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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  Absolutely Love it! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By bdscre - April 18 - 4:33 pm

  We bought our Fiesta a little over 2 weeks ago. We immediately took it on a 2000 mile trip. Im 6/4", and I was comfortable even after driving for hours. Not much legroom in the back, but plenty up front. We were amazed about how quiet it was, and how good the fit and finish was. When you close the doors, you get a nice satisfying solid sound, like its well built. It has several options normally only found on bigger cars, like heated leather seats, heated mirrors, sync, a soft-touch dash, and an auto-dimming mirror. So, after 2 weeks, and 2600 miles, we have found a lot to like about it, and I would highly recommend it.

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  Small surprise, makes the Fit feel crass - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By afoxcar - April 2 - 8:06 pm

  I wanted something more refined but still fun, so traded my Fit Sport for a 2008 Accord EX Coupe when they came out. After 2 1/2 years I decided I really didnt like bigger cars, but didnt want to give up the comfort and features Im used to. The Fiesta SES fits the bill perfectly. Its amazingly refined for a small car. Its QUIETER than my Accord was. It also has the magic mix of fun and frugal. In my 5-speed, its not fast in hard numbers, but always feels willing and able, never slow, and the engine stays smooth when revved hard. Handling is excellent. I was surprised by the grip and agility this car has, along with feel-some steering. Interior lighting package is really cool.

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  If the following are true, you probably want one: - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Cam of the Westside - February 17 - 12:51 pm

  1) You dont need a ton of space for passengers or cargo. Its perfectly reasonable for everyday use, but 4 adults wont be comfortable for more than an hour, and it doesnt have the kind of cargo space to pack more than for like a couples long weekend. 2) You can put up with a stiff ride and some wind noise. The suspension is very firm; the ride isnt crashy, but it is firm. If you open the windows above about 60mph, there is buffeting. Thats it. This thing is a riot, start to finish: energetic, fun, easy to drive, agile beyond its competition, and surprisingly connected and cohesive. It performs with a lovely balance and sort of cleanliness to its handling. The shifter isnt good, but it works well and a shift kit is easy to install. The steering is actually communicative, and is well-weighted with a nice ratio. The engine is charming: revs hard into the limiter and always wants more, with an adorable medium-pitched bellow under throttle. Theres a bit of lag and torque steer, but nothing that detracts from the experience. The handling is as good as the magazines say it is: great turn-in, and puts the power down well coming out of a turn. Brakes are strong and easy to modulate. Youll get mileage in the high 20s even if you drive like a maniac. Base seats, by the way, are fine, or at least not bad. I didnt feel bad about saving the $2k by skipping the Recaros.

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  2016 Ford Fiesta - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By LouAnn Madrid - January 4 - 8:57 pm

  So far I really like the car although I have not received my $300 off the car they promised they would make a payment which I have not got a confirmation of as of yet

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  The death of the Manual Trans is only a rumor - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Jeff Hurckes - November 30 - 8:25 pm

  This vehicle is downright amazing for a commuter car that can go out onto the track and still have fun. Yes, it still has that cheap car build quality issues, such as road noise, but it has it where it counts. Out-corners and out-brakes most anything on the road, and acceleration is nothing to shake a stick at either.

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  Most fun car Ive owned! - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By LMc - November 27 - 12:06 am

  Watch the Ken Block videos driving the ST on YouTube

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  1.0 Ecoboost - Fun, cheap, efficient, quick, fun - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By michaelmoran87 - November 25 - 8:51 am

  Fair warning that the Ecoboost version of the Fiesta only comes with a manual transmission. Also consider that the front of the car is very spacious and comfortable, but if you push the front seats all the way back youll have trouble fitting anything other than a child in the back. You can fit people back there if you need to, but youll need to schooch forward. I personally dont like to schooch. Its best to think of the Ecoboost Fiesta as a fun and practical drivers car, but certainly not a family vehicle. This car is amazingly fuel efficient while packing way more punch than ANY Prius. When you need to move, youll move and even be pulled back in your seat just a little bit thanks to that turbo. Unlike a Honda Fit, which is also a fairly zippy car, the engine wont be screaming at you when youre cruising on the highway either. The Fiesta hums at a quiet 2,500 RPM when youre moving at 75 MPH. Now, I said you should look at this as a drivers car because of the manual transmission. A lot of driving enthusiasts are going to mainly have their eyes on a Fiesta ST, but heres the rub. The Ecoboost will get you 45 miles per gallon on the highway, is exceptionally quiet and comfortable and has all the power you could ever need in real world driving. Its a much more practical choice and still quite fun to drive. Heres the big thing, though. The Ecoboost is also much, much cheaper. Theres a bit of a trick to this. My Ecoboost had an MSRP of $18,575. It came fully loaded with the moon roof and comfort package (you cant get certain options such as the touch screen system on the Ecoboost.) I got my car brand new for $15,000 with minimal negotiation. The thing is that a Fiesta ST only comes with a manual transmission, but theyre in demand. In comparison, dealerships cant even find somebody to test drive the Ecoboost, because anyone who actually knows how to drive a manual only has eyes for the ST. If you find an Ecoboost thats already on the lot, the dealership will be desperate to ensure you walk out the door with it. You name your terms and theyll jump through the hoops. The 3 Cylinder Fiesta Ecoboost is an excellent combination of practicality, fun and price. A rare hidden gem that will be difficult to ever find pre-owned because youll be hard pressed to find someone interested in selling theirs. Plus, mechanically its just a neat little car. Lots of clever engineering makes it a unique and interesting choice for car nerds.

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  Ford Fiesta 2016 - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Ali - August 10 - 11:42 pm

  Its a great vehicle with a best price from Huntington Beach Ford.

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  Small but a blast - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By michael surrency - July 27 - 8:43 am

  This car is almost a good family car being a hatchback....put for pure joy of driving it is a 4 1/2 star ... Small fast great steering FUN in town and great in the mountains...for what you pay this thing ROCKS

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  FUN, FUN, FUN - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By MAG - May 19 - 8:14 am

  Im 54 years old, and with the ST Im a teenager again. I have owned 50+ cars, and this one is by far the best handling car I have ever owned. If you like small cars that have great handling, accelerate quickly, and get decent gas mileage - this is your car. The Nav. and Sync are easy to use. The Recaro seats hold you in place really well.