As a modern interpretation of the iconic Italian city car that first made waves in the 1950s, the Fiat 500 continues to capture attention with its retro charm and contemporary upgrades.
Timeless Design
Its rounded silhouette, short overhangs, and upright stance create a unique presence that sets it apart from other compact cars on the road. The circular headlamps and chrome accents give the car a friendly, vintage face, while the available two-tone paint options and bright color palette allow owners to express their individuality.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside the 2019 Fiat 500, and you’ll find a cabin that blends retro charm with modern convenience. While compact in size, the interior is thoughtfully designed to maximize space and deliver a comfortable driving experience, especially for front-seat passengers.
The dashboard layout echoes the car’s vintage inspiration with a rounded, body-color panel that adds a playful touch. A 5-inch Uconnect® infotainment system comes standard, offering Bluetooth connectivity, voice command capability, and available navigation.
There’s also ample headroom for a car of this size, thanks to the tall roofline. The rear seats, while more suitable for short trips or smaller passengers, can fold down to increase cargo space in the hatchback trunk area—adding practicality to the stylish design.
Additional interior conveniences include automatic climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and USB/AUX ports, ensuring that both driver and passengers stay comfortable and connected on the go.
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Performance and Handling
While the 2019 Fiat 500 may be small in stature, it delivers a surprisingly spirited driving experience. Under the hood, every trim comes equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 135 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This engine gives the 500 a lively character, especially when paired with the standard 5-speed manual transmission, which allows drivers to fully engage with its peppy nature.
The compact dimensions and tight turning radius make parking and navigating congested areas a breeze. Ride quality is generally smooth, although the short wheelbase can make it feel a bit bouncy over rough pavement. That said, the car’s light weight and responsive steering contribute to an agile and fun-to-drive personality. The Fiat 500 feels most at home in the city, but it's also capable on the highway, offering a stable ride and reasonable noise insulation for its size.
This makes it an efficient choice for budget-conscious drivers who want style and performance without sacrificing fuel savings.
Trim Levels and Key Features
Pop Trim
The base Pop model is anything but basic. Standard features include:
- 16-inch aluminum wheels
- Uconnect® 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth®
- Cruise control
- Rearview camera
- Manual air conditioning
- Chrome exterior accents
The Pop trim is a great starting point for drivers who want the Fiat 500 experience without breaking the bank, offering solid value and essential modern conveniences.
Lounge Trim
The Lounge trim takes things up a notch with a focus on comfort and premium finishes. This model is ideal for drivers looking for a more refined daily driver while retaining the fun spirit of the 500. Key additions include:
- Leather-trimmed seats
- Heated front seats
- Automatic climate control
- Chrome interior accents
- Upgraded audio system
- Optional sunroof and navigation
Abarth Trim
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Performance exhaust system with a signature growl
- Unique front and rear fascias
- 16- or 17-inch sport wheels
- Optional BeatsAudio™ premium sound system
- Optional performance upgrades like a limited-slip differential
With 160 horsepower on premium fuel and a more responsive chassis setup, the Abarth delivers a thrilling driving experience in a small, stylish package.
Safety and Reliability
Standard Safety Features
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to help maintain vehicle control in slippery conditions
- Rear Park Assist and a rearview camera, aiding in tight parking spots
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) for early warning of under-inflation
While the 500 may lack the advanced driver assistance systems seen in newer or larger vehicles—such as automatic emergency braking or adaptive cruise control—it provides essential protective features that are particularly valuable for city driving.
Crash Test Ratings
The Fiat 500 has received mixed safety scores in crash tests over the years. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2019 model a 4-star overall rating. However, due to its small size, it doesn’t perform as well in certain side-impact or small-overlap crash scenarios compared to larger vehicles.
Reliability and Maintenance
In terms of reliability, the 2019 Fiat 500 has a decent track record. Fiat made improvements to build quality over the years, and the turbocharged engine in this model has proven to be relatively dependable with proper care. Maintenance costs are moderate, and the car’s simple design makes it relatively easy and affordable to service. Fiat also offers a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty, providing added assurance for new owners.
Who Is the Fiat 500 For?
The 2019 Fiat 500 is a niche vehicle with a very specific appeal—and that’s precisely what makes it so charming. Instead, it caters to individuals who value style, simplicity, and an enjoyable driving experience in a compact form.
First-Time Car Buyers
For new drivers or students, the 500 offers a fun and approachable entry point into car ownership. It’s easy to drive, easy to park, and simple to maintain.
Style-Conscious Drivers
The Fiat 500 is also a great choice for those who want to stand out. If you're tired of the sea of gray crossovers on the road, the Fiat 500’s distinctive flair offers a welcome alternative.
Who It’s Not For
If you frequently carry more than two passengers, need lots of cargo space, or regularly take long highway trips, this car may feel limiting. It also lacks the advanced driver assistance features that families or tech-focused buyers might expect.
