2014 FIAT 500 Review - The 2014 FIAT 500 ranks 23 out of 40 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of published reviews and test drives of the FIAT 500, as well as reliability and safety data.
The 2014 Fiat 500 is undeniably chic and fun to drive, reviewers say, but its modestly powered base engine and cramped rear seats make rival subcompacts more attractive.
The 2014 Fiat 500’s base four-cylinder engine is fine for tooling around the city, reviewers say, but can feel strained at highway speeds. Two optional turbocharged engines improve acceleration, they add. Reviewers are impressed with the 500's standard manual transmission, saying it’s easy to use. The optional six-speed automatic is smooth and responsive, they add. The base Fiat 500 gets an EPA-estimated 31/40 mpg city/highway with a manual transmission, which is good for the class. With an automatic transmission, it gets 27/34 mpg, which is low for a subcompact car. Most auto writers agree that the 500 is nimble and easy to maneuver in the city, but a few critics report that the 500 is slightly less composed when tackling a corner at speed, which causes its body to lean.
Like most subcompact cars, reviewers say the Fiat 500’s cabin is made with hard plastics. However, they’re willing to overlook the materials because of the 500’s charmingly retro interior design. They note that the front seats are spacious and there’s enough room to accommodate a tall driver. As with most small cars, the rear seats are a different story, they say, citing a lack of legroom and limited headroom thanks to the sloping roofline. The 500 comes standard with a six-speaker audio system, an auxiliary jack, a USB port, Bluetooth, keyless entry and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Optional features include a power sunroof, satellite radio, an Alpine premium audio system, a premium Beats audio system and touch-screen navigation. Reviewers say the climate and audio controls are easy to master, though some critics point out that the voice commands for external media devices don’t work very well.
