2008 FIAT 500 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Admittedly influenced by the success of BMW’s MINI Cooper, Fiat has decided to revive its once-popular 500. The ’08 Fiat 500 is, in its present incarnation, a four-passenger, two-door, front-wheel-drive (FWD) hatchback offered in three trim levels, the base 500, 500 Turbo, and the sporty Abarth.
Three engine choices are offered for the ’08 Fiat 500, as well as a choice of two manual transmissions, a five-speed and a six-speed. The base 500 comes equipped with a SOHC 1.2-liter inline four-cylinder (I4) gasoline engine that puts out 59 hp and 75 lb-ft of torque. Next is a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 1.3-liter I4 diesel, capable of 68 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Finally, there’s a 94-hp DOHC 1.4-liter gasoline I4 capable of 94 lb-ft of torque. This latter engine is claimed to do 0-60 in under 10 seconds and to have a top speed of 115 mph. The 1.4-liter I4 is also represented as averaging 36 mpg with the six-speed manual transmission.
The ’08 Fiat 500’s lower center of gravity and grippy 15-inch tires makes for nimble handling through tight corners, while its tiny size (less than 140 inches bumper to bumper) means easier maneuvering in city traffic. Braking in the ’08 Fiat 500 is described as stable and powerful.
A remarkable similarity in style has been maintained in the ’08 Fiat 500 in comparison to the original, with obvious upgrades smoothly integrated into its retro look. The cabin of the Fiat 500, while not plush or overly roomy in back, features an ingenious single instrument panel incorporating the tachometer and speedometer in concentric circles surrounding the cluster of electronic engine performance readouts. Fiat claims some 500,000 different option configurations for the ’08 Fiat 500 including Bluetooth technology, iPod and MP3 playback capability, and a USB connection.
Standard safety features in the ’08 Fiat 500 include ABS, stability control, seven airbags, and high-strength-steel body construction. A three-path crumple-zone configuration results in a much safer automobile than was the '50s original. This added safety feature, however, has resulted in a lengthier engine-compartment profile than the original had.
A 135-hp I4 engine is in the works for the Abarth trim, with plans to market this car in North America. Apparently, Fiat is eying the success of a re-introduced Alfa Romeo back into the U.S. market to gauge the chances of the 500 catching on here. It seems, however, that both deals are tied to the fortunes of Chrysler Corporation, therefore, it may be that we’ll have to wait a bit longer to see either the Alfa or the Fiat 500 cruising the highways of North America.
User reviews for 2008 FIAT 500
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by Richard B
Mar 27, 2012
Performance is not earth shattering but for a small and economical car, however it punts along eagerly and is very capable at motorway speeds of 70-80mph with enough ooomph to overtake when needed.
Engine is smooth and very quiet for a diesel and gearbox a joy to use. Inside the cabin, you'd actually think it was a petrol model. Handling is stable at all speeds, the cornering very confident and steering direct and detailed. Having previously driven Focuses, the 500 does not disappoint. Ride can be a bit bumpy on certain British A- and B-roads but it's not annoying.
Build quality is excellent - apart from a few hard plastics here and there - the interior controls and steering wheel are excellent in touch and operation, stalks are chunky and positive. Leather teering wheel is chunky and great to hold and has audio controls. The doors shut with a lovely heavy thunk similar to a new Focus or Golf.
The looks is what the 500 is all about. It looks absolutely fantastic from any angle and the Sport model with it's roof spoiler, chunky tyres and tinted windows looks particularly squat The interior is such a pleasant place to be in, the details are lovely and theres so much storage. Space is amazing in the front for me (6'5" tall) - I actually have to pull the seat forward to reach the pedals. Two adults can sit behind me when driving.
Cost of ownership is the main reason I bought the 500. The petrols are very economical but the diesel takes it to a new level. Road tax is laughably cheap (20GBP per year as opposed to 245GBP for a petrol Focus ST) and the economy varies between 46mpg for urban short runs to 72mpg on steady motorway trips. Mar 27, 2012
by Giuseppe M
Dec 08, 2009
This is as cool if not cooler than an ipod. Cheap to run, fun to drive and all the creature comforts you could wish for. Frugal fuel consumption, low carbon emissions (If you are an eco-mentalist)! Build quality ain't bad eitherDec 08, 2009
by Theera B
Sep 01, 2009
Does as expected, but would prefer the performance of the Abarth version. Build quality is better than expected. Appearance is best in its class, I mean it got car of the year right?. Don't know how much it's going to cost to run but surely cheaper than a Ferrari. It's a fun car for the city, but just stay away from the motorway because you'll find the car changing lanes by itself if there's heavy side wind.Sep 01, 2009
User rating:
by Richard B
Mar 27, 2012
Performance is not earth shattering but for a small and economical car, however it punts along eagerly and is very capable at motorway speeds of 70-80mph with enough ooomph to overtake when needed.
Engine is smooth and very quiet for a diesel and gearbox a joy to use. Inside the cabin, you'd actually think it was a petrol model. Handling is stable at all speeds, the cornering very confident and steering direct and detailed. Having previously driven Focuses, the 500 does not disappoint. Ride can be a bit bumpy on certain British A- and B-roads but it's not annoying.
Build quality is excellent - apart from a few hard plastics here and there - the interior controls and steering wheel are excellent in touch and operation, stalks are chunky and positive. Leather teering wheel is chunky and great to hold and has audio controls. The doors shut with a lovely heavy thunk similar to a new Focus or Golf.
The looks is what the 500 is all about. It looks absolutely fantastic from any angle and the Sport model with it's roof spoiler, chunky tyres and tinted windows looks particularly squat The interior is such a pleasant place to be in, the details are lovely and theres so much storage. Space is amazing in the front for me (6'5" tall) - I actually have to pull the seat forward to reach the pedals. Two adults can sit behind me when driving.
Cost of ownership is the main reason I bought the 500. The petrols are very economical but the diesel takes it to a new level. Road tax is laughably cheap (20GBP per year as opposed to 245GBP for a petrol Focus ST) and the economy varies between 46mpg for urban short runs to 72mpg on steady motorway trips. Mar 27, 2012
by Giuseppe M
Dec 08, 2009
This is as cool if not cooler than an ipod. Cheap to run, fun to drive and all the creature comforts you could wish for. Frugal fuel consumption, low carbon emissions (If you are an eco-mentalist)! Build quality ain't bad eitherDec 08, 2009
by Theera B
Sep 01, 2009
Does as expected, but would prefer the performance of the Abarth version. Build quality is better than expected. Appearance is best in its class, I mean it got car of the year right?. Don't know how much it's going to cost to run but surely cheaper than a Ferrari. It's a fun car for the city, but just stay away from the motorway because you'll find the car changing lanes by itself if there's heavy side wind.Sep 01, 2009
by Felicity H
Jul 21, 2009
My fiat is a Deisel so it accelerates like a slug but onces it gets going it can out do many small cars. Mine has no squeeks or has it needed any repairs and ive had mine for just over a year. I dont need to say anything about the style as it is a fait 500! It does 66m to the whatever which is absolutely fab eg i put in £20 worth of deisel each week max.Jul 21, 2009
by Markus o
Mar 14, 2009
Love my Fiat, i saw it at a fiat dealer when mom looked for a new car. I ended up bying it of course. I dont regret it one second though. Pretty expensive to buy, but cheap to own. And people smile at you while you are driving :)Mar 14, 2009
by P-O M
Jan 28, 2009
fiat 500 1.2 8V 69ch SPORT Crossoverblack
-both interior and exterior look gorgeous
-good build quality
-performance: not so fantastic but enough to have fun driving it!!
-handling's really good; small size contributes to easy park
- enough space in it and the trunk is not so ridiculous, good for a week-end or a week if only 2
-great sound system "Blue&Me"
well an amazing car to recommend to everyone...Jan 28, 2009
by Jake C
Jan 09, 2009
Fantastic little car! Drives brilliantly thanks to the
nippy 6 speed 1.4. Lush leather interior and nice big
alloys to scratch on the curbs. It is a little small, which
is a bit annoying, but would lose its charm if any
bigger!Jan 09, 2009
by John E
Jan 02, 2009
I haved owned my new 2008 Fiat 500 now for a few months and it's adorable!
It's the first Fiat in years - actually, make that ever, that I've really liked the looks of. It is a head turner. The dash is one of the car's most unique points. Interior and exterior styling is fantastic and there are tons and tons of options to go for. Alloys are a must, but stick to the smaller ones for better handling.
Okay, economy wise it's fantastic. Mine is a 1.2 petrol and has been averaging 40 mpg in the town (although I do stick it in 5th gear whenever I can to go easy on petrol). On the runs I've had out of town it's returned about 55 mpg. Tax is lowest band. Insurance is really low. Performance is fine for engine size, but not quick. Ideal for town or city driving.
The car got a 5 star NCAP rating, which is excellent for it's size.
Gear change is one of my gripes, could be more refined. Also steering wheel makes a subtle, but annoying, ratchet type noise when turned. Seat position is a little high, although I'm 6'2". Rear seating is 'snug', but I rarely carry any passengers. Front has plenty of cabin space. Another gripe is that the windows seem to freeze up inside during sub zero temperatures, modern cars shouldn't really do that.
That aside it's really fun to drive (though not as good a drive as the MINI). It does, however, look better than the MINI (Jeremy Clarkson's words, not mine). It's also truer to the original 500 than the MINI is to mini.
Absolutely fantastic value for money, if you're not too crazy with the options, you simply cannot find a better - or cooler - car for the money in the UK. Jan 02, 2009
by Gergana G
Nov 10, 2008
Performace - nice acceleration, very good brakes, handles the curves very good
Appearance - interior and exterior are great looking
Cost of Ownership - the car spends 7l per 100km in city, 4 outside the city
It is a real pleasure to drive. Makes people turn around to see your car when you pass by them . :)Nov 10, 2008
by Maurizio M
Sep 16, 2008
500 shows a superbe vintage look exactly like my 1979 former 500, with elegant pied-de-poule white interiors, excellent city handling and relative fun in driving in town, good quality for being a Fiat, afterall not too bad acceleration, only regret is fuel consumption below expectations (<15 km/lt) but probably due to my hard foot during first mileage run in periodSep 16, 2008
by Chris L
Sep 01, 2008
Its a nice car but lacks in performance, fun to be seen in! Apperance is great but the engine, 1.2 lt is not powerful enough. the cost is exessive for waht you get but then its the 'in' car to have so you pay the extra. Waiting time still very long. I waited for 6 months and have only just recieved it. Sep 01, 2008
by Bolzo B
Aug 23, 2008
La cosa piu importante e' lo stile e questa macchina ne ha da vendere: Italian Style !!!
Tutto il resto e' noia!!!
Comunque: il 1.3 diesel consuma pochissimo, ed è abbastanza brillante, certo la 100cv è un'altra cosa
Vel max: 170 Km/h
Acc: 0-100 Km/h : 12-13 sec.
Colore: ROSSO con le bandierine italiane sotto gli specchietti
Allestimento: Sport
Impianto BluEme molto carino e comodo e coreograficoAug 23, 2008
by Mika K
Aug 09, 2008
I like my Fiat 500 becouse it's mine, it's fun to drive, rare, ECO, Diesel, Small so it's easy to drive in the city, quality is suberb and it's unique.
I hate it becouse it's small (just 3 doors and for 4 persons) and slow as a snail and pricy as hell.Aug 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 01, 2008
Great alround motor, stylish and fun to drive, only 1.2 but love it, sport version since i'm a bloke, and would defo recommend the car got 4 out of 5 on top gearJul 01, 2008
by Clara F
Jun 22, 2008
es chuliiiiisimo!Jun 22, 2008
by Ann B
Apr 13, 2008
Cutest car on earthApr 13, 2008
by Christian G
Mar 13, 2008
Tecnical its nothing special, but the design is just perfect. Everybody smile at it. My first retro car !Mar 13, 2008
by Jack C
Mar 13, 2008
If The normal 500's are good, then when the Abarth SS comes out it will be BrilliantMar 13, 2008
by Leon J
Feb 11, 2008
Suits her down to the ground!
Fun, Funky, Querky, Tiny and Environmentaly friendly!Feb 11, 2008
by David D
Jan 20, 2008
petite, fun, a ma mamanJan 20, 2008
by Philipp B
Jan 14, 2008
great fun...really CUTE!must be love...Jan 14, 2008
by Tony S
Dec 23, 2007
Ok mine is on order and will be here in Jan 2008, looking forward to it.Dec 23, 2007
What users have asked
Fiat 500 Diesel 08 reg
does it have a timing belt or chain. thankyou
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