Vehicle Tested
2012 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback (1.6L 4-cyl. w/optional 6-spd automated manual)
Driven On
9/18/2012
Ratings Summary
This rating has been carried forward from a prior year because the newer model has no substantial differences.
Considering the Fiesta starts under $15,000, there's quite a lot of good within this little car. It's a terrific city vehicle and the interior is competitive qualitywise in the class. The driving experience leans toward sporty, but its limits are low and driver feedback could be better.
C
Performance
Not much extra power in the Fiesta, and its automated manual transmission does little to capitalize on what is there. Handling is OK and largely limited by low-grip tires.
| Acceleration |
C
|
A near 18-second quarter-mile isn't going to break any records. Sixty mph requires 10.6 seconds. |
| Braking |
D
|
Brake feel isn't great and 60-0 requires 136 feet, which is long for an SUV let alone a subcompact. |
| Steering |
B
|
Decent precision and response. Feedback is minimal, but it matters little with the low limits that the tires provide. |
| Handling |
B
|
Overall balance is decent, but we were surprised to find that the stability control threshhold is low enough to be discovered during street driving. |
| Driveability |
C
|
Ford's choice to fit the Fiesta with an automated manual instead of a traditional automatic is an odd one. This system is slow to respond and isn't as smooth as a true automatic. |
B
Comfort
As subcompacts go, the Fiesta isn't comfortable enough, especially the ride quality. Still, it appears more thought was put into making the Fiesta functional than comfortable.
| Seating Comfort |
C
|
The Fiesta's seats provide average comfort. Honestly, no car in this class offers the seat adjustability we'd like. |
| Ride Comfort |
B
|
Some attempt was clearly made in the Fiesta's suspension tuning at sportiness, which marginalizes ride comfort to a small extent. |
| Quietness |
B
|
The Fiesta is quieter than many of its competitors. Ford does a decent job of damping road and tire noise. |
B
Interior
Nothing inside the Fiesta looks or feels particularly expensive, but it seems well assembled and the interior is functional.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
Most controls are well placed and easy to use. The three-knob HVAC controls are simple and easy to understand. Sometimes, simple is best. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
The rather upright Fiesta makes entry/exit fairly easy. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
Most cars in this class use their space well and the Fiesta is no exception. But its narrowness means the two front occupants are bound to bump elbows on occasion. |
| Visibility |
A
|
Great sight lines all around due to the large glass area and sloping waistline. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
The hinged rear seats don't fold flat. In terms of cargo space, the Fiesta doesn't stand a chance against the Honda Fit. Good small-item storage though. |
B
Value
An ultra-low base price is a good starting point. Still, it's easy to option a Fiesta to $20,000. But this is also true of most competitors. We think the Fiesta offers good value.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
B
|
Interior materials are not as nice as some competitors, but the Fiesta seems to be assembled well. |
| Features(vs. $) |
C
|
Ford's SYNC infotainment system gets you most of the tech features you'll find in other cars in the class. But the Fiesta's interior isn't as flexible as some others. |
| Cost |
B
|
Stripper models start in the high $13K range, so the Fiesta is competive pricewise. |
| MPG |
C
|
The EPA rates the Fiesta at 29 city/39 highway/33 mpg combined. A few competitors are marginally better, but these figures are attainable if you drive reasonably easy. |
| Warranty |
C
|
The Fiesta's basic warranty covers the car for 3 years/36,000 miles. Drivetrain coverage lasts for 5 years/60,000 miles, both of which are right around average. |
| Ownership |
B
|
The Fiesta comes with roadside assistance for 5 years/60,000 miles. Plus, Ford has improved the overall quality of its cars in recent years. |
B
Fun To Drive
With sporty suspension tuning the Fiesta wants to be playful, but its low-grip tires and stability control tuning let it down.
| Driving Experience |
B
|
As city transportation, the Fiesta will prove more than adequate. It's quiet out on the open road, but it lacks power. Plan ahead for passing maneuvers. |
| Personality |
B
|
The Fiesta is a little bipolar. It wants to be fun, but there are some fundamentals lacking. Still, this is a fine machine for those seeking basic, affordable transportation. |
