Review: 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth (Manual)

[@tjhunt_]

Anyone who talks crap about the Abarth is only doing it because they secretly want one

[@gradesixrapidsonly8453]

***** She might endorse it, but she wouldn't have a clue how to drive it. The most important aspect to this car is that it is a manual (stick shift). I don't know about the USA, but in Australia a tricked up one (and price to match) is available, although very limited - www.motoring.com.au/news/2014/sports/abarth/695/fiats-wildest-500-lands-at-65k-46434

[@reverendgreen5442]

You're kidding, right? It's slow as crap. A stock Scion FR-S is the same price and will beat it 0-60 and in the curves.

[@tjhunt_]

Reverend Green Thats actually incorrect. Its faster 0-60 and will beat a frs on the track easy

[@xmasbanana]

had one... traded up to a WRX. Nothing but problems with it

[@MH5tube]

creampiess Fiat is if you need a small cheap car but not if you want a performance car.

[@VB-3]

The one thing I notice about Abarth reviews is it almost always puts a big smile on the driver's face.

[@discingaround]

Your expressions from this video made me test drive an Abarth last week. Now I'm the proud owner of a 2017 Abarth!

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Is it still running? Any problems?

[@ThatDudeinBlue]

Nice review! Jon is also stopping by to let me drive this thing too which is great. Seems like an awesome dude.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks David! And sweet! I'm excited to see your review of it too! You're better with modded cars than I am. Jon is a great guy and his mods made this one so much better than the stock one I test drove a while ago.

[@nicklake2902]

Ooh can't wait to watch it!

[@xCeeJayy]

Sloppy seconds.

[@nbaldo003]

I go to school with Jon. He's a very genuine dude and very cool. That dude in blue I want you to review my car too!!! Love your channel and subaruwrxfans too. You guys are awesome. Keep up the good work the car community loves you guys!

[@Bajaheat]

subaruwrxfan have you drove the fiesta st? If so which do you prefer?

[@glennmiller394]

I have 32k miles on my 2012 Abarth and I commute 70 miles a day in Pittsburgh traffic. I've averaged 31.5 mpg over the 32k and I never drive out of sport mode. It's all stock. I regularly get targeted by people wanting to validate their purchase of a Honda or VW and sometimes I win and sometimes I lose, but I like that I can hit the on ramp without missing a beat. Some guys get a little offended when I go by them and they chase me down. It's all good and it's all fun. And in case the thought is in your mind, I t-boned a Ford Escape who U-Turned in front of me going up a hill at 40mph and escaped with just a stressed sternum and esophagus.. I was going about 40 when I hit him. It did $14,700 damage to the Abarth and took almost 2 months to get fixed, but it's been primo since. In all, it's been a reliable, good vehicle with a really good fun factor. I'm in my 60's and have owned about one of every auto class they make over the years. I put this in the top 5.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Hi Glenn, do you still have the Abarth? How has it been since this>? Reliable?

[@kitsachie.]

@@buildmorefarms1007 i have a 2013 that now has 81k miles, no issues other than the norm, one tail light will burn out at least once a year, my passenger side window regulator broke, minor interior issues with the plastics, but mechanically I've had no issues, it's an amazing car. Insurance is cheap, cost of ownership is cheap, it pulls a smile on my face every day i drive it

[@TheBluehornz01]

Some of you might be scratching your head about why he is enjoying this car so much. I've test driven 2 of them and had the same excited reaction myself. You can't knock it until you actually drive one. They are not going to be a car for everyone,but they are absolutely a blast to drive. I've driver WRXs, Focus STs, Civic Sis, etc...this is equal to the fun those cars provide, but in a different way. It's hard to describe until you try one. Nice review.

[@alexsurh1472]

Well for one, it sounds better than all those others. Thats probably 80 percent of the fun in driving, hearing your car with the windows down.

[@MC_CEHA]

Subaruwrxfan phrase, "So lets turn on to this back road here."

[@TheBonsaiZone]

10 years later, I just bought one with 80,000 km for 7,500 dollars! This is definitely the most smiles per gallon you can get!!!

[@lrnlrn]

After stumbling across your videos while shopping for a sti, I found myself watching a lot more of your videos. I think what makes your videos fun to each is seeing how excited you get at accelerations. Also your able to describe your experience well to the viewers. Thanks for putting these together and keep it up!

[@williammendoza2353]

These reviews just keep on getting better and better; the quality of your work easily reflects the amount of subscribers you have, which is consistently growing larger. Keep up the good work man.

[@ThisIsBarcode]

So glad I got one of these!!! Great cars, not dime a dozen like a Cooper S and just sound the bollox when you get to high revs!!! Not the quickest out there but definitely puts a smile on your face.

[@jeffvaljean6030]

Yeah until it gets knicked and they always Do

[@Neumannen]

he looks so happy!

[@revmatchproductions]

The good ole days! Keep killing it Matt been here for years!

[@cerrystyle]

Being italian living in a commonwealth country can't stop saying to all my friends that an Abarth is something unique you would like to own for a while and try pn backroads and just have some good fun. It is a great car she was born by rallies in the early 60's then till early 80's Fiat produced these cars then she's came back now to bring it to you in the north America. Very nice review, agree with the cheap materials but you actually can not change that stock radio and the mods by unichip is very insane I've never seen a +200 hp 500, good luck to handle that! ;) -Joe

[@Salamanca__h12]

Loving mines a year later after purchasing, always gives me giggles and smiles so worth buying

[@LifeBehindE]

These are easily one of the best sounding cars you can buy. Hearing them in person is beautiful.

[@andrefrbk]

Dat DUST! The Abarth is nice, seen 2 so far in NYC. They seem like great city cars too. Fun and tiny. The exhaust is pretty surprising. Sounds mean.

[@heybulldog137]

It's truly a drivers car. I rarely turn on the radio, don't need it..the exhaust is music.

[@rodneycolonramos8696]

Same here....🔥🔥🔥

[@josesylvestre4377]

I own my abarth since 2 years and still giggle like you when i drive it !

[@0NetherCraft0]

Never gets boring :)

[@zaddlife5968]

I was skeptical about your review at first but you nailed it!! I wanna drive this car now!

[@LucuisCyriacus]

Great review, you really upped your vocabulary and didn't repeat the same descriptors very much. Props to you :)

[@eduardoalfonso3128]

that thing sounds like a rally car

[@SubaruSTi-fo7fv]

Good review, love the data on screen! Your reviews have really stepped up a notch.

[@rokstartobby123]

i love the new addition to your reviews (the plus and minus) certainly emphasizes and takes the review to a higher notch.

[@fasttny6299]

I'm getting mine all modded out to be a total beast soon, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Most people treat them like crap sadly.

[@nickdelaney2668]

Love seeing this thing around, great to see it on the channel!

[@AwkwardSilenceNation]

I love how you summed up this car. People in Europe like to look down on these cars because they are a lot of show and not that much performance, but they are just such fun cars to drive. The only downside is that they are expensive for what they offer. For a fully loaded 595 model you're easily looking at almost €28k, which is a lot for a small car, especially an Italian one.

[@collinholbrook4074]

especially when you can get a fully loaded Mazda 3 Grand touring, a Fiesta ST or some other car with more space more practicality and still just as much fun for a better price :D but still neat little car

[@daguzify]

Got mine for 21k.......loaded Mazda 3 is more expensive and slower. Ford Fiesta ST was an option....but the Abarth gave me a bigger :)

[@collinholbrook4074]

daguzify nice thing about that mazda 3 and fiesta ST though is the practicality of them the extra seating and cargo space, and of course both still are fun to drive

[@ItsameWeegee1]

"It puts a smile on my face that I dont always get" I think every car you've driven on here has given you smiles lol

[@NickMurray]

Great video Matt. Nice that Jon had upgraded the engine, the standard Abarth is just not powerful enough to match the aggressive looks.

[@fofal]

"aggressive looks" lmao

[@Guafarina]

I'm really impressed how awesome these little cars sound even stock.

[@jjjw2667]

neighbor across the street has one of these Abarth 500's and they are a very aggressive sounding lol, awesome review man

[@Fullmetal2007]

Haha the little note about the cup holders amused me. My 2010 Cube (which just got totaled, now looking into an Abarth) had 12 cup holders. Yes, 12 - 3 in the center console like the Fiat, one behind the E-brake, one in each door (4 total), 2 in the fold down back of the rear center seat, and then 2 to the left of the steering wheel for the driver (though one was more suited for something like a redbull can than an actual cup). I'm actually going to really miss the driver's cup holders, they were super handy.

[@jeremychaneyfield3201]

Fullmetal2007 i was stuck between cube and abarth

[@anteupjcook]

You literally just sold me on this car with your excitement when you hit second gear. LMFAO

[@B0Nnaaay]

Just test drive it! When you buy an Abarth, you get a day at racing school at your local speedway. I lucked out, my local track was Daytona!

[@B0Nnaaay]

And the crack and pops....forgettaboutit!

[@SpudEater]

I drove one yesterday, it was really fun actually! I was pleasantly surprised by the car, the seating position is a little odd but it does give you the perception of being in a larger car. The shift light likes to yell at you at 2k RPM to maintain higher MPGs, it was easy to ignore from my experience though. The only issue I had with the shifter was from 3rd to 4th, it's a little odd how the shifter seems to be set up. Overall, I really enjoyed the car and with it being just a commuter car and nothing else I think it would fit perfectly as I rebuild my old dodge dak.

[@pinarellospeedracer]

Great job on the review!! I have a modified 2014 GQ abarth OMG I love this car so much Its very fast.Great car

[@ashy_gee6]

I've seen and heard some of these in our autox chapter in ATL. These are awesome cars. The sound of these alone will absolutely make you fall in love. I have Evo 8 and these sound a lot more aggressive. People really need to give these monsters a chance. When you see these flying around the course your eyes WILL NOT! believe your EARS. I'm not sure about the regular Fiat 500s but the Abarths are A+++ in my book.

[@SoFloLuca]

Great car! Love your freakin enthusiasm!!! Great review!

[@scottcollins7513]

Like the summary panel -- thanks for increasing the readability!

[@lukeskywalker3720]

Hey brother I'm glad you do these videos!! You helped me decide to get a cobalt ss/sc!! I was hoping you did a review on this car!!! Thank you!!!

[@TrojanRabbit521]

This review helped me take the leap into hot hatches and I'm so glad I did! I wanted a car that would make my commute fun. Performance is so high nowadays but in every day driving I wanted fun within reasonable speeds. The Abarth delivers especially with a few mods. 50k miles 5 yrs ownership and she still makes me giggle. My exhaust is stock but it turns heads and people mention how mean it sounds at gas stations. As far as sports car it's great (after couple mods) up to 9.5/10ths on mountain roads. Go into a corner too hot, she'll get you round it but you might need new pair of underwear. It's just a small step behind the mx 5 or 240sx I've had and it's lightweight means it buries the muscle cars in corners.

[@rjtdbf]

I've driven some 500 Abarth's and they are really cool cars..! Nice video Matt!

[@Natethegreat.96]

I have a 2013 Dodge Dart 1.4 turbo and the engine comes from these abarth 500s and i love the car. My dart has a muffler delete and intake on it and sounds almost exactly like his car. LOVE IT!

[@andrefrbk]

Matt can you please keep the bullet points on the screen a bit longer, or wait till the end of the video to show em. Im almost illiterate, i cant read that fast bro. I still use my fingers to keep track of which word im on. I could pause the vid but that sucks. Good review!

[@reaperren]

Pause the video

[@TheCobruhAlienat0r]

Stay in school. Drugs are bad mmmkay?

[@dannyo6842]

+TheCobruhAlienat0r what tells you he does drugs and doesn't go to school? Fucking racist.

[@ShredderSensei]

Keep working on your reading. It'll pay off

[@SpudEater]

Danny Obando Wouldn't you be the racist because you just assumed he said that due to the color of his skin? Would it still be racist if it was a white dude and he said the same thing? No? Cool, stfu.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

I drove the automatuc Abarth today and it WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!

[@thosepetrolheads]

We just drove that car and its awesome!!

[@MichaelRodriguez-vl8by]

I almost bought one of these mainly because the one I was looking at was a really good deal but decided to go with a GTI for the practicality. These abarths sound pretty cool though!

[@FoundWorthy]

I miss mine I now have a focus ST which is much faster but my MODIFIED Abarth would tear up my current ST on a tight road. The Abarth would take my ST for the first 10 feet in 2nd, 3rd gear but after that the ST would spank it bad. Stock the Abarth needs so many upgrades in its stock form, the ST from the factory is a much better thought out car. Great car! and review

[@davidv6408]

Love your old intros

[@Alex-cz3mn]

it's cute seeing you so happy haha nice review!

[@oscarreyes4494]

Cool review! Keep up the good work! subaruwrxfan

[@KeoniSanchez]

Always have admired these!

[@altern8ive]

don't know why you had problems shifting gear. the stick defaults to the 3rd / 4th plane so to get to 5th from 2nd you must've been pushing the stick over too hard instead of allowing it to follow it's natural pattern

[@bobtroutman]

Without a doubt, my Abarth is the most fun I have ever had in a car that I have purchased!

[@pduffy83usa]

Sounds so much like an srt-4, love it!

[@scotta9114]

I've owned lots of cars. Some quite expensive. Drove an Abarth and just had to get one. Bought a used 2013 Abarth Ragtop. Car isn't particularly fast but does everything well. Put some better stabilizer bars and frame braces. Rest is stock. Just love this tiny car and it is very fun to drive, a blast in fact. Only issue is assholes in their Pickup Trucks tailgating and trying to run me over or off the road. Not a good feeling to have a 3.5 ton truck on your ass.

[@samiyas100]

I started to really like your reviews Keep it up

[@thetamelesscreeper]

Nice review Matt!! I actually really like these... And I don't really know why either...

[@p4horror]

Great review. I've always liked these little Abarths. Sadly I read that Fiat isn't doing too well in sales. And they were pretty low on the list on reliability. Still, they have their charm.

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

I'm surprised that insurance is actually super low. I am honestly tempted but could never switch to a smaller car now, but this would be an amazing daily or first car.

[@whatsforsupa]

Was that boost gauge totally stock? that is awesome!

[@AwkwardSilenceNation]

That gauge is completely stock on the Abarth's :D

[@camaromattflorida1291]

That intro song gets me everytime!

[@Chaconbeeseburger]

Matt let me know if you ever wanna review a newer 500 Abarth! My lightly modified 2017 500 would certainly not be opposed to someone else in the drivers seat and I’m in Philly area so I could come to ya!

[@MRACPDCarReviews]

NICE REVIEW MAN KEEP IT UP!

[@jeffvaljean6030]

Unfortunately they are one of the most stolen cars in the uk so you will smile when you drive it but you will cry when its knicked 😢 but I bought one anyway and I love it

[@skwon9642]

Nice review! Can u please review a 2004-2005 saab 9-5 aero! (If u can ever find one lol)

[@MaliciousSRT]

Bought a 2015 Abarth last weekend, at first I'd go from 2nd and bang against the gate between 3rd and 5th, then into a 5th a couple times and now I think I have it figured how to drill 3rd. Love driving it, and so do the passengers thus far - what a blast bang for the buck. Next step is to bring it up to 200+ hp

[@mariaortega4729]

is it a reliable car?

[@MaliciousSRT]

Maria Ortega It now has 12,000 kms on it and only problem was a small coolant leak due to a faulty rad hose clamp. They fixed it at the last oil change.

[@mariaortega4729]

+Malicious SRT are the parts expensive?

[@MaliciousSRT]

Maria Ortega Its still under warranty - I even bought an extra year. So 4 years total since I bought it.

[@mariaortega4729]

+Malicious SRT so you don't regret your purchase

[@erasmojtorres]

A personal pod is exactly how I feel about mine, well said.

[@glasshalfempty887]

Really enjoyed this review. Thanks!

[@Jvilleman400]

I commented on dudeinblues channel too about one of yall reviewing my car. Just got a 2013 genesis coupe 2.0t a couple months ago an it's fun as hell. I honestly don't kno what more r on it already, I think just a tune, gear swap and an aftermarket clutch but Idk to b honest, too bad I'm all the way in bowling green Kentucky or else I'd have U review it. Nice video btw, now I wanna drive an abarth lol

[@mickhead77]

that s exactly why i want to buy this car,to have the same smile constantly printed on my face.

[@Z3sty367]

I've owned my 2015 Abarth for 3 months now and still smiling. Even the people who aren't driving smile whether passenger or pedestrian. Love going downtown and popping off the exhaust haha

[@wickedmuffin76]

Have had my 2015 since April (2016), and yeah, still smiling here too :)

[@Basedj32]

+Daniel Castaneda they're not smiling at you, they're laughing at you lmao

[@wickedmuffin76]

I don't care if people laugh at me, I enjoy my little car, I didn't buy it for anyone else

[@Z3sty367]

The best part is suprising people hehe ahhhhhh.

[@caiovarela]

That's it! It's about the sensorial experience you'll have while driving these cars - the "fun factor" - not about the numbers. And doesn't matter if you're talking about a subcompact, a pony or a luxury sports coupé.

[@brettc6730]

When I first saw this video I honestly hated this car. But now after seeing multiple on the road its actually really grown on me! I like this car!

[@Xenios9]

you dont release reviews like you used to =( its like once every couple weeks now

[@TheCarista]

believe it or not, it is sooo much work to do it :)

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I missed one week around thanksgiving. Otherwise I post a new one every Wednesday still.

[@gncstroud4158]

Matt, you compared this modded Fiat to a stock GTI in one of your comments in the video... The "drama" you mention in this car's pull is most likely due to the mods/tune. If you tuned a GTI (as you compared it to), a stage 1 or stage 2 tune REALLY opens up the dramatical feel to the car giving you a 60-90+ gain in torque compared to stock.. therefore a tuned fiat vs tuned GTI would have been a better comparison.... you will see how different that GTi drives trust me

[@daguzify]

No. The pull on this car stock is fun. Sound is the same as stock too.

[@scotta9114]

A Friend of mine has a Porsche. It's what I used to call a 911. No model name on it except he told me is was more than $150K when I guessed on its price. Its only 2 years old. So I let him drive my Abarth and he went nuts. Said this car is so much fun. He came over to drive it again. 2 weeks later he pulls into my driveway with a brand new Abarth 500C. He says he really likes to drive it, more than his Porsche. Really? Anyway this may help explain the enjoyment in driving an Abarth.....

[@SubaruDude]

What's that carpet on the dash of the car ?

[@aquateen77723]

It's to protect the dash from sun damage/warping.

[@Tat2Dragons]

It's a dash protector and it's hideous looking. It should be tossed out the window. :)

[@SubaruDude]

I agree it looks very bad but at leasted it has a use.

[@AMERICASCOURT]

I have to say I have mixed feelings about this car. When I was in the market for a new car I wanted a abarth,vw gti,WRX. I ended up with a WRX hatch. For 3k more then the Abarth it was the obvious choice way faster AWD and bigger car. A year later I rented a abarth for one day and I have to say I made the right choice. Although the abarth is nice I love the sound and the wheels it is still way to small and fwd. The fwd is what kills it for me

[@SS8styles]

If I lived in Europe, I would totally get this...that sound is awesome.

[@OneCleans13]

2nd to 5th and the laughter died down lol. Good review :)

[@BKJP1998]

A dash cover...how 1995.

[@giovannimonsanto9072]

I never really understood that covers it's like okay let's not look at the dash and maintain it for the next owner to enjoy

[@TrustyPal]

7:00 i need that in my life

[@romansalazar958]

Morty: “ ooh geez rick, it pulls, it pulls hard rick. It’s so small but uhh it pulls rick” Rick: “what do you expect morty, it’s a fucking ABAR-berrrrrp ABARTH. It’s supposed to pull”

[@crates626]

Can you do a neon srt4 or e36 m3?

[@high_altitudemotorsports1788]

Subaruwrxfan I really enjoy your videos. and I really like that fiat 500a

[@CAyou]

how can you compare a stock car (like GTI) to a upgraded one? The sound of the exhaust can totally change the pleasure of driving a car. The stock abarth might be great as well, but quite different than this version, with a different exhaust, more power and less weight.

[@tylerhallett2286]

The stock exhaust sounds pretty much the same as this even he says so, I have one and it's not that big a difference at all. The seats are 40lbs, big woop. Most of the shit talkers have never even road in one, it's got enough power for its size and weight.

[@craigt9415]

Makes a similar exhaust note and whine as my old SRT4. Miss that sound.

[@cribs78]

Would possibly consider getting one but uneasy about the long term reliability being a Fiat.. Think I will more than likely get a 10-11 Golf TDI and try to mod it into something like a GTD with some suspension upgrades. Nice review though!

[@daguzify]

VW is reliable??? Used VW is scary.....just don't know when the electrical components will poop out on you.

[@cribs78]

I really would only be scared to get a MK3 or MK4 when it comes to sketchy electronics. I have a old 86 Jetta that will start and run like a champ with original wiring and engine. Looks like crap but that will hopefully change sooner than later.

[@mik31168]

10:03 Is there a connection between being at a high RPM on 2nd gear making it easy to miss 3rd? I do it all the time as well.

[@Amitieldawn]

Someone might have already asked this but... Do those power figures come form a dyno? I am looking at possibly buying one of those.

[@Kruxbruh]

You need to review a Hyundai veloster turbo I'm interested to see your opinion on it

[@arch417powersports]

The door clunk has nothing to do with quality now days.

[@HenryFrederick]

I want this car!

[@maximus9401]

Holy crap, that wastegate flutter is freaking me out! It sounds like an evil laugh every time that goes off. At first I thought it was the owner of the car laughing at your comments but then I quickly realized that it was the car. You say that it has character, so maybe it has so much that it practically comes to life

[@Estechico321]

Bought this car already lol came here to ensure people on the fence. I use to have a 2010 mini cooper s and I like this car waaay better by comparison, all the money I put to get my cooper the way I wanted. Came stock in this vehicle. 2013 fiat Abarth 500

[@SINE382]

Subaruwrxfan I need your help! Been a huge fan of your reviews and need some advice on my next car! I've been looking at the Civic si 2014(new), a slightly used Abarth (4000 cheaper then the si), a barley driven fiesta St (demo1300km 1000 less then the si). I need something fun fun fun with good mileage and decent storage. Not concerned about passenger rear seat space. The civic and the Abarth are lower on insurance for me over the fiesta St. Thanks for the advice. :)

[@SpudEater]

LOCO Who seriously cares what you look to other people on the road? 😂

[@gabemartinez1012]

Nice review, would be nice if you can do your videos in 720p60 like Nick.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I've been looking into it. I prefer 1080p though.

[@KyleSVT]

subaruwrxfan Yea I'm not a fan of 60fps on KZbin for regular camera footage (Great for gaming videos tho). Seems like its almost sped up more and with lots of camera movements it kinda makes you sick. 60fps looks great when you look at the raw footage but something odd happens when it goes to KZbin. I prefer 1080p at 30fps as well for videos shot handheld

[@aidin67]

KyleSVT Definitely. I think that's the reason movies are shot at 24 fps too.

[@KyleSVT]

Rucifel Good point

[@oONoChanc3Oo]

Scion xb has the shifter in that location too. Just like the ep3 si.

[@thewthew1987]

Exactly how every Fiat owners does, a big smile when they drive

[@muzikjedi]

Nice review! Thanks!

[@BluePCKid120]

Hey Matt, what's his channel? Its not in the description and you said he had one during the video,

[@JugularJon]

Me!