Ford Fiesta - What the Auto Press Says 
The 2011 Ford Fiesta ranks 1 out of 30 Affordable Small Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 12 published reviews and test drives of the Ford Fiesta, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Reviewers are nearly unanimous in saying that the 2011 Ford Fiesta sets new benchmarks for the affordable small car class. Even reviewers who don't go that far say Honda and Toyota should be watching their backs.
Ask any car lover and they'll tell you: some of the world's best small cars never make it stateside. With the 2011 Ford Fiesta, that's changed. On sale in Europe since 2008, the most recent iteration of the Fiesta has finally arrived at dealerships in the U.S. AutoWeek says, "The Fiesta is as good a small car as can be found, sourced from anywhere in the world. That it comes from the Blue Oval is remarkable and heartening; its brilliance is the first ray of sunshine on what has been a seemingly midnight horizon."
The Fiesta gets high marks from almost every reviewer who has driven it because it offers things many other small cars lack: a fun driving experience and a comfortable, upscale cabin. With the Fiesta, many reviewers say, Ford may radically alter what American buyers expect from small cars. The Fiesta has features rarely seen in the Small / Subcompact Car class, from available heated seats to Ford's SYNC system to an airbag for the driver's knees. But what will seal the deal for many buyers is the Fiesta's hybrid-like fuel economy. Ford says it should get 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Those numbers are close to what many hybrids offer, but the Fiesta will cost thousands less.
However, there's always the risk that the praise may be premature. Many of the reviews we analyzed were of European-spec Fiestas. While the differences between the U.S. and European models are slight (the U.S. model gets different tires, a slightly more powerful engine and a sedan body style), those changes should make a difference for some buyers. Plus, reviewers have been enjoying well-optioned higher trims. In the base trim, which comes with few standout features, reviewers may not be so effusive.
Details: Ford Fiesta
2011 Ford Fiestas come in an array of colors, ranging from the basic Tuxedo Black and Oxford White to the quirky Lime Squeeze, Yellow Blaze and Red Candy. The Fiesta is available in either four-door sedan or five-door hatchback body styles. Four trims are available: the base S, SE, SEL and SES. Note that the base S is available only as a sedan. Also, the sedan isn't available in the SES trim, and the hatch isn't available in the SEL, though the two trims are nearly identical in terms of the features and options they offer. The base Fiesta S is expected to start at $13,320, while the SEL trim starts at $17,120.
Though the Fiesta is a new model, check out our Ford Deals page to see if there are any discounts or incentives available on it.
- "The Fiesta is a substantial, grown-up car. If Ford can keep pricing for the U.S. model, due here next spring, within range of the spunkier but less well-mannered Honda Fit, it will have a rare commodity: a car suited to both Facebook and the real world." -- Automobile Magazine
- "Ford would be happy with best in class. And we think that's where the Fiesta may very well rank when it reaches the United States." -- Car and Driver
- "The 2011 Ford Fiesta gives economy car shoppers reason to celebrate with its fun-to-drive personality, nicely trimmed cabin, tight build quality and unexpected features." -- Edmunds
- "Against more familiar models--the Chevrolet Aveo, the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris--the Fiesta rises above this competition and every other segment" -- AutoWeek
- "The Fiesta marks Ford's attempt to market the same basic car here that is sold in Europe at higher prices, by standardizing the basics and making optional some upscale features, including heated leather seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and push-button engine start. Some of these features have never been seen in this price class." -- Cars.com
- "Overall, I was really impressed with the Fiesta. Finally, we have an American-branded car that compares favorably against the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, and even the pack leading Honda Fit -- it's not quite as roomy or versatile as the Honda, but it looks just as good and is even more satisfying to drive." --
- "Want a small, cheap, fun-to-drive, economical, practical car? Right now there's not many choices at all and none if you want to buy American. The Ford Fiesta will change that."
Fiesta Performance - 9.6 (Excellent)
The 2011 Ford Fiesta gets the kind of performance reviews usually reserved for much more expensive cars. "The Fiesta provides sprightly handling, a compliant ride and a quiet cabin at freeway speeds," says Edmunds. "We can say without hesitation that the 2011 Ford Fiesta provides the most rewarding drive in its class."
Fiesta Exterior - 9.0 (Excellent)
By and large, the Ford Fiesta's exterior styling gets positive reviews. New Car Test Drive calls the looks "very sleek and aerodynamic without being bland or boxy; it looks considerably better than the average $14,000 car."
Fiesta Interior - 9.5 (Excellent)
It's safe to say the interior in the Ford Fiesta blows reviewers away. In a class where interior space and features can be sparse, AutoWeek says, "The interior is a huge step forward. You're tempted when looking at a small car like this to think there isn't enough space for you and your stuff. The Fiesta proves you wrong.
U.S.News Scores
| Overall: | 9.6 |
| Performance: | 9.6 |
| Exterior: | 9.0 |
| Interior: | 9.5 |
| Safety: | NA |
| Reliability: | NA |
- Fun to drive
- High build quality
- Comfortable, upscale cabin for the price
- Hybrid-like fuel economy
- Base model is sparsely-equipped
Review Last Updated: 7/1/10
