Fiat 500 Named Kelley Blue Book's Coolest New Car Under $18,000 for 2011
Kelley Blue Book awarded the 2012 Fiat 500 the title of Coolest New Car Under $18,000, citing its style, compact size and lively character.
Kelley Blue Book selected the Fiat 500 as its 2011 Coolest New Car Under $18,000, recognising the city car for its blend of personality, practicality and value. The award, published on kbb.com, highlighted the 2012 model year Fiat 500 as a standout in a segment often criticised for blandness.
The Fiat 500 marked the brand's return to the US after nearly three decades, offering a compact footprint at 139 inches long and 63 inches wide. Its 90-inch wheelbase made it even shorter and narrower than the Mini Cooper, a key rival, which is seven inches longer and three inches wider in its base form.
Kelley Blue Book praised the 500’s distinctive design and engaging driving character, describing it as having “10 times the personality” of more conventional competitors. The publication noted that, despite its small size and playful looks, the Fiat 500 delivered a compliant ride and a well-insulated cabin. For the US market, Fiat added more sound insulation than the European version, aiming to meet American expectations for refinement.
Pricing and model range
The base 2012 Fiat 500 hatchback launched in the US with a starting price of $15,550. A convertible version, featuring a folding canvas roof, was also introduced, priced from $19,500. This positioned the 500 as an accessible entry point for buyers seeking a stylish city car with a European flavour. The US-spec models were assembled at a Chrysler facility in Mexico.
Comparison with rivals
Compared with the Mini Cooper, the Fiat 500 offered a more compact package and a lower entry price. Kelley Blue Book’s assessment placed particular emphasis on the 500’s style and personality, factors that helped it stand out in a crowded field of subcompacts. Other vehicles in the segment often prioritised practicality over character, but the 500’s blend of retro design and urban agility appealed to buyers seeking something different.
- Fiat 500: 139 inches long, 63 inches wide, 90-inch wheelbase
- Mini Cooper (base): 146 inches long, 66 inches wide, 97-inch wheelbase
The Fiat 500’s recognition by Kelley Blue Book followed its debut at US motor shows and early sales success. For more on the 500’s arrival in America, see2011 New York Fiat 500 Cabrio Debut.
