The FIAT 500 emerged in the North American market as a stylish, compact automobile that carries the air of Italian flair for cars and the space and practicality of an urban-friendly dimension. For the 2013 model year, it did not end there, as the quirky design also underlined nimble handling and quite high customization options. The 2013 FIAT 500 remains at a high demand for budget-conscious, unique, and economical rides. In this extensive analysis, we will take a close look at its safety ratings, transmission choices, notable features, and what puts this compact car a head above the rest in a saturated segment.
Safety Ratings
Crash Test Ratings
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall Safety Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Frontal Crash Rating: 4 stars
Side Crash Rating: 3 stars
Rollover Rating: 4 stars (with a 13% rollover risk)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate Overlap Front Test: Good
Side Impact Test: Marginal
Roof Strength Test: Acceptable
Head Restraints and Seats: Good
Safety Features
Although the 2013 FIAT 500 doesn’t sport any of today’s smarter safety features that newer models have, it does come standard with a respectable complement of safety features:
Seven Airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Hill Start Assist
Traction Control System (TCS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Safety Verdict
Transmission Options
Manual Transmission
Automatic Transmission
Sport Mode
Performance Review
The 1.4L inline-4 engine under the hood of the 2013 FIAT 500 is not a powerhouse, but it delivers adequate performance for its size:
Horsepower: 101 hp
Torque: 98 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 10.2 seconds (manual), 11.3 seconds (automatic)
Top Speed: Approximately 115 mph
Standout Features
Exterior Styling
Interior and Comfort
Premium Materials
Infotainment System
Climate Control
Personalization
Fuel Economy
One of the main selling points of the 2013 FIAT 500 is its excellent fuel economy:
Manual Transmission: 31 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
Automatic Transmission: 27 mpg city / 34 mpg highwayAn economical choice for the driver who cares about fuel economy when driving to work.
Suspension & Handling
The 2013 FIAT 500 is equipped with:
Independent front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle. Tight turning radius and compact dimensions, making it perfect for city maneuverability. Electric power steering delivers responsive handling, while the short wheelbase allows for agile cornering.