“I love my 500e Fiat. It's easy to drive, park, and maintain. No more gas payments; easy to charge at home overnight. Spunky car that gets me from point a to point b efficiently and quickly.”
FIAT 500: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The FIAT 500 is a tiny, front-wheel-drive Italian city car sold in the U.S. as a two-door hatchback or convertible. It is known for playful retro styling, easy urban maneuverability, and a lineup that ranged from simple commuters to sporty Abarth versions.
Throughout its 2012-2019 U.S. run, the 500 put personality and city-friendly size ahead of passenger and cargo space. Its compact footprint and playful Italian design remained central to its appeal. Cabrio models, upscale special editions, and stronger Turbo and Abarth versions gave the same basic car several distinct personalities.
Strengths
- Its tiny footprint makes crowded streets and tight parking spaces easier to handle.
- The playful Italian design gives it a distinct personality among small commuter cars.
- The Cabrio adds open-air fun without changing the 500’s city-friendly character.
- Turbo and Abarth models bring a livelier side to a car designed mainly for urban use.
- The gas-powered 2019 model was rated at up to 33 mpg on the highway.
Who it's for
The 500 best fits a solo driver or couple who spends a lot of time in the city and wants something small, easy to park, and more distinctive than an ordinary commuter car. It also suits shoppers drawn to open-air driving or a livelier Abarth model. Its small back seat and cargo area make it less appealing for anyone who regularly carries adults or lots of luggage.
FIAT 500 lineup
Pick the Pop for the simplest, most straightforward version of the 500, and step up to the Lounge for a more comfort-focused, upscale feel. In years when it was offered, the Turbo added extra punch without going as far as the Abarth, which was the clearly performance-focused member of the family. Cabrio versions traded some practicality for open-air driving. Heritage-themed 1957 and Retro editions emphasized vintage-inspired style, while other limited editions leaned into the 500’s fashion-forward side.
FIAT 500 generations
From 2012 to 2019, the 500 spans 1 generation. The current 1st U.S.-Market Generation arrived for 2012.
1st U.S.-Market Generation (2012–2019)
The modern 500 arrived in the U.S. as a tiny two-door hatchback with Italian styling and a 1.4-liter engine. The range grew to include the open-top 500c, the performance-focused Abarth and Turbo, and several appearance-themed special editions. A 135-hp turbo engine became standard on Pop and Lounge models late in the run, and 2019 was the final U.S. model year for the gas-powered 500 and 500c.
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2019Trim changes
The 1957-inspired Retro special edition joins the hatchback and 500c lineup. This was the final U.S. model year for the gas-powered 500 and 500c.
2018Trim changes
Pop and Lounge models switch to a standard 135-hp turbo engine and gain sportier brakes, suspension and exterior details. The Retro Edition joins late in the model year.
2017Trim changes
The lineup shrinks to Pop, Lounge and Abarth as the non-Abarth Turbo and 1957 Edition leave. A 7-inch driver display and upgraded audio become standard.
2016Trim changes
The comfort-focused Easy trim joins between Pop and Sport. Regular 500 models also gain a standard 5-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth and voice control.
2015Trim changes
The Ribelle special edition joins, while the 1957 Edition expands to the 500c. Bluetooth audio streaming and a redesigned center console also arrive.
2014Trim changes
The 1957 Edition hatchback and GQ Edition convertible join the lineup. A revised front passenger seat adds a little more headroom.
2013Trim changes
The 500 Turbo hatchback and 500c Abarth convertible join, expanding the performance side of the lineup.
2012New generation
The modern 500 launches in the U.S. The lineup expands during the year with the 500c convertible, Gucci editions and 160-hp Abarth.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the FIAT 500.
Frequently asked questions
Is the FIAT 500 a hatchback or a convertible?
It came both ways. The regular 500 is a two-door hatchback, while the 500c or Cabrio uses a power-folding cloth roof for open-air driving. Both share the same tiny, city-friendly footprint.
Is the FIAT 500 a hybrid?
No. The U.S.-market FIAT 500 covered here uses gasoline engines, including regular and turbocharged versions of a 1.4-liter four-cylinder. There was no hybrid version in this 2012–2019 lineup.
Does the FIAT 500 have AWD?
No. The FIAT 500 sends power to the front wheels. Its small size and front-wheel-drive layout suit everyday city use, but shoppers specifically seeking AWD will need a different vehicle.
How many people does the FIAT 500 seat?
It seats four, but the back seat is tight and access is through two doors. The 500 works more naturally for one or two people, with the rear seats serving occasional passengers or folding down for extra cargo room.
Is the FIAT 500 good for city driving?
Yes. City driving is where the FIAT 500 makes the most sense. Its tiny footprint makes parking and tight streets easier, while its playful styling gives it more personality than a typical small commuter car.
Is the FIAT 500 fast?
Most versions favor easy urban driving over speed. Earlier regular trims used a 101-hp engine, the 500 Turbo made 135 hp, and the Abarth reached 160 hp with sharper suspension tuning and a much more performance-focused character.
How many U.S. generations of the modern FIAT 500 are there?
The gas-powered modern 500 had one U.S.-market generation, running from 2012 through 2019. Changes during that run included new trims, touchscreen updates, special editions, and broader use of the turbo engine rather than a full redesign.
FIAT 500 Reviews
What owners are saying about the FIAT 500.
4.2
FIAT 500
(1,103 reviews)
“I love this car which is why I'm into my 3rd. But the city gas mileage stinks for a car so small. BUT, I live in the city and work in the city and I can park this car anywhere. The size is great and it is great to drive in the hills near me”
“I like the small size and it's great on gas. There is a problem with a valve in the gas tank that prevents it from filling properly. This issue happened 6 months after I bought it. I just found out that it's a common issue with this make, model, and year.”
“i own a fiat 500 and i love my car, i love how small the car is but still have a lot of room on the inside”
“I love my fiat convertible. So cute, so distinctive. Be warned- the inside is not full of tech and the cup holders are tiny. But it is significantly roomier than you would think. And it sits up much higher so you never feel like you're in a tiny car.”
“Fun little sports car, I get compliments everywhere I go. No backseat room, no real trunk space, just a cool little performance car that's perfect for winding roads.”