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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 | 24 / 32 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 326 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $14,350–$18,334 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2018 Fiat 500 is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.0/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.9/10, while Technology at 6.3/10 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. At 6.8/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.5/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.3/10 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 $14,350–$18,334, 25 MPG, seating 4, the Fiat 500 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. At 7.9/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2018 Fiat 500 sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and performance and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
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 2018 Fiat 500 ranks #1048 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 20% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $14,350 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 48%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Fiat 500 scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.0 — 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 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $14,350 | |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $13,825 | Read review → |
| 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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Explore the full lineup of Fiat models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
