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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  Excellent Vehicle - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Me - June 30 - 2:46 pm

  (Note: I have the automatic transmission which isnt listed as an option) Dont listen to people complaining about how this vehicle is Mexico this vehicle simply exudes build quality there are no squeaks or rattles over rough pavement, and no misaligned panels. Acceleration is good enough for highway usage. The car is quiet on the highway however, the engine gets a bit loud during acceleration. The car has a Good and balanced ride considering the short wheelbase You may think the trunk is useless and small but, it has a larger internal volume than the civic and corolla. All in all I can see why this is the second best selling new car in Europe

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  Dont buy it - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Tara - May 26 - 3:32 am

  so my ‪#‎2013fordfiesta‬ has had 5 clutch replacements already (its an automatic) I have worked with regional manager Phedre Chevry twice now on this and have NOT been offered reasonable resolve; after all of the aggravation I have requested a full refund of purchase price and have been denied. The customer service has been beyond horrible including me having to hound down reps to contact me and working with incompetent advisors at local dealerships. My car is NOT safe to drive (the recall it self states No Start And/Or Transmission Engagement Or Loss Of Power) Imagine having to deal with that 5 times and yes less than 800 miles since my last clutch and its doing it again!!!!! I WANT MY MONEY BACK AND I NEVER WANT ANOTHER FORD AGAIN!

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  2013 piece of crAP - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Dee - April 28 - 11:45 pm

  Please save yourself a headache stay away from Ford. Have a 2013 Ford fiesta on the 3rd catalyst converter Radio doesnt work had software updated worked 1 day On my 4th set of tires also having throttle replaced who knows whats next. Spare yourself the trouble.

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  Defective Car - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Sandra Cisneros - April 28 - 11:23 pm

  I would not recommend this car to anybody. I bought a ford fiesta 2013 two years ago and since then it has been at the dealership for the transmission clutch. This is the 3rd time the clutch will be replaced. It hesitates and shutters. Overall, I feel like I threw my money down the drain, I bought extended warranty but what if I didnt buy the warranty? I would be paying some dollars to fix it. I dont understand why Is Ford isnt doing nothing to fix this issue. Us consumers are losing money.

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  Love It! Lots of fun! - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Scott - November 25 - 1:04 am

  I couldnt believe the trunk space and ride of this compact car!

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  Mean green machine ROCKS - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Jodi Correll - October 25 - 5:21 am

  UPDATE... Owned the car for 10 months now. Husband uses it as daily driver. Hes over 6 tall and has no issues with comfort. Lots of leg room up front. Car now has 34K on it and we may need tires for upcoming inspection in November, but so far, so good! We bought ours used at a Mercedes dealer, lol, with 25k on it. Looks and drives brand new. The Titanium model comes with absolutely everything you can imagine including heated seats (LOVE this in PA), and backup camera. The navigation system is spot on and Ford Sync finally got their act together. Recognizes commands like a charm. Opt for the 5 speed manual, and youll have no worries about Fords crazy "automatic/manual" shift transmission problems. We get higher than the advertised mileage and love all the little extras, generally reserved for a luxury car. My HUSBAND loves the crazy lime green as much as I do!

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  2011 Fiesta HB SE-Great Car! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By dawndjs - September 3 - 2:03 pm

  I have had my car for 3 weeks today and have gone 3000 miles thus far. This car exceeds my expectations in gas mileage, handling and features. Fiesta is quiet (no road noise) and the auto volume adjustment is great when you open/close the window and change speeds. Living in the mountains I needed a car that could handle the climb and has good cornering: this car does it and still gets good mileage. Fiesta is able to maintain its speed going up steep terrain without a problem. Ford has outdone itself with this little gem. It is very affordable with all the features added as well as feels like youre in a higher class car.

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  An Amazingly well designed piece of Car. - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Benjamin Sodos - December 18 - 8:15 pm

  The Ford Fiesta ST, although carrying that ridiculous name, is by far one of the best designed vehicles for the dollar i have ever driven. The Cars designers wen in on Day 1 and said OK how much do we have? OK! Lets put it all in the Handling, Transmission, and Engine, and whatevers left we will add into the interior. The ST has the shittiest door handles you;ll ever see, and the pedals are missing a dead pedal which is absolutely essential for a manual drive car. The Cup holders are ridiculously close to the Handbrake, and the rear view mirror reminds me of my 87 300Z. Here is where the 5 stars come in. The Controls are all fully purposed and perfectly designed. The nav is amazing! I would even say it is better than Google maps in some respects. The handling is both fully responsive and light, and the car just pulls forever with that clean running turbo. The transmission pulls you towards the next gear but doesnt fight you when you try and force it down one. All this handling, power, and responsiveness, and still has a really good Sony Stereo. The optional recaro seats are a complete must as they hug and comfort you every turn you take. My previous car was a 350Z and this car is much more fun to drive, and feels so much lighter on the turns vs having to wrangle the car into them. I highly recommend the ST to anyone who is looking for a fun commuter, but doesnt want to lost the sports car fun.

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  Great Value - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By FordConvert - August 5 - 1:23 am

  My Fiesta replaces a Civic Si sedan. Before, I had a Passat followed by a GTi. The Fiesta is down on power and size, but it is the equal to those cars in all other respects. I got way more for my money than I expected. It is quiet, comfortable and good looking both inside and out. It handles great and feels substantial on the highway. I chose the Fiesta because I planned to give it to my oldest child eventually, but I really like it for me. It is small and a modest performer, but it does not feel like budget transportation in any way. If you are looking for a small car for your commute (rather than the family), I sincerely recommend the Fiesta. My SE hatch is an outstanding value.

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  Fiesta st - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Bobby Peckham - July 1 - 6:40 am

  Love the car very fun to drive