2016 Fiat 500 review
Fiat 500 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Charming retro aesthetics
- Frugal performance
- Surprisingly roomy for its size
Cons
- Automatic transmission is available, not standard
- Limited headroom in some models
- Reduced visibility in the convertible model
Mileage (EPA estimate)
28 city, 34 highway, 30 combined
Pricing for current inventory
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Retro appeal in a compact size
The Fiat 500 continues to enchant with its distinctive retro style, now with a few more tech features for 2016. This model year introduces a standard five-inch touchscreen interface, offering optional navigation. Additionally, the introduction of the new "Easy" trim and the continuation of the stylish 1957 edition add to the 500's appeal.
All Fiat 500 years
What is new for the 2016 Fiat 500?
- The 500 is available in a variety of new trims, including the Easy and Retro.
- The 1957 Edition and Ribelle trims have been discontinued for 2016.
- 500 trims have been upgraded with Front Seat Heaters and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
- The Abarth trim now comes with Skylight(s) as standard equipment.
- The Turbo trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Skylight(s), Rear Spoiler, and Alpine Sound System as standard equipment.
- The Lounge trim now comes with Leather Seats as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Fiat 500
1. Balanced performance
The base 1.4L engine in the 2016 Fiat 500 maintains its reputation for fuel-sipping performance. It offers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined with the manual transmission.
If you prefer an automatic, you'd get an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined, balancing convenience and economy.2. Retro icon
The Fiat 500's time-honored design is complemented by an array of vibrant color options, accentuating its iconic look. The Cabrio models offer the allure of open-air driving, perfect for scenic city cruising or a breezy weekend getaway. If you want something with a more aggressive, sporty style, you can't go wrong with the performance-focused Abarth model.
3. Something for everyone
Standard features such as Bluetooth® connectivity and a six-speaker sound system are just the beginning. Look out for the new-for-2016 option packages categorized as "Collections" to find even more features. You'll be able to find everything from audio upgrades to unique interior designs. No matter whether you're after style, convenience, or hot hatch performance, there's a 2016 Fiat 500 out there waiting for you.
4. Agile handling
The 2016 Fiat 500 is a joy to drive, with its compact size lending itself well to agile handling, ideal for navigating through urban landscapes or enjoying winding country roads. The Abarth model, with its turbocharged 1.6L engine and enhanced suspension, provides an exhilarating driving experience. If you're after a compact car with a go-kart-like handling experience, you should test drive the Fiat 500.
5. Surprisingly practical
Despite its compact exterior, the 2016 Fiat 500 offers a surprisingly spacious interior. In the trunk, there's 9.5 cu-ft of cargo space, expandable to 30.2 cu-ft with the rear seats folded. The Cabrio model slightly reduces this space to 5.4 cu-ft but still maintains practicality for everyday use.
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Ratings & reliability
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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Fiat 500Fiat 500 features and specs
Curious how Fiat 500 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Abarth 2WD 2D Convertible
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- Alpine Sound System
- AM/FM Stereo
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Manual Transmission
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear Spoiler
- Side Airbags
- Soft Top
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Beats Audio System
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Satellite Radio Ready
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.4L
Horsepower
160
Torque (ft-lbs)
170
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
10.5
Wheelbase
90.6"
Overall length
144.4"
Width
64.1"
Height
59.2"
Leg room
F 40.7"/R 31.7"
Head room
F 38.6"/R 36.8"
Front tires
P195/45HR16
Rear tires
P195/45HR16
Seating capacity
4
Transmission
Manual 5
2016 Fiat 500 FAQ
The 2016 Fiat 500 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Abarth: 28 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- Sport: 31 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- Turbo: 28 MPG City and 34 MPG Highway
- Lounge: 31 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- Pop: 31 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- Easy: 31 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
- Retro: 31 MPG City and 40 MPG Highway
The Fiat 500 received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Fiat 500 as 17 out of 27 among Subcompact Car
The 2016 Fiat 500 has received an average 4.0 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Fiat 500, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Fiat 500 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Fiat 500:
- Easy
- Retro
- Front Seat Heaters
- Bluetooth Technology
- Skylight(s)
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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.
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