Likes: Fun to drive, stylish and roomy, mobile-phone inspired dashboard, 'big-car' feeling.
Dislikes: More power would be nice, no central console or armrest, can get expensive with options, automatic feels jerky at times.
Performance: There's only one engine available for the Fiesta, and that's a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 120hp. There's decent pace for both city and highway driving. You'll desire more power if you drive on faster paced roads. The six-speed automatic transmission often feels jerky. At times it feels a little too eager, but it blends fuel economy and performance well.
Ride & Handling: The Fiesta feels sharp and well composed on city streets. At highway speeds, you'll be surprised at how big the Fiesta feels. This isn't a bad thing, the solid feels helps encourage spirited driving through bends and twisty roads. The steering is direct and offers plenty of feel.
Refinement: The Fiesta is the quietest cars in its class. The engine is extremely smooth, and there's very little wind and road noise at highway speeds. There's little suspension noise either. The noise is so well contained you'd think the Fiesta were a bigger car than it is.
Behind the wheel: The big-car refinement of the Fiesta is matched by big-car comfort. Drivers will find a comfortable position behind the wheel. There's plenty of adjustment for the seat and steering wheel. The funky mobile phone inspired dashboard works pretty well. Although the on-screen menus that need scrolling through are a bit fiddly at times.
Space & Refinement: There's plenty of room for four passengers. A fifth passenger may be pushing it a bit. With limited headroom and knee room, some taller passengers won't get comfortable. The boot has decent space too.
Equipment: Ford offers a good amount of equipment for the money. Air-conditioning, Cd-player and Aux outlet is standard. However, you'll have to step up to the higher trim level to get standard remote central locking, alloy wheels and a few extra goodies that should be standard across the range.
Buying & Owning: The Fiesta is easy on fuel, and will hold its value well. The sedan may have a lower asking price than the hatchback, but the hatchback has more of an eye appealing design. The sedan looks rather odd in some angles.
Quality & Reliablity: The interior feels well put together, and a lot of thought has been put into it. Some materials used around the door trim feel cheap. Reliability has been rated well above average by owners on JD Power Survey.
Safety & Security: Deadlocks and engine immobilizer makes life for thieves hard. There's plenty of safety features for the money. You'll get side curtian airbags and ABS as standard. There's even a drive'rs knee bag.
Small cars have always felt like a penalty box. They looked boring, and had no driving satisfaction whatsoever. The Ford Fiesta brings fun and luxury to the small car market. It's stylish, roomy and a hoot to drive on twisty roads. There really isn't any other small car that offers this blend of style and fun in one.
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