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 221 through 230 of 297.00
  • Very nice but needs some obvious changes - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Overall a very nice car but it could have just been simply amazing with just a few simple and small things to change it. Its a shame really but still a good car. Just sad to see something that could have been amazing reduced to just good when it is so easy to do the few small things

  • Fun, Fit and Finish - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    We have now had our new Fiesta SES hatchback for about a month, and put about a thousand miles on it. We have the Powershift 6-spd automatic (not listed as an option the Edmunds review?) The car is fun to drive, has good handling, adequate power, and great gas mileage. It looks great, and it has been perfect so far. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a small, fun, economical car - its not an econobox - its a great car that happens to be efficient.

  • Finally Took the Plunge! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Originally interested in the Mazda 2 and the Honda Fit. Although the Fit was impressive with its huge cargo space, the ride proved tinny and the vehicle offered no pickup. The Mazda 2 gave us better pickup, but the ride was noisy and bumpy on the side roads we drove on. At the last minute, we made the decision to check out the Fiesta and it was love at first sight. It looks like a "sportsover" - the look of a sports car from the front and the look of a miniature crossover from the rear. The drive is quiet and the car takes all the turns well. As far as the mileage goes, weve had the car for about two weeks and are still on the same tank of gas. Interior is impressive as well as roomy.

  • Dual Clutch Auto Transmission Failure!! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission failed at 530 miles. The selling dealership (Camelback Ford in Phoenix) has no idea how to fix it - took it to another Ford dealer who said "the technicians havent been trained on how to troubleshoot the problem, so Ford has authorized a new transmission installation. I do not want this car if the transmission failed at 530 miles - we drive long distances to Salt Lake City two or three times a month. Want my 2007 Nissan Sentra back - had no problems with that car outside of maintenance! Never buy from Camelback Ford - theyre unhelpful and dont care about after-sale service. Sales Mgr tried to rip us off with added extras we didnt want!

  • The Truth About My Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    The Fiesta is as you have no doubt read, fun to drive. It loves to turn and go around corners and I have had no trouble weaving in and out of Chicago traffic. If you have had SYNC before, you know its quirks, that is all Ill say about that. The stereo is fantastic, much better than the SONY system in my Fusion. The hatch allows you to shove a lot in and the back seats are big enough for smaller people. Many people have written about how quiet the car is, this is not true. The road noise inside this car is tremendously loud, my convertible was quieter with the top down than this thing. If the road noise does not ruin it for you the seats will, they are the worst part of the car.

  • A Winner from Ford - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    This is a real fun car. We have the automatic which is a gem. Gear shifts are seamless and the grade assist is really neat. Telescopic steering wheel allows me to get really comfortable. Ford has a winner here.

  • Sports car for young at heart - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Great little car, traded in Taurus so was bit apprehensive. had for 5 weeks and have little over 710 miles. For in town driving the mileage is sitting at 34 per gal.could not believe for in town. If i do hit highways it is usually only 12-20 miles. Back seat cramped but do not have many in back. Little ole lady to church and store car, trunk is fine, will hold lots of groceries and misc. Color Lime Squeeze, lots of comments and people asking about new Fiesta. Real winner for me. comfortable tight and fun to drive, will see how handles in snow

  • Love My Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    I love the car. I have have been getting excellent gas mileage, I also love the comfort and quiet that the car provides. The power makes it feel like it has more than the 120 hp that the engine has. I only wish that it was a coupe.

  • Sport fun, sore right elbow - 2016 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Love the car in every respect. One change should be made, that is the middle console does not give elbow enough shifting room without hitting.

  • Transmission is awful, seats rusted, cheap car - 2013 Ford Fiesta
    By -

    Powershift SE model. The transmission is awful always jittering, clutch burning out unusually fast, the metal under the seats rusted COMPLETELY in a after leaving the dealership, plastic components in the car are prone to breaking, and not a whole lot of space anywhere. I owned this car for one year and finally washed my hands of it. The transmission is my biggest issue with this car it is absolutelyour awful and causes the clutch to burn early, the dealer only offers replacements not a fix, I would never recommend this car to anyone.

Ford Fiesta Reviews By Year:
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