the Fiat 500 may be for you.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're not smitten by the style of the 2013 Fiat 500, you can get more car for your money in something like a Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta or Mazda2, all offering more doors, more room and more standard power.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.1
Driving Dynamics

7.1
Comfort & Convenience

6.7
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.9
Value

6.7
Safety

5.9

How It Ranks

#2

out of 14

MPG

#10

out of 14

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2013

Launched just last year, the Fiat 500 hatchback was soon joined by the slide-open-top 500c cabriolet, followed by the up-power Abarth version late last year. For 2013, a mid-power 500 Turbo model slides in under the aggressive Abarth, and a pure electric, the 500e, makes its debut, initially limited to California.

Driving the 500

Driving Impressions Whereas the Mini Cooper is an undersized action hero – as in The Italian Job – the Fiat 500 is more likely to appear in a romantic comedy. The lightweight,...

101-horsepower Fiat is definitely fun, just not in a car-chase kind of way. The 500 combines tiny car advantages with comfortable accommodations and a relatively smooth highway ride. The steering, brake and shift controls all have a quality feel, and the optional 6-speed automatic surprised us with its responsiveness. Obviously, the 160-horsepower Abarth model runs and drives a lot more aggressively, and the newly added Turbo model, at 135 horsepower, splits the difference in terms of over-the-road intensity. With an EPA-estimated range of 87 miles per charge, the electric-powered 500e delivers stronger acceleration than the naturally-aspirated 500s, and the quietest operation of the entire line. In any form, the 2013 Fiat 500 is tiny and quirky until you drive it. Then, it's tiny, quirky and respectable.

Favorite Features

INTELLIGENT POWER CONVERTIBLE TOP
The 500c's dual-layer power top cycles in just 15 seconds and can be deployed at speeds up to 60 mph. The folded top stack automatically slides up into an "easy-access" position when you pop the decklid. Unfortunately, it also hampers rearward views.

ECO:DRIVE
Plug a USB memory stick into the Fiat 500's glovebox-mounted USB port and the car will upload onto it a variety of trip details including carbon dioxide emissions information. Plug the memory stick into your computer and you'll get personalized tips on how to improve your driving efficiency.

2013 FIAT 500 Details

2013 FIAT 500 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The Fiat 500 is roomier up front than you might expect, and just as tight in back as it looks. If you will transport more than two adults on a regular basis, we'd suggest a larger 4-door alternative. The interior style lives up to the promise of the quirky but fashionable exterior, and we found the materials, build quality and seat comfort impressive for a car with a starting price around $16,000. As the athlete of the group, the 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth offers aggressively bolstered front seats, exclusive red seam stitching and a thick-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel.

Exterior

The 2013 Fiat 500 is a modern interpretation of 1957's tiny, rear-engined original. Although larger than the original, it's still seven inches shorter than today's Mini Cooper. The iconic sloping rear end is a big part of the 500's personality, though it limits rear headroom. For 2013, the Fiat 500 is available in eight distinct models and trim combinations: The hatchback offers Pop, Sport and Lounge trim levels, while the soft-top 500c comes in Pop and Lounge. The new Turbo, Abarth and 500e electric are their own packages. Wheels, fascias and body trim differentiate the models.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c Pop include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, 15-inch covered steel wheels, a 5-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, cruise control, power window/locks/mirrors, Bluetooth, and a 6-speaker audio system with a USB port for portable music players. The range-topping Abarth variant includes a Bose premium audio system, 16-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and a leather-wrapped dashboard. Standard safety features include seven airbags, hill-start assist to help prevent vehicle rollback on steep inclines and seemingly all the other advancements we're seeing on new cars in this price range and beyond.

Optional Equipment

A fully loaded 2013 Fiat 500 Lounge includes a 6-speed automatic transmission, leather seats, heated front seats, rear parking sensors, Bose audio system and automatic climate control. The 500 Sport model is differentiated by a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch wheels and a variety of aesthetic touches including red brake calipers and a subtle rear spoiler. The new Turbo model adds larger front brakes and more serious suspension tuning to go with its specific 16-inch wheels and identifying trim. The mighty Abarth offers larger 17-inch wheels, 2-tone leather-trimmed seats and your choice of either white or red body side stripes.

Under the Hood

The front-wheel-drive 2013 Fiat 500 is motivated by a small but sophisticated 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine using Fiat's patented MultiAir technology, which varies intake-valve timing and lift. Fiat tunes this engine to three power levels: The base hatchback and cabriolet get 101 horsepower (naturally aspirated), the new-for-2013 Turbo makes 135 horsepower and the Abarth, also turbocharged, cranks out 160 horsepower. The new 500e electric is rated for 111 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers may look modest, but they only have to move some 2,400 pounds of car. Most of the 500s offer the choice of a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, but the turbocharged engines get only the 5-speed manual gearbox. We like the automatic for its extra ratio and responsive shifting though it does cut fuel efficiency by more than 10 percent. The 500e uses a single-speed automatic.

1.4-liter inline-4
101 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
98 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/40 mpg (manual), 27/34 mpg (automatic)

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
135 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
150 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/34 mpg

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4
160 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
170 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/34 mpg

Permanent magnet electric motor
111 horsepower
147 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 122/108 mpg equivalent
EPA range on a full charge: 87 miles

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Fiat 500 lineup starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $16,200 for a hatchback Pop and climbs to $31,800 for the California-only 500e electric, the latest addition to the 3-door lineup. That's almost $4,000 more than the MSRP for a fully loaded 500 Abarth, the line's hot rod. However, incentives and tax credits can trim that price substantially. These can total as much as $14,000, according to Fiat. The 2013 Mini Cooper Hardtop starts at just over $20,000 and can top $35,000. Fiat includes a Mini-matching 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with roadside assistance and a 3-year/36,000-mile no-cost maintenance package. After a slow start, the Fiat 500 is becoming a hot commodity. Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price should reflect real-world transaction prices close to MSRP. Five-year projected residual values for the 500 fall considerably short of the Mini's, but remain slightly higher than the Ford Fiesta's.

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2013 FIAT 500 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 65 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

8.8/10
Comfort

8.5/10

Styling

8.9/10

I love my car!

By LeftsideAnnie (CA) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,250

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great MPG, comfortable and very cool"

Cons: "The seats could be a bit more comfortable."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I lusted after this car. I got an excellent deal on it from my local dealer. My car is now approximately two years old - and I still lust after it."

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Awesome vehicle and value.

By Katye (FL) on Tuesday, July 16, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun, great mpg, stylish, roomy, great features."

Cons: "Back seat could be a little roomier."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"An awesome all around car. With all the features you get with the base model of this car and then add the price to it, cannot be beat. I love the look of the car and the style of the interior. I get stopped and asked about my car all the time people cannot believe how much I paid and always love the look of it. It may seem small but it is actually a lot roomier once you get in, I actually have a had a guy that is 6'6 sit inside and he was comfortable. I also have been able to fit a toddler car seat and a whole cart full of groceries with the toddler in the car seat with out any issues. I love the Bluetooth and blue and me is so awesome for hands free talking on the phone while driving. My stereo sounds awesome and and driving it is so much fun and so smooth. I honestly forget that I am driving such a little car when I am driving it the way it rides and the height it has off the ground makes me feel like I am in an SUV. Also it gets AMAZING gas mileage I live in a city where there is terrible traffic and have constant stops, I normally get 36 mpg with all that included. I would love to see what it would get on the freeway daily. And do not get me on the people at the dealership they were so nice and friendly and were not pushy about us getting the car at all and the let us test drive all the models even though they knew we could only afford the pop. This was not the first Fiat dealer I have been to and at the other one they were just as friendly. Its an awesome and very relaxed environment to be in while you make your decision on buying the car. Overall I think it is a really great car, but to be honest if you have a kid in a car seat I would recommend getting the 4 door model of the car. Even though I can fit all that stuff in the car getting a kid in and out every day I feel would get tiring and would start be a hassle especially if you want to keep a stroller in the trunk. My husband and I have no children and I only baby sit my nephew occasionally so it is an awesome car for us!!!! Long story made short it is a phenomenal car and I am in love with it and do not plan on trading it in or getting rid of it for a very long time."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Fiat Panda, now available in fun size!

By JJ on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Fun, comfortable ride, terrific gas mileage,"

Cons: "Pricey, moon roof tinting was too light"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I was pleasantly surprised at the comfortable ride and the decent material quality of the Fiat 500 but was slightly shocked at the sticker price. My Sport version with Bose/Sirius satellite radio and moonroof was edging close to the $20K mark----much higher than the advertised starting price. The first week I took delivery of my car, I took it on a 1000 mile vacation. The car itself is peppy at low speed but lacks any power past 65 MPH on the mountain roads. I was getting roughly 42 miles per gallon with the A/C on at full blast. It's surprisingly roomy too. I could to pack all my camping gear and still have enough room for quick naps at rest stops. The 'sports' button actually works well to quicken throttle response but makes the steering wheel a bit too heavy on twisty roads. I'm glad I had the Bose system instead of the new 'Beats' The Bose sounds better in my opinion. The dealership is terrific too (Lakeside Fiat) I was expecting a few 'quirks' from my Cinquecento but the dealership took care of them all. The service manager even took care of issues I haven't even anticipated yet. I would recommend tinting the moonroof with a much darker material as well. Overall, I am very happy with my new Fiat 500"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Fun easy driving go to work car.

By Ed (AL) on Tuesday, July 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 20,000

10 6.0

overall rating 6 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 6/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 5/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"Basic car is good but the US add-ons can be annoying. Tire pressure monitoring system is one of the worst systems ever built. I have had all 4 tire modules replaced and the main sensor replaced twice. Rear seat is only good for empty coffee cups, pulled mine out for more storage."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love it,7 hour trip handled great,fun 4 all

By vapor (NC) on Wednesday, June 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,400

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "great little car."

Cons: "no passagener arm rest,no tom tom book"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The car is serprizing comfertable and hugs the road,even in a cloth top the noise factor was not a problem,handled great in the rain and after the trip i was not sore or tired,great gas milage and fun 4 all."

1 person out of 3 found this review helpful

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Great little car for short comuting

By TheDave (CA) on Sunday, June 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 37,400

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Rides well, durable for a little car"

Cons: "Uncomfortable seats."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"Was one of the first to get a pop 500. Has great Blu tooth technology that actually works well. All radio, phone controls at the ease of voice or on steering wheel with easy access. I am 5'10 and have to say wouldn't fit if I where much taller. The seats are probably the worst thing on the car, very uncomfortable for long rides. It could use a few more horses under the hood, but on the freeway it moves and rides like a much larger car. After 17 months I have 36,000 miles and it has been driven hard. Not one problem so far. This car is a great little find that is not like the other imports that all look alike. Fun, economic and great for short small trips or around town."

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