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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  Fun car! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By alliemn - February 26 - 2:39 pm

  I have a 5-door automatic SES with the yellow paint, and I love it! Its zippy and fun to drive. I get lots of compliments on my car. Its been winter in MN for the whole time Ive owned my Fiesta so far, and the car heats up quickly and starts just fine in the cold, though it helps to let it run for couple minutes before driving. I havent had any trouble driving in the snow.

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  2011 fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By oldgeezer5 - January 31 - 5:14 pm

  Bought this se sedan in sept 2010 with auto trans. Have 6500 miles on it now and have never seen under 40mpg on the interstate at 70 to 75mph. City driving never under 30mpg. Very comforable seats front and back although a little short of legroom in back. My wife and I have lower back troubles we had very little compaints after 8 hour drives. Did have a check engine light come on in Florida and scanner found defective solinoid or sensor in evaporative control and emissions system. Ford garage said ok to drive and had part replaced in Ky after 4 day wait. Should mention that the trip to Fl included myself wife and brother in law and thus car was loaded down for a two week stay.

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  Fiesta Wins Hands Down - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By snowcrash7 - January 17 - 10:06 am

  I test drove 3 cars last week. A Mazda 2, which had the dash pressed up against my left knee and smelled of burnt oil after doing 70 on the highway. The Honda Fit Sport, which really surprised me on the highway. I had it at 70 and the engine was over reving, like it wanted to be shifted into a higher gear. I was looking for an over drive button but the dealer who was also in the car said it didnt have one. That was a shocker.

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  Transmission Gone - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By ashley7979 - January 13 - 4:00 pm

  After 1,700 miles, my (automatic) transmission went out. I really picked a winner! lol

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  Fun to drive - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By wolfrat - January 8 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased the Automatic S sedan after I lost my 2003 Saturn Ion 2. I got it for a great deal but felt the price could have been a little lower for a base model. Drives very smooth but could use a little more horsepower. Sound system is alright for a base car, but wish they could at least include rear speakers, and rear mats. Trunk is huge and love the design of the interior. Amazing on gas and love the blind spot mirrors. I was amazed to learn that Fiestas have been produced since 1979, which made me feel comfortable in my choice for a reliable car. Overall, this is a great car for a commuting college student like myself.

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  Go with the Honda Fit - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By tangog - December 22 - 5:38 pm

  I am looking for a commuting car that can eventually be a hand-me-down. I just test drove both the fiesta and the honda fit with my 13 year old son - manual trans for both as I think it is needed on these small cars. After looking at the write-ups that made the fiesta sound great, I thought I would put it to the test. my son and I both thought the fit sport won hands down based on driving impressions and comfort. the fiesta needed to be jump started and smelled afterwards like clutch and brake - could be new car break in, definitely not me because I drive awesome - ha. At 5,000 rpm, it felt like it was going to blow. For die hard ford fans consider the focus - rebates are attractive.

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  Nice but not quite there yet. (dual clutch auto) sedan - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Anonymous - December 15 - 2:11 pm

  The car is very quiet,even on the highway. The engine could use more power/pep. The car inside and out is very stylish. The fit and finish could use some fine tuning. Also, visor extenders when using visors on the side would be a nice touch. Better/nicer quality weather stripping all over esp on the doors wold be nice...Also a heaver black molding instead of soft rubber where the hood meets the windshield would be nice, these items feel like they will not hold up well with the items used.

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  good but poor auto transmission - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By pelach - December 13 - 3:08 pm

  The build quality seems to be quite good. I like the car except for the automatic transmission... it sometimes does not shift logically and lacks power from a stop after it gets going it seems to have adequate power. The stereo is quite good and the cabin is very quiet, although i notice others are complaining of noises that develop with more use. Mileage is not as good as hoped for but I do live up in the hills. Im satisfied except for the automatic transmission goofiness.

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  Love the design - not the transmission or starter! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By fiestyone - December 13 - 8:56 am

  I actually have an automatic & got it in Oct. after a month long wait! Up until winter hit in Minnesota I loved it. Very stylish, comfortable & quiet. I did a comparison with a Honda Fit before deciding on the Fiesta. The Fit just didnt have the get up & go that Fiesta did. Anyway cold weather hit & my Fiesta does not start well. I sometimes hear a grinding noise when starting. Twice now my car wont go into reverse or drive - very frustrating not being able to rely on your car when you need it - especially one with only 4,000 miles on it! What gives??? Also, doesnt feel the safest with roads that are part ice & part dry - wheels tend to throw the car around a lot.

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  Not quite there yet - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Forestpark - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Car Drives and handles well, its very quiet and smooth. The dual clutch automatic helps with mileage buts gets "jerky" sometimes in stop and go traffic. Acceleration is not awful but it sometimes lags, a few more horses would be welcome. Also rpm are way too high on the highway. this car MUST rev a lot to accelerate. it loves 5000 rpm under moderate acceleration.