Pulse Reviews and Analysis
Best Fiat 500 Model Years (Ranked)
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO Syndicate
Best Fiat 500 Model Years (Ranked)
The Fiat 500 is one of the most charming small cars of the modern era, reviving an Italian icon as a stylish, city-friendly hatchback. Sold in the United States from the 2012 model year through 2019, the modern 500 (internally the Type 312) blended retro looks with peppy small engines, an available high-performance Abarth version, and the all-electric 500e.
It is a car bought as much with the heart as the head, but model-year and engine choice still matter enormously for reliability, fun, and used value. Common worries include the dual-clutch automatic, clutch wear on manuals, and electrical gremlins. This ranking covers the best Fiat 500 model years, their engines, the trims worth chasing, and where the smart value sits on the used market today.
Direct Answer
The best overall Fiat 500 is the 2015-2017 Abarth, which pairs the strongest version of the 1.4L MultiAir turbo engine with a manual transmission, sharper suspension, and a genuinely thrilling exhaust note in a tiny, tossable package. For shoppers focused on value, the best value is the 2013-2015 Fiat 500 Pop or Sport with the 1.4L naturally aspirated engine and the five-speed manual, which is the cheapest, simplest, and most durable way into 500 ownership while avoiding the troublesome automated transmission.
Be cautious with any 500 fitted with the automated manual or early dual-clutch gearbox unless its service history is fully documented, and budget for the car's quirky electrical and trim issues regardless of year.
1. 2015-2017 Abarth 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The Abarth is the Fiat 500 at its most exciting and the version enthusiasts seek out. Its 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder produces up to 160 horsepower in manual form, a huge figure in a car weighing under 2,500 pounds. The result is genuine hot-hatch fun, helped by a stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, and one of the best-sounding exhausts of any affordable car.
By 2015-2017 the Abarth had matured, with available automatic versions for those who want it, though the five-speed manual is the one to buy. Inspect for clutch wear, turbo health, and oil leaks. A well-kept manual Abarth is the most rewarding and collectible 500 you can own.
2. 2013-2015 Fiat 500 Pop / Sport (1.4L Manual) 💎 BEST VALUE
The standard 1.4L naturally aspirated MultiAir engine making 101 horsepower, paired with the five-speed manual, is the smart-money 500. It is the simplest and most durable drivetrain in the lineup, avoiding the costly automated gearbox entirely, and returns strong fuel economy of around 34 mpg combined.
The best value is a 2013-2015 Pop or Sport manual, which can be found cheaply on the used market and is genuinely fun to drive thanks to its light weight and willing engine. The Sport trim adds firmer suspension and sportier styling. These cars are mechanically straightforward, and a clean example with maintenance records is the lowest-risk way to enjoy 500 ownership.
3. 2013-2019 Fiat 500e (First-Generation Electric)
The original 500e turned the city car into a surprisingly delightful electric vehicle. Sold mainly in California and Oregon as a compliance car, it used a 24 kWh battery for roughly 84 miles of EPA range and an 111-horsepower motor that made it quicker and smoother than the gas models around town.
The 500e is now an exceptional used-EV bargain, often selling for a few thousand dollars. Its limited range and CHAdeMO-or-no fast charging (most lack DC fast charging) restrict it to urban duty, and battery health varies by example. For a second car or short commute, a healthy 500e delivers fun, zero-emission city driving at a remarkably low price.
4. 2017-2019 Fiat 500 (Turbo Added as Standard Mid-Trim)
For the 2017 model year, Fiat simplified the lineup and made the 1.4L turbocharged engine (around 135 horsepower) more widely standard on Pop and Lounge trims, dropping the weaker base engine in many markets. This gave later 500s noticeably more pep without stepping up to the full Abarth.
These final-run cars benefited from accumulated running changes and updated infotainment. As the newest gas 500s sold in the US, they carry the freshest mechanicals and the longest remaining life. Buy the manual where possible; the available automatic is the same automated unit that has drawn complaints.
A clean late-model turbo Lounge is a comfortable, lively city car.
5. 2012 Fiat 500 (US Launch Year)
The 2012 model year marked the modern 500's return to the United States after a long absence, offered in Pop, Sport, and Lounge trims with the 1.4L MultiAir engine. These launch cars introduced American buyers to the retro styling, customizable interiors, and city-friendly footprint that defined the model.
As the oldest US examples, 2012 cars are now the cheapest gas 500s but also the most worn. Inspect carefully for clutch wear, electrical faults, and HVAC quirks that have surfaced over the years. The manual is far preferable to the automated gearbox.
For a buyer wanting a cheap, characterful runabout and willing to accept first-year teething issues, a tidy 2012 manual can be a fun, inexpensive choice.
6. 2013-2016 Fiat 500 Turbo (Pre-Abarth-Adjacent)
Slotting between the base car and the Abarth, the 500 Turbo used a milder tune of the 1.4L turbo engine producing about 135 horsepower. It delivered much of the Abarth's extra punch and some of its sportier hardware without the firmest suspension or the loudest exhaust, making it a more livable everyday performance choice.
These cars are relatively rare and offer a sweet spot of fun and usability. As with all 500s, favor the manual transmission and verify turbo and clutch condition. Pricing tends to sit just above the naturally aspirated cars and well below Abarths, so a clean Turbo can be a smart pick for a buyer who wants extra performance without full hot-hatch stiffness.
7. 2012-2017 Fiat 500 Lounge (Comfort Trim)
The Lounge was the upscale trim, adding a fixed glass roof, automatic climate control, upgraded audio, and chrome exterior accents. It targets buyers who want the 500's style with more comfort and equipment rather than outright performance, and it pairs well with the 1.4L engine.
Many Lounge cars were ordered with the automatic, so verify which gearbox is fitted and review its service history; the manual remains the more dependable choice. The glass roof and added electronics introduce a few more potential trouble spots, so check that the roof shade, sensors, and climate system all work.
A well-kept manual Lounge offers the most refined standard 500 experience.
8. 2012-2019 Fiat 500c (Convertible)
The 500c is the cabriolet version, with a power-retractable cloth top that slides back like a giant sunroof while keeping the body's side structure intact. It delivers open-air fun in warm climates and was offered across the same trims, including a 500c Abarth for those wanting wind-in-the-hair performance.
The folding top adds mechanical and electrical complexity, so inspect the top motor, tracks, and seals carefully and confirm the top cycles fully without binding. Water leaks and worn top fabric are common on neglected cars. For buyers who prioritize the convertible experience, a well-maintained 500c is charming, though the standard hatchback is the simpler and more reliable choice.
9. 2018-2019 Fiat 500e (Late, Updated)
The final years of the first-generation 500e carried minor refinements and benefited from the model's accumulated running changes. Range remained around 84 miles on the 24 kWh battery, suitable for city commuting but not road trips. These late cars are the newest 500e examples and tend to have the healthiest batteries simply by virtue of being younger.
As with all early 500e models, charging is the main limitation: most lack DC fast charging, so plan around Level 2 home or workplace charging. Battery degradation and parts availability are the key risks. For an inexpensive urban EV with genuine character, a late, well-cared-for 500e remains a clever low-cost choice.
10. 2012-2016 Fiat 500 (Automated Manual Automatic — Caution)
Any 500 fitted with the six-speed automated gearbox earns the caution slot. This transmission drew the most frequent owner complaints for jerky low-speed shifts, hesitation, and reliability worries, and repairs can be expensive relative to the car's value. It is the single biggest reason to scrutinize a used 500's drivetrain.
The car itself is the same likeable city runabout, but the automatic experience is markedly less satisfying than the slick manual. Only buy an automatic example with full service documentation and a thorough test drive across stop-and-go traffic. For most buyers, the manual versions of any year are the smarter, more dependable, and more enjoyable purchase.
What to Watch For When Buying
The single most important step when buying a used Fiat 500 is to identify the transmission. The manual is durable and far preferable; the six-speed automated automatic is the source of most complaints and the costliest potential repair, so insist on full service records and a thorough stop-and-go test drive if a car has it.
- Clutch wear on manual cars, especially Abarths driven hard.
- Turbo health and oil leaks on Turbo and Abarth models.
- Electrical gremlins affecting windows, infotainment, sensors, and the TPMS.
- HVAC and climate control quirks, including blower and AC faults.
- Convertible top motor, tracks, seals, and water leaks on 500c models.
- Battery health and charging capability on 500e EVs; most lack DC fast charging.
- Rust and corrosion in salt-belt states, and worn suspension bushings on higher-mileage cars.
Documented maintenance and a careful inspection outweigh a low sticker price every time on these characterful but quirky Italian small cars.
How to Choose
Match the 500 to your priorities. For the most fun, the 2015-2017 Abarth manual is the clear answer, delivering hot-hatch thrills and a glorious exhaust in a tiny package. For the best value and durability, a 2013-2015 Pop or Sport 1.4L manual is the smart, simple, low-risk buy.
City dwellers who can charge at home should consider a 500e for cheap electric running, while warm-climate buyers wanting open-air style will enjoy a 500c convertible. In every case, favor the manual transmission over the automated automatic, verify service history, and budget for the car's known electrical and trim quirks.
FAQ
Which Fiat 500 years should I avoid? Be cautious with any model year fitted with the six-speed automated automatic transmission, which generated the most complaints for jerky shifting and reliability concerns. The earliest 2012 launch cars also carry more first-year teething issues. Manual versions of any year are far more dependable.
Is the Fiat 500 reliable? The 500 has a mixed reliability record. The naturally aspirated 1.4L manual cars are the most durable, while the automated automatic and various electrical and trim components are the common trouble spots. Diligent maintenance and a careful pre-purchase inspection make a big difference.
What is the difference between the Fiat 500 Abarth and the regular 500? The Abarth uses a more powerful 1.4L turbo engine (up to 160 horsepower), with stiffer suspension, bigger brakes, sportier styling, and a much louder exhaust. The standard 500 uses a 101-horsepower naturally aspirated engine focused on economy and city comfort rather than performance.
How many miles will a Fiat 500 last? A well-maintained Fiat 500, particularly a manual, can comfortably exceed 100,000 to 150,000 miles. Longevity depends heavily on transmission type, regular servicing, and addressing the model's known electrical and turbo issues promptly before they escalate.
Bottom Line
The Fiat 500 is a stylish, characterful city car, but transmission and engine choice make or break a used purchase. The 2015-2017 Abarth manual is the best overall pick for its hot-hatch thrills, while the 2013-2015 Pop or Sport 1.4L manual offers the best value with the simplest, most durable drivetrain.
The 500e is a clever cheap urban EV, and the 500c delivers open-air charm. Whatever the year, favor the manual, verify service history, and budget for the car's quirks, and the little Fiat rewards you with genuine fun and Italian style.
Sources
- Fiat USA official 500 model history and specifications, fiatusa.com
- Wikipedia Fiat 500 (2007) generations and technical specifications, en.wikipedia.org
- NHTSA recall and complaint database for Fiat 500, nhtsa.gov
- EPA Fuel Economy ratings for Fiat 500 by model year, fueleconomy.gov
- Edmunds Fiat 500 and 500 Abarth reviews and used-car appraisals, edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book Fiat 500 used values by model year, kbb.com
- Car and Driver Fiat 500 Abarth road tests and specifications, caranddriver.com