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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  Ford Fiestas are Nightmare! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By natalie simpson - December 9 - 7:08 am

  Lots of recalls...Ford really dropped the ball on this model!

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  RUN AWAY FROM THIS CAR - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Cbyers6300 - July 17 - 5:28 am

  I have a 2013 Ford Fiesta. In the 12 months Ive owned the car weve continuously had electrical and transmission issues. It shifts hard or not at all, the lights go out with the heater is on, the heater goes off when the radio is on, the car turns off while stopped at red lights, etc. A ford dealership finally changed out the transmission last month after I had it in multiple times but only did so when I told them I knew it was under recall. They did not offer this recall to me. They blamed the electrical issues on the transmission. They finally changed out the transmission in Jan 2018. The problems came back three weeks later and the dealership blamed it on the alternator this time. We paid the $500 to have the alternator changed and the car is still shifting hard, running at 4000 rpms in 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, dying at red lights, etc. How do I solve these problems once and for all you ask? Sell the lemon and move on with my life. Or at least that is my plan. Ford has not been helpful at all in solving this problem once and for all.

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  DRIVER RETURNING ON FOOT! - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Greg M. - June 9 - 4:17 am

  I was a Ford man; not after this piece of junk! 60,000 miles--transmission rebuilt 2X. A/C suffered catastrophic failure. Driven loaners for 6,000 miles already (I guess you could say this will extend my warranty approx. 10%) Ford should be ashamed of themselves! Transmission now (today, anyway) shifting better, but we have lost 2 MPG in the process! Bet the govs and EPA will love this! False advertising! SYNC is more of an annoyance than anything else; belongs in the sink! I should have bought a Kia Soul! UPDATE 12/2017-Fourth transmission went out--stranding my wife and daughter (who has special needs and a wheelchair) on the highway. More drama than I prefer. FORD--SHAME ON YOU!!! No more new Fords in my driveway! EVER!

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  first 5000 miles - 2016 Ford Fiesta
  By mark - December 19 - 7:22 am

  lets face it everyone one loves a new car so lets keep that in mind. Took my new ford fiesta titanium car on a 4000 mile round trip holiday get away and it was better than great. The only problem was fitting two people ,winter clothes, a dog and Christmas presents all in an economy car. This car has a very large hatch back area an I had hoped to fit it all into the back and not have to pile it into the back seat. Well that dream died quick. So for this trip I should have got the Escape. However as the gas mileage creeped up over 40 mpg (which the sales man swore it would once it hit 2000miles) I became more pleased with my new ford fiesta titanium. The great stuff: 1)the leather heated seats - the best 2) the huge display for the radio and Nav so even I can see it . 3) the sun roof -makes the car seem bigger and lets in the fresh air. 4) this car is layed out so you feel like you have driven it forever. we rent cars and some car brands put things in stupid places 5) a real glove box and console to rest your arm- sounds simple but try to find this in a car under 20 grand and you will see what I mean. 6)dead pedal - a place to rest your left foot on long trips- a back saver. 7)the sync 3 system works great with my iphone The not so great: 1)the nav/gps works good but I have used the garmins for so long that its all I know. So for the first 5000k review this is a great car! we will see at 30k if I cheaped out or got a great fully loaded car that fits in my garage for 18k and change.

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  This car is dangerous - 2013 Ford Fiesta
  By Lonnie - May 26 - 12:02 am

  I dont even know where to start. I have owned 31 vehicles in my lifetime, and undoubtedly this is --BY FAR -- the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Its been a nightmare from day one, and I have had it nearly 5 months now. Most importantly is how unsafe this car is. On 3 different occasions, and one of them being on a highway, this car just died, went into neutral while I was going along in the drive gear. It did not stall out, but just lost all power as if it were in neutral. I was lucky enough all times where I was able to turn off to the side of the road. Had I been in the center, or left lane on the highway, I could have been KILLED. It was as though the tranny went. All gears were neutral. I turned it off and waited a while, then restarted it. All 3 times the service engine light went on after restarting it. The gears worked again after the restart, but the car ran terrible after these incidents. Of course after the first occurrence, I brought it back to the dealer. They said it was some emission computer glitch or something and that it was okay now. It was okay for a few weeks then did the same exact thing. Now the dealer had it for 4 days. They pretty much said the same thing after changing out some emission parts, putting in brand new oil, filer, and a cat.... converter. That was good for a few months when the same thing happened again just a few blocks from my home. Right now its in my driveway. I would NEVER sell this to anyone. I would never even think of putting someone else in this danger. Right now I have a complaint in with the MVD, and I want the dealer to take this car back, because I will NOT go for number 4 breakdown, and risk my life in this travesty of a car. I implore everyone. Do not buy this car. I would not wish this 4 wheeled nightmare on my worst enemy. Even without those 3 harrowing events, this tranny was never right. Just shakes, vibrates, shutters, bangs and slips going up a steep incline. The radio is actually a joke. Its more like a toy radio for a little kid. Youd have to be within a mile of a radio station to pick any real clear signal. Also I noticed at night the headlights would dim way down for no reason, then brighten again ! The power door locks are now not working, and you have to turn the ignition switch fully 3 or 4 times before the starter catches. This car has worn me down totally. I will not drive it, not let anyone else drive it. It has to go back to the dealer, or the nearest salvage yard. Ford should be ashamed of themselves for this modern day Edsel. I would bet that the Edsel was probably a better car. By the way if I did not mention, it was a low mileage 2013 Hatchback. 21,000 miles when I bought it with a limited warranty that was another joke. Just do yourself the biggest favor you ever can, Stay FAR AWAY from this shameful mess. Dont even look at photos of it.

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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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  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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  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 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.