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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  Better than I expected. - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By tonysf - March 30 - 12:28 pm

  We have owned our 2012 Ford Fiesta for 2000 miles and love it. On a trip to Fresno,CA from Bakersfield we received 41 mpg driving 70+ miles per hour. I thought that was great but I knew that I could improve. From Quartside, AZ to Bakersfield I received 48 mpg. I was averaging 65 mph and using coasting techniques in the mountains. I do not have a cruise control so my miles per hour sometimes crept upwards. My last trip from Santa Barbara I got 49 mpg. I know I can get 50 mpg. These are hybrid numbers amazing. P.S. this a 4-door sedan with a 5-speed transmission. Thanks Ford Tony C

• 

  Fun to Drive but Squealing Clutch - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By cventrice - March 14 - 10:47 pm

  Overall, I like the performance and design features of my Ford Fiesta. The base S model is very affordable and it comes with several features such as ABS and stability control that are not normally standard in the base model. The car is a little slow in city driving but handles and accelerates well on the highway. Unfortunately, the car that I bought has had persistent problems with a squealing noise when the clutch pedal is depressed. It started the morning after I purchased the car. The dealer replaced the slave cylinder/throwout bearing assembly after 600 miles. It squealed again the morning after I picked the car up and has been intermittently squealing ever since then.

• 

  Well...its a $16k car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By mrj88 - January 25 - 10:37 am

  Ive had my Fiesta for a year now and have enjoyed it overall. Love the styling and lime squeeze paint. Consistent 35mpg is great, and most importantly its never left me stranded. Nice little car. Heres the *but*. While the car seems solid mechanically, there have been a bunch of little issues that remind me that Im definitely not driving an $21k Jetta/Civic/Impreza/etc. Already had to have some loose items under the hood tightened down, weather stripping replaced, quirky door locks, and random squeaks/creaks that come and go. Nothing over the top, but enough to make me wonder if I should have paid a little extra to get something a little more "tight". Only time will tell.

• 

  Ford Fiesta SES (2011) - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By maristy - January 17 - 9:45 pm

  I agree and fully enforce edmonds review of this vehicle. I decided to write this review because my previous car was a 2008 Ford Edge SEL and I NEVER thought I would move to a sub compact. I am 60 ft tall. The very first time I sat in it I was completely comfortable. I am a stickler for arm and leg room. I dont like feeling squished at all. This car has a big car feel, more fuel value and a lower mo. payment! I did not want to compromise my safety or comfort. My black (w. sparkles) Fiesta came with preferred options like heated seats, moon roof, ambient lighting and folding rear seats that extend the trunk space considerably. Needless to say it fits a lot more than I expected. Great car!

• 

  Still lookin good - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By baron_bodissey - January 13 - 8:04 pm

  After 16 months and 15,000 miles, Im still happy with my 2011 Fiesta SE with 6 speed auto tran. This was after an 18-year love affair with 1992 Mustang LX 5.0, so you can imagine the culture shock of a 1.6L, 120hp engine. In almost a year and a half I have had exactly one problem with the Fiesta -- a rear window weatherstripping came loose. The Fiesta is a slug off the line -- 35mpg in town makes up for that -- but once revs build it becomes downright zippy, it holds Interstate speeds just fine, and really likes corners. The auto transmission is quirky but most of the time is fairly smooth. The interior and exterior are in good shape so far. Oh, the clock is 2 minutes slow -- always.

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  Ford Fiesta Transmission Problems - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By j2cub - December 9 - 9:07 am

  Well my Ford Fiesta had less than 1800 miles on it when the transmission started chattering while holding a steady traffic speed of 30 MPH after it warmed up. Now it does it bad between 30 and 55 MPH, still after it is warmed up. ItÂ’s fine when itÂ’s cold. Also twice after putting 2900 miles on the car, the transmission would not release when trying to stop at a stop light. It drove me through a red light, TWICE. It was as if I was driving a manual transmission car and forgot to put the clutch in. Scared me to death, but IÂ’m forced to keep driving it. Took it to Kline Motors, a Ford dealership in Winfield KS. They said they worked on it for 2 hours and charged over $172 and did nothing.

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  Great, affordable car - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By bayoubus - December 7 - 7:26 pm

  I got a basic model Fiesta at a steal of a price after my hand-me-down car from college suddenly needed a new engine. I didnt have much time to shop around because my job requires transportation, so I was apprehensive about the sudden purchase but couldnt turn down the deal I got on this car. I dont regret it! I previously owned a Toyota Echo that drove great but always felt a little flimsy on the road. I dont get this feeling at all with the Fiesta. Its stylish, drives great, feels solid and it gets awesome gas mileage. Im pretty tall and I never feel smashed into this car despite its subcompact size. Perfect for a purchase on a budget. I didnt feel like I was sacrificing anything.

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  My pony replacement - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By carmelsmom - December 3 - 10:54 pm

  I just purchased my new 2012 ford "puddlejumper". I purchased this to drive during the winter while my Stang is in storage. I cant tell you how happy I am with this vehicle. There has not been on second that I have had regrets about this purchase. The motor isnt even broke in yet and I got 42 MPG driving from my home with is on the west side of Michigan to my daughters home on the east side of the state. It only took 4 gallons of gas! Ford has done a great job on the design of this car. I bought the basic model with manual roll down windows etc. I did install keyless entry and cruise is next on the list. LOVE MY CAR!!!

• 

  gear whine in 5th gear - 2012 Ford Fiesta
  By ironroad99 - December 2 - 9:04 am

  Like everything about this car except transmission gear whine in 5th gear (manual transmission), like traveling on the highway so not good. Dealer says they will rebuild the transmission but Im thinking there is too big of downside to that. Waited a long time to get a new car and a Ford so really dissapointing, will probably drive a year and trade.

• 

  Probably not best - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By cars77 - November 24 - 11:29 am

  This car is probably not the best for your money. I have the SFE with auto trans and the trans is very jerky and makes strange noises and movements like it doesnt know what gear to be in from 0-30 mph. The car has 9000 miles and ford said to change oil every 10000 so that is what i was going to do. Around 5000, checked the oild and it was low so i added some. Around 8800 checked again and was again low so i added some. So i called the dealership and they said the would get it in 2 weeks. Took it to the dealership and said there was nothing wrong. That is just the oil problem. Also took it to the delership for a backfire that happened as i was merging. Ford says nothing wrong to that too.