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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 1.4L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 6-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 27 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,800 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 300 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $13,300–$17,330 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.9/10, the 2016 Fiat 500 earns a Good rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.0/10, while Performance at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.4/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.7/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $13,300–$17,330, 23 MPG, seating 4, the Fiat 500 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 8.0/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this sedan delivers more than most of the class. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2016 Fiat 500, but it needs the right buyer. Its reliability and technology and performance scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Fiat 500 ranks #1118 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 15% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $13,300 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 52%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2013 Fiat 500 scores 6.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2016's 6.9 — and starts roughly $1,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.0/10 | $14,875 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $14,875 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $14,350 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $13,825 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $13,300 | |
| 2015 | 6.9/10 | $12,775 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 6.8/10 | $12,250 | Read review → |
| 2013 | 6.7/10 | $11,725 | Read review → |
| 2012 | 6.7/10 | $11,200 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Manual transmission / Floor shift assembly 03/07/2019 · 19E044000 | DLT, LLC. is recalling certain CravenSpeed Fiat Short Shifter shafts sold for use in 2011-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The Shifter Shaft may have been improperly manufactured with a through hole for the set screw rather than a blind hole, which may lead to the… |
|---|---|
| Equipment / Other / Labels 15/09/2016 · 16V667000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 11, 2015, to July 27, 2016. The tire placard on the affected vehicles lists a tire inflation pressure for the spare tire that exceeds the maximum pressure… |
| Power train / Manual transmission 16/05/2016 · 16V302000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 Fiat 500 vehicles manufactured June 21, 2010, through January 12, 2016, equipped with a manual transmission. The clutch diaphragm spring may fracture and fail, causing an inability to switch… |
| Tires / Pressure monitoring and regulating systems 25/06/2024 · 24V474000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Fiat 500 vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Fiat models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
