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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  Great Purchase - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Matthew - May 18 - 4:56 pm

  Weve owned this car for 2 weeks now, and it has been a pleasure to drive. Were used to driving a Mazda Miata manual shift, and while the Fiesta is not a sports car, it comes real close to having a sports car experience. And were amazed at how quiet the cabin is, even driving next to trailer trucks in heavy traffic.

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  After 1 week - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By hoppfam56 - May 6 - 8:20 am

  We purchased this vehicle "off the lot" a little more than a week ago and have been quite pleased thus far. The ride is exceptional. This car is fun to drive. This is an excellent 2nd vehicle for getting back and forth to work. After one week, the vehicle got 32 MPG in a suburban commuter setting.

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  Not worth 2 cents and that is a lot - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By kwaitier@gmail.com - February 24 - 7:26 pm

  Would not recommend this car for anyone. It is a hazard and the dealership that I went to does not have any answers to the problems I have had and been there way too many times and the last time i just realized they (Ford) was never going to do anything about it.

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  Still the Best little car Ive ever owned - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Forazda Dave - February 7 - 10:30 pm

  Not sure why others are having so many complaints, in 27,461 miles I have had zero problems and zero complaints. This is the most perfect reliable, fuel efficient car I have ever owned, and this is number 40 in 31 years. I love everything about this Fiesta! For those who dont know, it is a Mazda 2 with the Ford Fiesta badge. Ford gave it the Kinetic energy body styling, but its a Mazda 2. My Fiesta is now near 40,000 miles. I still have not had one problem with my Fiesta. The transmission continues to shift perfectly quiet and smooth all the time. Up shifts and down shifts are flawless and cannot be felt. The engine is still quiet, powerful and very fuel efficient, starts effortlessly every time. Handling and ride still amazes me for as small as the car is. I still love everything about this little car and wouldn’t trade it for anything else on the road today. Almost 40,000 miles and zero problems, take it to my local Ford dealership for regular oil and filter changes and no problems.

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  Outstanding! - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Firesail - February 4 - 2:26 pm

  SES Hatchback is amazing. Handling is a dream with plenty of power and stopping. Sync system and audio are simply great. Ford has hit a real grand slam with this. I hope a lot of people buy this car as I feel that they really have done it right. This is truly the Fit beater.

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  Another great hot hatch from the experts at Ford - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By ksvtguy170 - January 7 - 1:17 am

  As a fan of hot hatchbacks and former owner of an SVT Focus, Id had my eye on the Fiesta ST since it was first introduced. When I heard 2017 was the last year of the current iteration and Ford dealers started to offer incentives on STs, I knew it was time to pounce on this cult car, which has received about the most unanimously positive automotive press I can recall. And amazingly, the ST is as good as they say--a pure drivers car disguised as a "cute" econobox. Ford absolutely nailed the steering, braking, transmission, power, throttle response, and handling with this car. I have driven a few Porsches, and the way the Fiesta ST feels to drive is, amazingly, at a comparable level of precision and balance. If Porsche built an FWD car, this is what it would be like. The SVT Focus was a gem in almost all ways (power was fairly meh, though), but the Fiesta ST is almost shockingly better, except for ride quality (the one impossible-to-deny fault of the ST). Even city driving is enjoyable because of the telepathic, precise controls, small size and nimbleness, and friendly clutch. But twisty roads or freeway on-ramps are the places youll really appreciate how good this car is. Its hilarious fun to drive. Drawbacks: The aforementioned ride, which does smooth out on the highway, but can be brutal on broken pavement. And yes, its small inside. If you routinely carry four adults and their luggage, get something else. Mine is already developing buzzy/rattly interior pieces, and I fear that problem will get a lot worse. Reliability is a concern with Fiestas, and I havent been super impressed by Ford service departments in my area--fingers crossed. Otherwise, I cant find any faults. Its a remarkable car and every drive is a thrill. Its worthy of every bit of the hype.

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  Ford Fiesta with UNSAFE transmission problems - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Ernest - October 16 - 3:24 pm

  These cars seem to have transmission problems that haunt the car and the dealers do not have a solution. Our fiesta has had this problem for 2 years. I will also shut off on the road leaving you unsafely trapped in traffic. The dealer still cant fix it. All the recalls have been done. Its on its third engine computer (PCM), and its been in the dealers garage for months on end! Even now its been there for 2 weeks since it just is too unsafe to drive on the freeway. We have had problems from everything from doors closing, to the entertainment system mic breaking. I have a 91 Toyota pickup that has been more reliable than this car. UPDATE: transmission quit, dealer did ANOTHER rebuild on it. Now its messing up again, gotta keep taking it in until the warranty runs out. Im so done with Ford automobiles!!

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  2011 Ford Fiesta - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By MS - August 17 - 1:30 am

  Car handles well on curves. Accelerates nicely but needs a little more oomph. Gearing is a little awkward, the dual clutch transmission is a little jumpy going from first to second then down to first gear as if its trying to find the right gear ratio at speed. Emergency braking is excellent.

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  I love my four door "sports" car! - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Rex Davis - July 5 - 4:29 am

  This car has been wonderful to own. The SE options package is worth it. I like the trunk much better then the hatch back. This car can get over 500 miles per tank with four adults and some luggage. The tires could be a little wider but I have no real problems cornering or stopping. Acceleration is great and if you do not like full auto you put it in semi manual mode to punch it up hills or past cars on the freeway. The sync system has been error free and even connects to a tracphone flip phone blue tooth despite saying in the manual it is not compatible. It will not play "unprotected" mp3s via usb thumb drives but has no problem with mp3s on a CD. Have rotated the tires every 5k -10k and they are getting near the wear indication mark on the stock tires at 32000 miles. I do not expect more then 45k miles out of stock tires anyway....I love my 2016 Ford Fiesta!

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  Think twice - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Linda K. - May 6 - 1:11 pm

  The transmission has been giving me trouble since I purchased it 7 months ago. Ive had it in the shop several times and Im going to take it back again this week. The dealership said if I drive it 5,000 miles the trams issuing would get to know my driving. Its been over that and still hesitates or slips when I pull out. He said they had about 60 with the same problem. Then why sell it? Ford Focus hatchback 2014.