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:

• 

  More than what you expect, but know what you are buying - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By chicoandee - October 20 - 3:24 pm

  First, I must say that Ive read some horrible reviews on the transmission of this car. It is sold as an automatic, but it is actually a manual with a computer controlled clutching system. It ran well until about 500 miles when after it broke in, some hesitation in shifting and noises could be heard - just like a manual transmission. This is normal but the dealers should be upfront about this. Other than that, MPG is as advertised, it has lots of interior creature comforts, and overall I am very happy with the car.

• 

  Would not recommend this car to my worst enemy! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By jennillicious - September 28 - 3:15 am

  This was my very first brand new car. I was very excited when I test drove it. Bought it with only 20 miles on it. At first I truly loved it. I was also sold on it having a supposed Sirius XM radio. (It does NOT by the way! so do not be tricked by the button on the dash labeled "SIRIUS" as I was) I have had it for 10 months and have put a little over 9,000 miles on it. It developed an oil leak and has been to service twice for the transmission. It stalled out on the interstate while I had my children with me and we had to be towed home right after the dealership gave it back to me saying they had repaired the transmission. This car is very unsafe and I am just so disappointed and angry!

• 

  2012 Ford Fiesta - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By ryans93 - September 17 - 1:22 pm

  Ive had my 2012 Fiesta hatchback 5-spd manual for about 15k and overall I am very pleased with the car. It has lots of technology features, and is a lot of fun to drive. The Fiesta feels solid and like a larger car when youre driving it, it does not feel cheap and insubstantial. The little 1.6 provides decent performance, it is not fast but does okay. The trade off for that is superb fuel economy. The 5-speed manual shifts great and the clutch is perfect. The interior is full of high quality, soft-touch materials and a great design. It is quiet and comfortable as well. The Fiesta makes you feel like you got more than what you paid.

• 

  Shifting/ automatic - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By ldouglass - September 6 - 8:02 am

  I bought this car in May of 2012 with only 5 miles on it. At first I loved it but after I hit around 4,000 miles I noticed the car wouldnt shift properly. When I brought it into the dealer they said it was normal for this car. I dont care if it is normal or not. It is dangerous. Sometimes it wont shift very well at all. Hesitating and feels like it will stall at any minute. Hills are the worst, very hard to get up them. I feel this car will cause an accident for some. I dont recommend it. Not only does it spit and sputter shifting up but you can also hear the clunking of the transmission when it shifts down. I have a feeling there will be a recall on this car.

• 

  uncomfortable - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By barryz - September 4 - 12:06 am

  I am only 5 ft 67 in tall, but my right knee is sore from rubbing on center console after a 300 mile drive, hurts even on short drives, and it seems i always hit the windshield wiper stalk to the on position when i get in car, even tho i am aware its there, my arm hits it every time i get in. Automatic trans shifts well and car is smooth and quiet at 80mph.

• 

  Bad car to buy - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By stran00 - August 30 - 1:14 am

  Car is very small inside. Driver side window wont roll up all the way after one year. I will bring back to the dealer this weekend and see what happen. I was thinking of supporting American economy by buying this brand new Ford Fiesta 2011. But the quality are disappointing.

• 

  Nice little car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By edva - August 18 - 8:56 pm

  2011 5-spd, with 7500 miles. Positives: very satisfied overall, fun to drive, great design, averaging 41 mpg highway and town (not city) driving, comfortable ride, excellent handling, good brakes, reasonably quiet. Negatives: slightly underpowered, but OK for the mileage it gets, could use a sixth gear on the manual, rpms are a bit high at speed, mine is white, looks great but the undercoat is black, and the paint chips very easily, leaving black holes in the finish, no cabin air filter, and squirrels ate the insulation from under the hood, which the dealer wouldnt cover, even though in my opinion this is a design oversight on Fords part.

• 

  Its like buying a hybrid without paying extra - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By raj58 - August 14 - 1:10 pm

  I love the fuel efficiency of Ford Fiesta. It gives me 40-42 mpg on my daily commute and 50-54 mpg on highways. I also like its cute looks, the spacious interior, the safety features like 7 airbags, blind spot mirrors, and capless fule inlet. On negative side, there is no arm rest for the driver, the lights are not automatic and the pick up is somewhat slow.

• 

  beware of oil leak!! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By fiesta1 - August 12 - 8:23 pm

  Bought this car yesterday with 20 miles, today at home I woke up and went to see the under of the car and it was leaking oil from the union of the tranny and engine in one of the bolts, so I did research and saw it is a common issue for the fiesta, I got mad and called the dealer and they swap it out for another one which does not leak, make sure to check if it is leaking before you buy, other than that awesome car, also the tranny is very noisy and the automatic shift feels weird. I cant believe a new car can leak oil what a shame ford

• 

  Not safe to drive on hills!! - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By disappionted60 - July 25 - 1:08 pm

  I have always been happy with Fords - until I bought this Fiesta 2 months ago. I dont drive in the mountains, just some hills. There is a stop light at the base of the driveway into the place I work. The car cannot reach the 35 mph speed limit!! I stay in 2nd gear - the tach is over 3500 rpms - shift to 3rd and it slows down! Same problem on the highway - its ok if Im dong 60+ but otherwise, I watch the mph go down. down shifting doesnt do any good. Its a busy road with lots of semis. Dealer says its normal, nothing wrong with the car. I need to learn how to downshift. I have a co-worker with an automatic Fiesta hatchback... has the same problems.