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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  Awesome little beast - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Connor - December 23 - 7:47 am

  Fastest sports car that doesnt look like one!

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  What could have been.....needs improved! - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Alvin - November 23 - 7:47 am

  I was initially excited to try the Fiesta of the FOST fame, and it handled really well from a handling perspective in taking turns and being zippy. It also got excellent gas mileage (over 42mpg highway) for one of my trips, and overall was a comfortable ride. The challenge with the vehicle was the horrible powertrain; between the engine and the transmission, it couldnt figure out what it wanted to do. This was especially horrible for a stop-n-go or heavy traffic situations such as one would face in a daily commute, the engine kept revving and the transmission kept changing, it was very indecisive. Overall, decent car once it has a refined or improved powertrain, until then avoid for your own sanity.

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  built ford junk - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By bj - September 28 - 3:51 am

  unless you want to die in a car do not purchase this car.

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  Do NOT buy - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By dtapia - September 26 - 8:23 pm

  Bought the 2013 Fiesta Sedan in 2015. I have had the car a year and a half and I have been and out of the shop 6 times. Everyone knows me there now. I have the exact same issue everyone else is having. I have had 2 clutch replacements and several TCM replacements. This car is just a joke and not safe. The shuddering is just horrible. I tried to return the car 3 days after I got it and they kept it longer than I have even had it. Save the headache and dont buy this car.

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  Wow - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Justin - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Thank you Ford! The Fiesta set a new standard for this segment. The wife and I were just looking for whats out there (planning to buy in 2011). We found the Fiesta and I have to say. this car sells its self. Its nimble yet drives like a larger car. We got the 6 speed twin clutch automatic. With the 6 speed and 1.6l 4 together work wonderfully. We got the car in Indio, California and it gets very hot there (130s). So A/C is a must. Even with my wife 3 kid (5, 8, 14 yrs) and myself the A/c blasting the Fiesta is very eager the please. A must drive and youll experience this car yourself. Two thumbs up and a big smile!

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  A solid car - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By A.J. - July 21 - 3:29 am

  I purchased a 2013 Ford Fiesta Titanium HB with a 5 speed manual transmission with a little of 30k. At the time of this review I have had the car for about a month. Fist of all, I love the gas mileage, I am getting around 38MPG. The car accelerates good, but does have some motor lag with the AC on. However its a manual, so I just push threw it. I am not a fan of the Sync system. I am 6,1" and I fit just fine in the car. I made a 4 hour dive last week, I got 40MPG with the AC on, and I was completely comfortable. The trunk is super tiny, but the seat fold down, so you can get around that. I stayed away from the automatic because of the reported problems.

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  New Fiesta Great Value - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By Corvair - July 3 - 12:10 pm

  Ive had it almost six days and 600 miles.Very impressive little car. Price was cheap,but nothing else. Quiet, firm but not harsh ride. Handles very well. Engine is very smooth and quiet, likes to rev. Compared to my old Toyota Matrix, this is at least a class better in refinement and extras. The not so good, no center arm rest, not much in side storage. Back seat leg room is tight, but has good headroom and good comfort. Speedometer is like 4-5 mph off. Ford says, so what. Workmanship and A/C better than the Matrix. The bar has been raised in this class by a lot. Lots of little extras, like lighted power window switches and map lights in the back seat. Only the price is cheap.Solid.

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  STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR! WALK AWAY! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Rebekah - June 28 - 9:38 am

  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Ugh. My husband and I were basically bullied into buying this car. The sales guy kept telling us that they had all these fiestas that needed to go, this should have been the first sign to walk away. But no. We bought the car 6 months ago and I absolutely HATE IT. My husband doesnt mind it but thats because he doesnt drive it. The ONLY nice thing about this car is the fuel economy. Right now Im averaging about 37-38 mpg. However, since DAY ONE the car has been doing this weird jitter/shake any time I try and accelerate out of a light. It really struggles to get out of 1st gear. After having the car for a week I took it back to the dealership to get it looked at for this reason. The mechanic gave it back to me and said everything was fine. I know nothing about cars so I shrugged my shoulders and left. I was back within a week to have it looked at AGAIN for the same issue. This time the mechanic told me that there were THIRTEEN (13) OPEN RECALLS with the vehicle. Like WTF??? So I left it with them for a day, came back and they told me the same thing. Everything was fine. Nope. 5 months later my car STILL shakes. And to make things worse, my car battery died TWICE this morning. The dealership told us that we had a brand new battery in the car when we bought it, so whyyyyy did it die on me...TWICE??? And to add to it, my car is now telling me that it has a TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. My car is not safe AT ALL to drive but I dont have a choice. I still have to get to school and work and how am I going to do that without a car?? So frustrated. I want my money back.

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  Do some real research before buying the Fiesta. - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By M Smith - June 18 - 11:08 pm

  BEWARE! extremely poor build quality. Made in Mexico. I really want to like this car with its European design, and great economy, however, the build quality is horrible. The front shocks were no good from day one, some of the trim (fit and finish is falling apart). The Air Conditioning has been an intermittent problem from day one. Numerous trips to the dealer for service with the same "It didnt happen while it was here, so we cant/ wont fix anything.) he AC blows cold/ hot randomly and without pattern.

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  Great Car - 2011 Ford Fiesta
  By ma - May 31 - 8:16 am

  Was intending to by a honda fit but the fiesta was way more fun to drive.Yes it does not have as much room. But it makes up for that by the way it handles and drives. I have been driving this car to work everyday and I have to say I am very impressed with what Ford has done.