The Fiat 500 (Generation 312) is an icon of modern automotive design. Launched in 2007, this neo-retro city car saved Fiat thanks to its timeless design and immense commercial success. Based on the Fiat Panda II platform, it received a major facelift in 2015 (Phase 2) improving sound insulation, the infotainment system (Uconnect), and the light signature. Although its overall design is old, it remains a benchmark in urban environments. Its reliability depends drastically on the engine and gearbox chosen. The internal combustion versions coexisted with the new electric 500 (Gen 332) until their gradual withdrawal.
The Fiat 500 is an 'emotional purchase' that can prove very rational if you choose the right version. The verdict is clear: absolutely prioritize the 1.2 FIRE 69 hp engine or the recent 1.0 FireFly MHEV, always with a manual gearbox. In this configuration, the 500 is one of the most reliable and economical city cars on the market. However, you must avoid the Dualogic automated manual gearbox, avoid the 0.9 TwinAir engine (too temperamental and expensive to maintain), and banish the 1.3 MultiJet diesel if you drive in the city. Minor finish defects (handles, trunk wiring harness) are real but inexpensive to repair compared to mechanical failures in other competing models.