The Car Connection Ford Fiesta Overview
Rankings
- #16 in Subcompact Cars
- #23 in Small Hatchbacks
- #42 in Small Cars
The Ford Fiesta is a small hatchback or sedan that struggled to find a crowd with low gas prices and rising competition. In 2018, Ford said the 2019 model year would be the last for the scrappy, tiny hatchback.
The Fiesta is available with a pair of inline-4 engines: a base 1.6-liter inline-4 or a high-performance 1.6-liter turbo-4. The Fiesta offered a highly efficient turbo-3 that was scrapped in 2017.
With the Fiesta, Ford competes with the likes of the Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio, Honda Fit, Mazda 2, Hyundai Accent, and in some versions even the Mini Cooper or Fiat 500.
MORE: Read our 2019 Ford Fiesta review
The Fiesta badge was first used in the U.S. on a subcompact three-door hatchback sold from 1978 to 1980. Ford followed that car with the Mazda-designed Festiva 3-door (1986-1993) and then replaced it with the related Aspire three-door (1994-1997), which was built by Kia.
Today's Fiesta, which debuted for the 2011 model year, is Ford's first new subcompact entry since the Aspire. It was adapted for U.S. sales from a model sold in Europe. Ford was right to change the name of its subcompact again, as it offers better performance and more standard equipment—not to mention a greater number of safety features—than any of its American predecessors ever did.
The revived Fiesta is wholly different from the typical economy car. Today's Fiesta is fully modern, with the features, handling, powertrains, and looks to make it a real competitor. The interior's interesting (if not universally loved) styling also helps set it apart from its price-minded roots.
The Fiesta's narrow body and tight backseat keep it from being as useful as some other vehicles in this class, especially compared to the cavernous interior of the Versa sedan or the flexible Fit. In reviews of the Fiesta, though, we noted that it steers and handles far better than most of the numb, soft appliance-like vehicles in the class.
The two Fiestas on opposite ends of the spectrum were both available only with a manual transmission. On the efficient end, the 1.0-liter, 3-cylinder model made 123 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. It achieved a 42-mpg EPA highway rating and was more fun than the standard engine. On the serious performance end, there's the Fiesta ST, which packs a 1.6-liter turbo-4 making 197 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque. It also has a near-perfect, stiffer suspension setup, grippy tires, and an all-around fun demeanor.
A 120-hp, 1.6-liter inline-4 powers most Fiesta models, however. A 5-speed manual gearbox is standard, but the automatic option is an unusual and technically advanced 6-speed “PowerShift” dual-clutch gearbox. We have experienced a few drivability issues with the PowerShift transmission, which isn't as smooth as we'd hoped. Engine noise in the earlier cars was also an issue, but the later models are a bit better.
A mild refresh for the 2014 model year gave the Fiesta revised front-end styling that takes the look from cute to a little more serious. It also added the 1.0-liter 3-cylinder EcoBoost model and expanded the list of available powertrains. The 2014 model year also brought the outstanding Fiesta ST model, with its peppy turbo 1.6-liter and dialed-in chassis. Ford introduced a softer look inside, complemented by a stripped-down version of MyFord Touch, based on the SYNC Bluetooth-driven infotainment controller. Unfortunately not all versions dropped the confusing, slanted-button array of the base audio setup.
Sync 3 replaced the controversial MyFord Touch for 2016. It comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and promises to be more intuitive and less buggy than MyFord Touch. Other 2016 changes consisted of a new SE Black Package and a few new color choices.
The model lineup continues as it has since 2013, with S, SE, and Titanium trims, with the addition of the sporty ST. Features are a strength of the Fiesta. Even the base model includes air conditioning and an aux-in port; while at the SE level you get upgraded trim and lighting, as well as cruise control and power windows. The Titanium model gets leather heated seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, the new Sync 3 infotainment system, Sony premium audio, and other extras that make it feel far better equipped than you might expect in a low-cost small car.
Options include a power moonroof and Ford Racing wheels. Among other novel features, the Fiesta driver can choose from several different colors of LED “mood lighting” to illuminate the cupholders, footwells, and other interior bits.
The Fiesta is now one of the older entries in its segment. The Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, and Toyota Yaris have all are debuted or been redesigned since the Fiesta was new. Pricing for the Fiesta starts around $15,000, but a fully decked-out standard model can approach $24,000, and an ST can add another $2,000.
