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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 | $13,825–$17,309 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2017 Fiat 500 at 6.9/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.7/10, while Performance at 6.0/10 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. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.6/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.0/10 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 $13,825–$17,309, 24 MPG, seating 4, the Fiat 500 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.7/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2017 Fiat 500 is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and technology and performance hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
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 2017 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 $13,825 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 50%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2014 Fiat 500 scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2017'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 (this review) | 6.9/10 | $13,825 | |
| 2016 | 6.9/10 | $13,300 | Read review → |
| 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… |
|---|---|
| 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.
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