Ford Fiesta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.58/5 Average
297 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 201 through 210 of 297.00
  • Cute Car, Needs some things addressed. - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    I test drove this car and have decided to put off my purchase till they get some things fixed, see below and I drove the automatic (dual clutch). The car handles well and is very quiet. 1. Please use some heavier moldings where the windshield meets the hood, those on each should be molded plastic instead of soft rubber. 2. Eliminate the crazy/strange striping (piping) on the cloth seat options. 3. Cruise and a nicer (more wattage please) radio should come standard on the SE. 4. Please fix the random jerking of the dual clutch trans and the sometimes unwillingness of the car to downshift. Also 3200-3300 RPM at 70 mph is a bit high. (the trans needs a better warranty)/Needs armrest.

  • Dont get a Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    The car is in the shop right now after putting in only 100 miles.I have an engine light on and a traction control. The technician told me that they have to change the whole engine. They have to order the engine first and it would take probably two weeks to fix it. I bought the car because I read a lot of good reviews from this car. Im very disappointed!!

  • Cool little car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Just hit a little over 3000 miles on my fiesta and so far so good. I love the handling and fuel efficiency. My friend who owns a three series BMW was in my car and we had many of the same features (he didn’t have sync or ambient lighting). One problem has been that the usb and auxiliary jack are too close together. Also I would of liked more horsepower. Overall this is a great little car. Great Job Ford

  • 50/50 Bar - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    This car was chosen by my daughter as it was "new" and had great ads etc. It "looked great" I guess like a pair of shoes. I drove it and gently attempted to talk her out of it after I noticed the window sticker. No the mileage is pretty good if not great but its made in Mexico? I nearly had a myocardial infarction on the spot. I dont want a car made in Mexico, sorry folks its not that I dont like Mexico but honestly I just dont see this as a place that has a history of building great cars that last forever. Last I remember VW built their last beetles there? Anyway, yeah it squeaks, rattles and its getting worse not better, who takes it in. Yep its me. But could be worse?

  • Solid but not stellar - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    3,000 miles into my ownership experience, I have found my Fiesta to be OK. Exterior styling is fine-most heard comment is "cute" On the interior, love the front seats but the back seat leg room is inadequate. No center armrest and somewhat spartan with the SE trim level (no cruise control for instance) Ride is comfortable but already hearing some squeaks from interior trim at higher speeds. Acceleration is what you would expect from a car in this class. Gas Mileage has been 35 mpg with a 60/40 highway/city split. Nice little commuter car but not totally in love.

  • Great value - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    I bought my Fiesta in July (I ordered to my specs), so far Ive driven aprox. 2500 miles. Overall Im satisfied with my purchase, I used to drive an 07 Camry with a 2.4 engine. The Fiesta engine is not as powerful but it will not disappoint you, it will get to highway speeds fast, I feel the car begins to feel a little bit heavy going over 70 mph, at that point you will running at about 3000 rpm. Im getting 34 mpg 50% city 50% Hwy, the Fiesta is quiet on the streets, suspension is good I barely use the SYNC (only to send the vehicle health reports to Ford), for the price this will a good purchase, it will save you money on commute and long trips.

  • Fun Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    I have always been an import fan due to higher quality, better design, and increased dependability. This Ford won me over. I really like this car a lot. It feels more like Hondas felt in the eighties than Hondas do now. It is great fun to drive. The few drawbacks thus far: not much rear-seat room, the PowerShift auto transmission hunts for gears and makes strange shifts sometimes, and the fuel economy is not as good as it should be for a car this size with this amount of power. I am hoping Ford will be able to use direct injection in the future to up the power and economy. I have been converted to a Ford fan-something I never thought I would say.

  • Best in Class! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    I wanted a car with fuel economy and ended up with the Fiesta. Its fun to drive, well built, and the MPG are nice! Its better than a hybrid, in my book, because of the easier maintenance and less effect on the environment (you read that right). Batteries in hybrids are very toxic to manufacture and depose of. I love the handling, features, and design of my Fiesta!

  • What Europeans Have Known For Years... - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Once again, we here in the US have a sampling of Fords European branch with the new Fiesta. Part of a legacy of smaller, nimble hatchbacks (Fiesta, Escort, Focus) that made up the backbone of sales in Europe for years. During my first month of ownership I can safety say the 2011 Fiesta has just as much fun, great styling and economy packed in as the original Focus... but also much more. For under $20k you can have a car appointed as well as any $30k mid-size but with so much more character! Its fluid styling and vibrant colors make it an instant hit no matter where its parked. The winning formula is all there you just have to try it. Go on. You might just be surprised at what you find.

  • SE- 203A, SYNC, Sirius, Graphics. - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    I have been in ownership of my car for almost a month now, and have only had one problem so far. It had the dreaded oil leak, and was put out of commission for three days, but after that, it has been a perfect ride. The interior is really quiet, especially for the vehicles in this class. The only real niggle I have with it, is that at 70 MPH the RPM are at 2,700 which seem a little high, since it is a 6-speed DCT.

Ford Fiesta Reviews By Year:
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