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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  5 Things I Love & Hate About This Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Caleb - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I Love: 1. The Gas Mileage (29 city/ 38 highway) 2. The Price ($19,000 with all packages) 3. The Features (heated seats, interior lighting, Sirius xm, push-to-start ignition, hands-free phone mode, temperature control, leather covered steering wheel, etc.) 4. The design (lights, body, interior are all stylish, no road noise) 5. The stock security system I Hate: 1. That there are no stock arm rests 2. There are very limited Sedan models out on the market 3. how the stock shifting knob is plastic 4. The hands-free device doesnt always recognize the voice commands you give it 5. the stock seats have a weird design printed on them.

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  Feisty Fiesta!! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Goodfellas76 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a very COOL little ride. Wanted to downsize from V6 for better MPG. Bought SES with cloth heated seats, heated mirrors, etc and the dual-clutch tranny. Heats up REAL quick. Interior is best in class better grade materials than more expensive car. Handles great and has plenty of pick-up (though, havent driven with more than two people in it, yet). Also not driving it to get a ton of fun out of it (being conservative for higher MPG). Automatic is really good but sort of feels like its slipping sometimes. Looks great on the outside in the Blue metallic! Not sure about MPG yet or reliability (have only had a couple days) BUT Ford has been on a roll! No worries!

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  Transmission Problems! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Not a Fiesta! - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my fiesta at the end of July. I have just over 2,000 miles on my fiesta and it is in the shop as we speak getting a new transmission! I am very disappointed in the car it has never shifted (automatic) the way you would expect. Failed attempts to reprogram/repair the transmission have left me car-less as I get a new transmission. I spoke to a representative from corporate ford and asked if these transmission problems were common among the new design. He asked me how much I liked the SYNC system, ignored my question and the fact my brand-new car is not worth the money or headache.

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  Loving my FIESTA SEDAN! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By christos - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I recently picked up my new fiesta sedan SE, and very happy, find it to be an excellent choice, because i do a lot of km per year, i will save on fuel. For the money, i got all the options i wanted. I chose the SEDAN, because i travel a lot, and wanted a trunk that locks and fits / protects my belongings, plus i think it looks cute. On the highway, this car actually stays in line and doesnt get affected by crosswinds, which it typical in this size of car, but it drove like a bigger car. i wanted to write this review to share my thoughts and mention that this is a terrific all around vehicle that will suit many people. :) test drive it and you will see what i mean

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  As Advertised - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Thomas McGill - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I was in the market for C size car but decided to give the Fiesta a go. After test driving I knew I was going to buy one. No longer does "cheap featureless small American car" have to go together. Acceleration is more than adequate. Braking and handling is great, quite a bit better than expected. I have little need for cargo space, but I could see how others may be turned off by the fact the seats dont fold flat. This is a well rounded car that small tweaks will make it even better. I dont recommend this car in city stop and go, fuel mileage will be at the bottom of the range and it is rough if you just try to roll. If you do anything else (I live in a suburban/rural area, its great)

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  Fiesta everything I expected - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By JDF - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive been watching the development of the North American Ford Fiesta for some time now. Europeans love Fiestas, and they are a tough customer to please. They have many fine sub compacts to choose from and the Fiesta leads the pack. I was afraid the Fiesta might suffer in translation to America, but it didnt. There is nothing about this vehicle that I find fault with. Yes, some accommodation must be made for its small size, but the front-seat passengers will find it as comfortable as almost any other car of any type. The same is true of its super-efficient engine. Its not a Mustang, but it will keep up with traffic just fine. The better than advertised mileage Im getting is a big plus.

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  Completely Satisfied - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Chris - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I cant say enough good things about this car. The fuel efficiency is amazing. I have the super fuel economy package and on a level surface going 65 I easily get 47 MPG. The handling is unbelievable, the tires hold on to the road amazingly well on turns. The SYNC package is convenient and I use it daily to make calls and select music (the voice recognition software could use an upgrade). A six hour trip to Las Vegas flew by in no time, after about 3 hours of driving my back-seat passenger wondered if wed driven for more than an hour (Though he is only about 56"). The car feels solid when you drive it and theres virtually no road noise. The ride is smooth and quite going over 100mph.

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  Powershift Automatic Transmission Failed - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Arizona SunDevil - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Lime Squeeze Green color is attention getting. Automatic transmission failed at 660 miles while on a road trip from Arizona to California. Transmission apparently is brand-new to Ford in the USA and Ford dealer in Riverside, CA didnt know how to fix it properly. Called Ford Zone Customer Service and filed complaint. A brand new vehicle should not required a complete transmission replacement at 660 total miles.

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  Buena Fiesta! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By mark - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the little car! Its a blast to drive, it parks like a mini, handles like a go-kart and (as my wife says) it looks cute. So here is my breakdown: Pros: Performance (Ford nailed it with the DCT transmission. The dual clutch really wakes up the little powerplant and makes you feel like you have some real horses under the hood, plus you dont have the "shift lag" of a normal automatic - I was leaning toward the manual, until I drove the automatic - get the latter) Fuel Economy (Ive gotten 34 combined hwy and city, and I tend to drive fast - ok, too fast) Price (its a great car at an affordable price. That said, it is really an entry-level car, dont expect Mercedes-level features)

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  Great Car! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Mike - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful car with great build quality, a great ride and great handling. Ive had this car nearly a month now and I must say that Im very impressed with it overall. Overall, Ford has hit a home run with this car. I was considering a Honda Fit but chose the Fiesta instead. It simply had a superior ride. Having said that though, it was a tough choice given the the versatility of the Fit. If the Fiesta and the Fit had a baby together, it would be a perfect car. On the refresh of the Fiesta, at the very least, Ford should have the rear seats fold flat and ditch the huge rear headrests. In order to fold the seats flat I have to remove mine. The Fit has the superior design here.