Fiat Cinquecento (93-98) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Cheap, neatly styled and great fun to drive. All models are inexpensive to run and the 1.1 Sporting is nippy enough for longer trips. The only downside is the flimsy and lightweight feel to the Cinquecento, which feels like it will crumple like an empty coke can in any collision. Be sure to check the condition of the bodywork and trim carefully before purchasing and do not expect wonders on the motorway. Otherwise, the Cinquecento is great around town, feels agile, and is great fun to drive.
2.5 out of 5

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2.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£5,502 - £7,535

Used price range:

£131 - £431

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Low ownership costs; cheeky character; nimble around town

Feels a bit flimsy and lightweight.

Cheap, neatly styled and great fun to drive. All models are inexpensive to run and the 1.1 Sporting is nippy enough for longer trips. The only downside is the flimsy and lightweight feel to the Cinquecento, which feels like it will crumple like an empty coke can in any collision. Be sure to check the condition of the bodywork and trim carefully before purchasing and do not expect wonders on the motorway. Otherwise, the Cinquecento is great around town, feels agile, and is great fun to drive.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    2.5 out of 5

    "Nippy around town and responsive at low revs, the Cinquecento can struggle on hills and certainly..."

  • Handling

    2.5 out of 5

    "Although the ride is a little firm and unforgiving on bumpy surfaces, the Cinquecento is firmly..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2 out of 5

    "The upright seats in the front ensure ample headroom and legroom, even for taller people, but this..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "Unlike most modern rivals, which are small on the outside and deceivingly spacious within, the..."

  • Equipment

    1.5 out of 5

    "Cheapest way into the Cinquecento range is the 900 (badged 900S from June 95). This is the..."

  • Behind the wheel

    2.5 out of 5

    "The Cinquecento is fun to drive and has ace handling thanks to its precise steering and firm hold..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4.5 out of 5

    "The Cinquecento is a top value-for-money car and ideal for younger drivers with low budgets. If..."

  • Green credentials

    0 out of 5

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    1 out of 5

    "The questionable safety standards of the Cinquecento were marginally improved on the follow-up..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "The Cinquecento is a little fragile and the frustrating niggles spoil what is a generally dependable..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2.5 out of 5

  • Buying used

    2.5 out of 5

    "No longer available new, the Cinquecento was succeeded by the Seicento in 1999, but there are still..."

  • Selling

    2 out of 5

    "There is a dwindling demand for the aging Cinquecento, although it is an ideal car for young, first..."

Gallery

  • Interior Fiat Cinquecento (93-98)
  • Exterior Fiat Cinquecento (93-98)
  • Exterior Fiat Cinquecento (93-98)
  • Exterior Fiat Cinquecento (93-98)

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Owners' reviews