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 LITTLE Car - 2014 Ford Fiesta
  By Lenny Welch - April 18 - 7:21 pm

  Moving from an Isuzu Rodeo to the Ford Fiesta took some adjustment. Being 52" I expected no problems. But even after 2 years, I am still hitting my head on the door edge when getting into the car. Moving from a vehicle I stepped up into to a vehicle I sit down (lower than I am when standing) has been an adjustment. The cargo area is adequate, but have had some difficulty due to being shorter in overall length inside than the Rodeo. With the purchase of bumper to bumper warranty for 6 years has added a lot of peace of mind. It has GREAT value of gas consumption. I only drive about 3,000 mi. per year, and there have been several times I have forgotten about putting gas in the tank, for over a month, when I started with a full tank. Mileage is great. Pick up is great. For a small person, plenty of seat room, and room for my kayaking stuff. I tow a small/light weight trailer that holds 2 kayaks and after putting an extension to raise the connector ball on the hitch, it has been great for trips to the beach from my home about 1 hour away. For a LITTLE car, this vehicle has been quite functional and comfortable. Visibility is good for the driver and others on the road. Runs smooth, quiet, efficient. Upholstery is in great shape even after 2 years of beach trips and lots of sand inside. I have enjoyed having a little car, but look forward to moving up to a midsize SUV in the next 12 months,

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  The ideal car for someone with vertigo - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Josh - November 11 - 7:11 am

  I get motion sick very easily. Therefore, the smaller the car with a less "floaty" ride and a stick shift is ideal. I researched the engine and transmission options on the 2017 Fiesta heavily, and concluded going with the long-running 1.6L 120hp motor and 5 speed manual was the most reliable option. The engine is sufficient for power and the transmission is smooth and easy on the left leg. Gas mileage has been better than anticipated (but again, because of vertigo, I drive slow). I have averaged 37mpg on most fill-ups (worst has been 33 so far) and got as high as 45mpg on a long highway trip in flat Illinois at 65mph the whole way. The Ford Sync system is blah (at least the basic version I have) but usable at least (most importantly, bluetooth from the phone works 99% of the time the first time). The ambient lighting I have appreciated more than I thought I would, especially at night, when its really nice to be able to see your feet/the floorboards when getting in and out of the car. So far, no issues here, but Ive only owned it about a month and put 2k on it already. If any significant issues creep up, Ill buy the extended warranty at the 3 year/36k mark (when the bumper-to-bumper warranty ends). It is surprisingly inexpensive (about $1k for 6 year/100k coverage). I only drive a lot during the summer though. School year driving is average. Overall, I would recommend this car to another basic, conservative driver like me.

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  I love the car - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Robert streelman - July 12 - 4:02 am

  I love the car and he gets great gas mileage

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  Got what I wanted but??? - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By BLURAY KING - June 3 - 6:31 pm

  I was glad a first (2,000 miles) but now I do not know. Car buzzes behind drivers seat, clutch clicks every time I engage it, drivers outside mirror (inside) is smaller than passengers mirror and passengers seat (Recaro) rubs against center console (like it is not centered where it seats) squeaks. I have called 5 Ford dealerships to come in and get it repaired under warranty but most want to keep car for 2 days to fix (without loaner car). What kind service can we expect when they refuse to give me a loaner when I have NO other car?? All this is fit and finish problems. I will update once somebody fixes my car under warranty.

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  Worst car Ive drove - 2017 Ford Fiesta
  By Ilqar Ilyasov - April 27 - 7:43 am

  If you decide to buy one you should buy a pack of earbuds :)) After hurricane hurvey insurance company offered us a fiesta from hertz. Im glad that Im not the owner. On the highway the noise really hurts your ears. Its unendurable. This is one of those cars that I would refuse even if it was given to me for free. I can think of only one thing about this car that didnt suck that is the mpg :) 35,6

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  Too Much Fun! - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Mike I. - March 25 - 7:35 pm

  Its a subcompact and the ST model only comes with a manual transmission. Surprisingly lively and more fun to drive around town on a daily basis than my 2015 Corvette and a 2014 Mercedes AMG. Ride is choppy because of the short wheelbase. Instrumentation and entertainment controls took a while to get used to. Great mileage in traffic and on the open road. Purchased as a lease, but now I fully intend to buy it when the lease expires if it continues to perform as it has so far.

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  Excellent commuter vehicle - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By Dog Lover - February 6 - 12:34 pm

  I have the automatic with sport shift option. When the car changes gears in automatic it has the sound and fell of a standard shift. I love this feeling. Fuel economy is almost 32 mpg in the city and nearly 40 on the highway. I chose this vehicle because of the low maintenance cost of a small car. i.e. tires, fuel etc.