Overview & Reviews

Unlike buying a sports car or luxury cruiser, purchasing an economy car isn't usually an occasion to celebrate. Yet with belt-tightening just about everywhere you look, the virtues of value and fuel efficiency are becoming just as important and appealing as eye-watering acceleration and sumptuous comfort. Ford tapped into these potentially changing tastes with its subcompact Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta provides levels of refinement, sportiness and style that not too long ago were unthinkable in the economy class. We've found that the entry-level Ford boasts not only impressive comfort, enjoyable driving dynamics and an inviting cabin but also unexpected features like keyless ignition and Ford's Sync system. In other words, the Ford Fiesta is a winner. Even if you never thought you'd drive a subcompact car, it may be time to reconsider.

Current Ford Fiesta
The four-door Ford Fiesta subcompact is offered as a sedan and hatchback in S, SE and Titanium trim levels. The high-performance ST model is available only as a hatchback.

All but the ST come standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 120 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, but a six-speed automated manual is optional. Optional for the SE is a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder EcoBoost engine that makes 123 hp. It only comes with a five-speed manual transmission and boasts an impressive estimated 37 mpg combined. The ST boasts a turbocharged 1.6-liter four with 197 hp and comes only with a six-speed manual. With a 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds, the ST is a quick little car.

The S trim's standard features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, power locks and mirrors, Bluetooth phone connectivity and an audio system with a CD player and an iPod/USB interface. The SE adds keyless entry, power windows, cruise control, a trip computer, a front center armrest and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Titanium's added highlights, some of which are optional on the SE, include alloy wheels, foglamps, keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, the MyFord Touch interface, Sync Services (traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions) and an upgraded audio system with both satellite and HD radio. The Fiesta ST's perks include unique bodywork, a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels, high performance tires, quicker steering, upgraded brakes and sport seats.

Inside, the Fiesta features a soft-touch dash and tight construction that impart a feeling of quality normally lacking in an entry-level car. The Fiesta's controls, especially for the stereo, can be a bit confusing even for the technologically minded, but are at least well placed. In terms of backseat and cargo space, the sedan is competitive with its rivals but the hatchback offers considerably less capacity than Honda's Fit.

On the road, the standard 1.6-liter inline-4 provides refined performance, and with either transmission gets the Fiesta to 60 mph in about 9.5 seconds. The available turbocharged inline-3 is a real gem, providing strong fuel economy, an energetic engine note and exceptional acceleration for the segment. Of course, the ST's power plant is the real thriller in a segment not known for pulse-quickening rides. Regardless of which version you get, the Fiesta boasts excellent steering response and suspension tuning that yields an ideal ride-and-handling balance. Handling is even sharper in the ST and although the ride is firmer as well, it's not too stiff for daily driver duty.

Used Ford Fiesta Models
The current-generation Fiesta bowed for 2011 and was essentially unchanged through 2013. Although otherwise similar, these Fiestas had slightly different styling and did not offer the MyFord Touch electronics interface, ST model or the turbocharged three-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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  Automatic Transmisson problems - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By fiestatranny - February 14 - 2:12 pm

  10,000 miles and I cant put it into reverse or drive and had it towed to nearest Ford Dealership and it runs fine so they tell me they cant "verify the problem"like I made it up! So I do an internet search and find that people all over the country had the same problem. I sent the links the reports of Ford replacing transmissions to the head o the service dept. Only after doing that would the dealership even look at my car. And they found a check engine light and ran a report. They redid some computer issues but still arent sure if they fixed the "unverified" report...is keeping the reports "unverified" Fords way of under reporting how many owners have the same intermittent issues?

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  Dont Listen to Others About the Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By justin022 - February 12 - 3:13 pm

  The fiestas first section of the owners manual clearly states to SET YOUR ENGINE BY DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEEDS. Since this is a unique type of engine, the first 5000 miles are extremely important in the performance of the car from then on out. This simply means dont accelerate at extremely high speeds, dont drive extremely slow. Its that easy. The engine is a manual-automatic and needs to be set. All of the morons on here complaining about jerky transmission and slow acceleration obviously DIDNT READ THE OWNERS MANUAL. Its a great car if you treat it right. At least 38 MPG and it has been very reliable so far. AWESOME.

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  Not SAFE FIESTA - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By sophiec - February 6 - 7:18 pm

  Car had peeling paint, has odor from engine, is not shifting properly, pulling into shopping mall in front of traffic it would not move? My foot was on the gas and it went up in rpms however not go. My child was with me and I was scared because as it decided to go a truck was coming. The car is good on gas but thats not a plus with regards to safety. Its rolls backwards, again as previously stated it has definate transmission issues. Brand new with 6 months under me I should not deal with these issues at hand. Do not purchase this car if you have kids it is not safe acceleration is poor 2nd time, safety is an issue.

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  WOW - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By moustafamoha - January 27 - 8:31 am

  This is an excellent car for the money and shows just how far the economy game has advanced. It is not a sporty car to drive nor is it a smooth luxury ride but it does exactly what it is meant to do and that is to be an excellent commuter car. It is spacious, comfortable, cheap to buy, has features like XM and Bluetooth that are wonderful on the commute, and gets solid gas mileage. The interior and exterior styling are excellent. Im 66

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  Terrible Engine, do not buy this car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By cremebrulee - January 8 - 6:57 am

  I own a 2011 Ford Fiesta SE. Ive had more mechanical problems with it then any other car Ive owned. Bought it new, and has been making a grinding noise since I bought it. Replaced the clutch and is now in the shop again for the 3rd time, they cannot figure out what the grinding noise is? I dont understand how Ford can get away with this? They are not standing by their product. Ive also read, that they were replacing transmissions quietly due to this terrible grinding noise it makes?

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  On the road again - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By spikes1gambit - December 30 - 2:18 pm

  I bought this car new in Feb and have since put over 15,000 miles on it. Ive been through the desert, up over the continental divide, over hills, through woods and stuck in traffic. Average Commute is 38 mpg, Ive hit up to 44 on the hwy. THe back seat is a little cramped and the arm rest is wimpy, other than that, I love hitting the road in my car.

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  THE WORST CAR EVER! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By tamlyn - December 16 - 4:04 pm

  My Ford Fiesta 2011 has been in the garage more than times than I can count with a grinding noise in the transmission. Just got it back the other day from a 2 week stay in the Ford dealer garage, and they told me I had to live with it. How can they justify telling someone that , that has had this car in and out of the garage from day 1 with the same problem! Now that they put 10000 dollars into this car. The grinding noise has gotten so much worst since they worked on it. Not sure what my next step is but if anyone has any suggestions please e-mail me @ tammycrowder777@hotmail. Im at my wits ends with this car and the Ford company.

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  Ford Fiesta six speed - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By booter09 - December 6 - 5:57 am

  I have bought a 2013 ford fiesta and it is the best choice that you can ever make. I have put three hundred miles in the last three days. Im six foot three and sit very comfortable. The only thing that is weird about this car is the transmission, i have the power shift six speed. Must drive to enjoy

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  Good value ... good car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By wyophil - November 5 - 12:38 pm

  Ive had mine for about a year and a half. Bought with 6,500 miles on it. Great mpg in town and on the highway, usually ranging 37-44. Mine is an automatic (review menu didnt give me that option here). I am a little skittish about the transmission given what Ive heard and read, but no problems here. I dont drive it too hard no jack-rabbit starts. Comfortable, pretty decent leg room. Back seats wouldnt be good for a long trip. Trunk is very roomy. Handles really well, even after 18K miles. Sync is so-so. Pairing, voice quality all above average, but voice recognition is sub-par. Often misinterprets what its told to do. Fit, finish are good, but console seems plasticky. Overall a 4 of 5.

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  DO NOT BUY! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By mws5535 - October 23 - 7:40 am

  I might as well copy and paste the many comments I on here as mine as the same. Weve had the car for a year and all of the same issues are happening - transmission or clutch system replaced, shifting issues, been in the shop, going back in now because it just wont turn over - it is like owning a wind up toy. BUY FOREIGN CARS ONLY! AMERICAN VEHICLES...AND I HAVE OWNED A FEW...SUCK!!! My 2007 Hyundai has been a great car. [non-permissible content removed.]