Fiat is the largest automobile manufacturer in Italy. On top of that, the Fiat is one of the most popular and best-selling Fiat models of all time. Thanks to its compact design, ease of parking, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance. However, is the Fiat 500 reliable?
While the Fiat 500 has maintained its place in the hearts of many car enthusiasts around Europe and South America, it is not a reliable car. According to many reliability agencies, the Fiat 500 has slightly above-average reliability. Note that some model years have registered below-average reliability.
Which Fiat 500 model registers the fewest and most problems?
Fiat 500 is a very popular and reliable Fiat model. It also features a wide range of models that allows buyers to select a car that not only meets their needs but as well as budget. Before the introduction of the Fiat 500e, the Fiat 500C was the most reliable Fiat 500 model.
On the contrary, the Fiat 500 model with the most issues was the Fiat 500L. Some of the problems that this model faces include engine overheating, faulty power windows, braking issues, rough ride, and faulty door locks. The worst Fiat 500L model year is the 2014 model.
So, if you’re in the market for a used Fiat 500 model, try as much as possible to stay away from a used Fiat 500L. It is followed closely by the Fiat 500X. Even though the Fiat 500C is quite reliable, it also has issues such as poor visibility, steering issues, and braking problems.
Which are the most reliable and least reliable Fiat 500 model years?
Fiat 500 has been in production from 1958 to date. Over the years, Fiat has come up with some exceptional models, while others have been whack or just average. The title for the most reliable Fiat 500 model years goes to the 2018 and 2019 Fiat 500.
On the contrary, the title for the least reliable Fiat 500 model year goes to the 2012 and 2013 Fiat 500 model years. Therefore, if you’re planning to acquire a used Fiat 500, try to avoid the model years with lots of problems. For instance, the 2013 Fiat 500 model year registered 132 issues per 100 cars.
Are Fiat 500 durable cars?
While most Fiat 500 models have suffered when it comes to reliability, they seem to be doing great when it comes to durability. This is because most of the current Fiat 500 models are made using high-end materials. And if they are well-maintained, these cars can last for more than 200,000 miles. Some users have reported clocking over 250,000 miles.
Besides, most Fiat 500 users don’t report serious issues even after the car hits over 100,000 miles. All you have to do is to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended scheduled maintenance service.
How does the Fiat 500 compare to its rivals in terms of reliability?
Fiat 500 VS. Honda Fit
Repairpal and Kelly Blue Book’s consumer reliability rating for Honda Fit is slightly higher than that of the Fiat 500. Repairpal gave Fiat 500 a score of 3.5 out of 5, while it awarded Honda Fit a score of 4.5 out of 5. On the other hand, Kelly Blue Book awarded both the Honda Fit and Fiat 500 a score of 4.6 out of 5.
Fiat 500 VS. Mini Cooper
Surprisingly, Repairpal gave the Mini Cooper a low-reliability score than the Fiat 500. It provided the Mini Cooper with a score of 3 out of 5 and gave Fiat 500 a score of 3.5 out of 500. Additionally, Kelly Blue Book ranked the Fiat 500 above the Mini Cooper with a score of 4.6 compared to 4.4 out of 5.
Fiat 500 VS. Smart Fortwo
Another close competitor to the Fiat 500 is the Smart Fortwo model. Repairpal gave the Smart Fortwo model a Reliability score of 4 out of 5 and awarded the Fiat 500 a score of 3.5 out of 5. While Kelly Blue Book gave a lower score of 4.1 to Smart Fortwo, compared to that awarded to Fiat 500 (4.6) out of 5.
FAQ
Is Fiat 500 worth buying?
It depends on what you desire. If you want a compact, fuel-efficient, easy to maintain, fun to drive, and affordable city car, the Fiat 500 is worth investing in. on the other hand, the Fiat 500 may not be suitable for you if you want a luxurious, advanced, reliable, and high-performance city car.
All in all, the Fiat 500 is one of the most stylish and fun car to have. It is also very convenient for city driving.
Is Fiat 500 an SUV or a car?
Fiat 500 is offered in both car and SUV body styles. For instance, the Fiat 500 has a 3-door hatchback and a 2-door cabriolet. On the other hand, the Fiat 500X is a small SUV. Besides, the Fiat 500X is closely related to the Jeep Renegade. It is based on the same platform as the Jeep Renegade and shares many of its underpinnings and oily bits.
So, some Fiat 500 models are cars, while others are SUVs. This gives buyers a variety of body styles to pick from.
What are the common problems with Fiat 500?
The Fiat 500 may be a nice compact, affordable, and practical car, but it also has several issues that interested buyers ought to know about. Some of the common problems with the Fiat 500 are engine overheating, faulty power steering, black exhaust smoke, power issues, and a sweet smell in the car.
Like most cars, most of the Fiat 500 problems can be avoided or minimized via proper care and maintenance.
Conclusion
Overall, the Fiat 500 is a pretty safe car. Most reliability agencies give it a Reliability score of 3 or more out of 5. However, if you factor in the ease of maintenance, things become somehow completed. But with proper maintenance and repair, the Fiat 500 can last for a very long while. And if you want a more reliable option, you can consider its rivals from Toyota and Honda.