Used 2011 Ford Fiesta Consumer Reviews
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good but poor auto transmission
pelach, 12/13/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
45 of 46 people found this review helpful
The build quality seems to be quite good. I like the car except for the automatic transmission... it sometimes does not shift logically and lacks power from a stop; after it gets going it seems to have adequate power. The stereo is quite good and the cabin is very quiet, although i notice others are complaining of noises that develop with more use. Mileage is not as good as hoped for but I do live up in the hills. I'm satisfied except for the automatic transmission goofiness.
LEMON DO NOT BUY
stevienae, 07/01/2013
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
43 of 46 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2011 Ford Fiesta in August of 2010. It is an automatic, not manual transmission. Within a month it was back at Ford with transmission issues and has continued to have problems despite at least 10 trips to the Ford Shop. I was told by Ford Engineer that it must be the way I was driving it. They felt I was breaking with my left foot with my foot not completely off the gas. I do not break with my left foot. I just had it voluntarily repossessed as I cannot in good conscious sell it to somebody. This was after the New Car Lemon Law process and denied, I offered to walk away from it and have the dealer resell it and laughed at for being upside down when asked to trade it in.
2011 Ford Fiesta for sale near you
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Shake, Rattle and Roll
Becky Carroll, 10/20/2015
2011 Ford Fiesta S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
33 of 35 people found this review helpful
The Ford Fiesta "looked" like the perfect car for my soon-to-be-driver, but after I drove it for a while, I found it unsafe for an inexperienced driver. The transmission is very uncertain. At times it takes off smoothly from stop, other times it hesitates and shudders to a start. The start may be a lurch or a crawl. There does not seem to be any rhyme or reason for the inconsistency. Four months after the purchase, I received a Recall 15B22 and took it into a local Ford dealership. I was informed that they would attempt a repair but it might not work. I was told to drive it for 1500 miles before returning. The problem got progressively worse and when I had done my mandatory 1500 miles, I went back to the Ford service department and was told there was nothing more they could do. We will see about that, but that is where we stand to date. So, the vehicle for my new driver has proven itself unsafe for even I, a driver of 40+ years.
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LOVE this little car!
armydoc115, 05/11/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I'm in the Army on Ft Benning, Ga, and I have a roughly 90 mile commute from home to work. My daily driver has been a 2005 Jeep Wrangler with 6" lift and 33" tires. I LOVE my Jeep and won't ever part with it, nor will I ever be without a Jeep, but with 14mpg, gas was killing me. I bought a 2011 Fiesta SE hatch 5 spd, and I have to say, I'm extremely impressed. The European influence is evident in almost every aspect of the car. It's not fast, but it isn't terrbly slow either. It will handle 80mph on the highway like it's a much larger car, and it has plenty of passing power. Gas mileage is wonderful! My average between city/highway is usually 36-38 mpg. It handles great, and sync rocks!
Should be recalled, a real lemon
big_jig, 05/06/2015
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
36 of 39 people found this review helpful
I bought this car 3 months ago used with 39000 miles on it. It has a 6 speed automatic transmission. 2 weeks after I bought it Ford sent me a letter stating the this model was having transmission issues and if it broke they would fix it for free.The transmission went out at 42000 miles and now Ford tells me they have 32000 parts on back order and I won't get it back for at least 12 weeks.This is my first and last Ford I will ever buy. I would like to trade it in but it apparently lost a lot of value in the short time I have owned it due the the transmission issue. What a joke. This car should be recalled and is a true lemon.
Transmission Problems!
Not a Fiesta!, 10/19/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
62 of 70 people found this review helpful
I bought my fiesta at the end of July. I have just over 2,000 miles on my fiesta and it is in the shop as we speak getting a new transmission! I am very disappointed in the car; it has never shifted (automatic) the way you would expect. Failed attempts to reprogram/repair the transmission have left me car-less as I get a new transmission. I spoke to a representative from corporate ford and asked if these transmission problems were common among the new design. He asked me how much I liked the SYNC system, ignored my question and the fact my brand-new car is not worth the money or headache.
Lemon - Repeated Transmission Issues
Elizabeth, 07/27/2018
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
We have had this car for 7 years and it has been in for more transmission issues than I care to count. A few times a year, the entire transmission control module needs to be fixed, and this can only be done at a dealership. The dealership does it for free, but we still have to drop it off for the day. So, what do you do when you only have one car for the family, the dealership is not particularly close, and they don't offer a ride to your workplace because they say it is too far away (and it wouldn't help anyway because you have a young child who would need to be dropped off at daycare first)? Every time we take it in, they act annoyed. In fact, the moment we tell them we have a 2011 Ford Fiesta, they start acting frustrated because they are sick of having to deal with this issue. Never once have they let us borrow a car for the day. We have had to get a rental on several occasions, just to take it in. I will not be buying a Ford again - I realize that sometimes there are issues, but the fact that 3 different dealerships have been so unsympathetic to this problem is the real issue here.
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Powershift Automatic Transmission Failed
Arizona SunDevil, 10/04/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Lime Squeeze Green color is attention getting. Automatic transmission failed at 660 miles while on a road trip from Arizona to California. Transmission apparently is brand-new to Ford in the USA and Ford dealer in Riverside, CA didn't know how to fix it properly. Called Ford Zone Customer Service and filed complaint. A brand new vehicle should not required a complete transmission replacement at 660 total miles.
Nice but not quite there yet. (dual clutch auto) sedan
Anonymous, 12/15/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
The car is very quiet,even on the highway. The engine could use more power/pep. The car inside and out is very stylish. The fit and finish could use some fine tuning. Also, visor extenders when using visors on the side would be a nice touch. Better/nicer quality weather stripping all over esp on the doors wold be nice...Also a heaver black molding instead of soft rubber where the hood meets the windshield would be nice, these items feel like they will not hold up well with the items used.
No Complaints after 6500 miles
derickd81, 07/28/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Contemplated many cars before going with the Fiesta. Honda's Fit was a close second, but the Fiesta was much quieter at highway speed and gets better mileage. Took the Fiesta on a roadtrip from VA to ME last week, 2500 miles total mixed driving and got 39.3 mpg overall, A/C was almost always on too! Great mileage on backroads were I have gotten close to 50mpg! Front seats are comfortable even on 16hr trips! Back seats are fine for an hour or two, I'm 6'1" and don't mind. The auto trans is weird at slow speeds, but it is really a manual trans and shifts better than most people can shift a manual at low speeds, so with that perspective in mind it is fine, can't expect a slushbox-like shift!
Dual Clutch Auto Transmission Failure!!
talismanPHL, 09/27/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission failed at 530 miles. The selling dealership (Camelback Ford in Phoenix) has no idea how to fix it - took it to another Ford dealer who said "the technicians haven't been trained on how to troubleshoot the problem, so Ford has authorized a new transmission installation. I do not want this car if the transmission failed at 530 miles - we drive long distances to Salt Lake City two or three times a month. Want my 2007 Nissan Sentra back - had no problems with that car outside of maintenance! Never buy from Camelback Ford - they're unhelpful and don't care about after-sale service. Sales Mgr tried to rip us off with added extras we didn't want!
Absolute garbage car
British guy, 09/28/2015
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I'm not sure why the highlighted review indicates 4+ out of 5 stars. I bought this care used with 11.000 miles, previously owned by an 84 year old lady. It shuddered so badly that it would reverberate your voice when talking. It's shifting sounds like a tool box rolling down concrete stairs. It accelerates slower than the 18 wheeler I drive for a living. Please don't buy this car, it will be more than a regret and a gigantic headache.
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2011 fiesta
oldgeezer5, 01/31/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
Bought this se sedan in sept 2010 with auto trans. Have 6500 miles on it now and have never seen under 40mpg on the interstate at 70 to 75mph. City driving never under 30mpg. Very comforable seats front and back although a little short of legroom in back. My wife and I have lower back troubles we had very little compaints after 8 hour drives. Did have a check engine light come on in Florida and scanner found defective solinoid or sensor in evaporative control and emissions system. Ford garage said ok to drive and had part replaced in Ky after 4 day wait. Should mention that the trip to Fl included myself wife and brother in law and thus car was loaded down for a two week stay.
Horrible Car
fiestaflop, 05/10/2012
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
Why are there no reviews of this vehicle since July 2011?? Why does nearly every post mention significant problems with the vehicles transmission, including complete replacement in less than 5,000 miles yet all the reviews give the car 3 stars?? Overal rating 4 stars?? I bought this car for my 18 year old daughter. Ford has already replaced the transmission once for the same issues being reported by many other owners. Now they are trying to say the grinding noizses and extremely rough shifting is "normal". Do not buy this car.
Still lookin' good
baron_bodissey, 01/14/2012
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
After 16 months and 15,000 miles, I'm still happy with my 2011 Fiesta SE with 6 speed auto tran. This was after an 18-year love affair with 1992 Mustang LX 5.0, so you can imagine the culture shock of a 1.6L, 120hp engine. In almost a year and a half I have had exactly one problem with the Fiesta -- a rear window weatherstripping came loose. The Fiesta is a slug off the line -- 35mpg in town makes up for that -- but once revs build it becomes downright zippy, it holds Interstate speeds just fine, and really likes corners. The auto transmission is quirky but most of the time is fairly smooth. The interior and exterior are in good shape so far. Oh, the clock is 2 minutes slow -- always.
Love the design - not the transmission or starter!
fiestyone, 12/13/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
I actually have an automatic & got it in Oct. after a month long wait! Up until winter hit in Minnesota I loved it. Very stylish, comfortable & quiet. I did a comparison with a Honda Fit before deciding on the Fiesta. The Fit just didn't have the get up & go that Fiesta did. Anyway cold weather hit & my Fiesta does not start well. I sometimes hear a grinding noise when starting. Twice now my car won't go into reverse or drive - very frustrating not being able to rely on your car when you need it - especially one with only 4,000 miles on it! What gives??? Also, doesn't feel the safest with roads that are part ice & part dry - wheels tend to throw the car around a lot.
LEMON! LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST FORD FOR TRANSMISSION CONCERNS
lauren_nicole, 05/09/2013
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
27 of 32 people found this review helpful
By far the worst investment I've ever made. I've literally lost track of how many times I've taken in this car for the transmission (It's actually in the shop right now and has been for over a month because there is such a high demand for these parts, they went on a national backorder!!) I filed a lawsuit with a lemon law attorney about a year ago. Ford offered me a settlement of $6,000 but I countered and they refused. The judge approved a mediation hearing and it's scheduled for the end of this month. Can't wait to get my money back and get rid of this thing! Anyone thinking about investing in this POS, save yourself the time, money and headache.
Perfect for any college student
jphorner, 05/11/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I'm a 20 year old college student and will be commuting 30 minutes away for the next fall semester and needed something that would be reliable and good on gas. I happened across the Fiesta out of curiosity. I never dreamed I could afford a brand new car, the price and value are outstanding. It's attractive and drives wonderfully. The stick adds fun into the drive, and at over 100mph it rode like I was driving 40. The interior is attractive, and even though it lacks the luxury features I don't need any of that and really the only thing I notice I don't have is power windows. The speaker system is great, and necessary for the drive to school. The trunk has a lot of space too. Love this car.
Nothing but problems with my Fiesta
Erin, 05/24/2016
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
I feel completely duped by the dealer and Ford. I bought my 2012 Ford Fiesta (auto transmission) in April of 2014. It was fine for the first 6 months or so, but started developing an increasingly apparent shudder of the transmission when I would start moving from a stopped position. I eventually took it in and they adjusted the computer. It was good for a while, but the shudder came back, so I took it in again and they adjusted some air seal which again made the shudder stop. A few months later it was back, and worse than ever. My father (retired certified auto mechanic) told me he didn't want me driving it; he was worried about my safety. I took my Fiesta in AGAIN, in November; this was about a year and a half after I bought it, and they replaced the clutch. Again, the shudder went away, and again, 6 months later it's back. Now I've had a wrench light come on and a message pops up on my display that says "Engine Failure, Service Now". So again, today I've dropped off this car for service. I've had this car for two years, and it's been nothing but trouble. I shouldn't feel like my 4 year old car is unreliable, but I do. I worry about long distance trips. Like another person said, I can't sell this car. I can't put another person through what I've gone through. I feel like I'm stuck with this unreliable POS until my load is paid off and I can trade it in for something better. Most likely a Honda. Ford has provided a very poor product to consumers and has done almost nothing but put bandaids on the problem, there is no real solution. So all of us suckers who bought these Fiestas are just out of luck. I will most likely never buy a Ford again. I don't even get a loaner vehicle from my dealer when my car is in the shop because they only give out loaners to people who bought NEW cars from them. Because I bought it used I don't deserve the same level of treatment.
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A sharp lookin' ride with MPGs to match!
mechanic80, 07/18/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Granted, it's only been the first thousand miles, but the fuel economy is fantastic. I drive almost exclusively highway and have been averaging over 45 MPG. The manual transmission is relatively smooth and I'm sure if I had gotten an automatic the power would be disappointing. The A/C adds a considerable burden to the no-where-near overpowered engine. I have to say that even in white, it's a sharp looking car (hatchback with graphics and tinted windows.) There are real issues, though, specifically the comfort and safety of the front seats. I hope I never get smacked hard in the rear (of the car!) because the way the headrests hit at the top of the head, I'd probably snap my neck.
Well...it's a $16k car
mrj88, 01/25/2012
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've had my Fiesta for a year now and have enjoyed it overall. Love the styling and lime squeeze paint. Consistent 35mpg is great, and most importantly it's never left me stranded. Nice little car. Here's the *but*. While the car seems solid mechanically, there have been a bunch of little issues that remind me that I'm definitely not driving an $21k Jetta/Civic/Impreza/etc. Already had to have some loose items under the hood tightened down, weather stripping replaced, quirky door locks, and random squeaks/creaks that come and go. Nothing over the top, but enough to make me wonder if I should have paid a little extra to get something a little more "tight". Only time will tell.
This car is the bane of my existence
Ashley, 09/05/2018
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Don't buy this. I immediately had problems with it--the transmission and others. Acceleration is poor. Can't use the AC because it messes with the transmission. I've taken it to the dealership at least 15 times for crazy issues. I've had to pay a lot of money for this car, even though I purchased the extended warranty because many issues were not covered by the warranty. This is the worst car I've ever had and I will never buy a Ford again. Dealership will not give any wiggle room in repair pricing even though they sold me a lemon. I've had this car for 6 years because I'm not a whiner. If you are a whiner, you can't handle this piece of crap.
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Love this car...mostly!
cafiestase, 06/29/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I purchase the car new..."off the truck" in Apr '11. Now in late June I have 4,K on the clock. Ride is very quite for a car of this size/price. I believe the engine gives off a nice sound when pushed. On smooth roads it is sound proofed well, only slight engine noise at 2750 to 3000 RPM's, not b4 or higher. Handling in the twisties it is fun to drive and handles very well. The radio/Satellite/Phone/CD/Sync is wonderful, but, it is complicated, but then I am 73, maybe that's why... Overall, Ford has done a great job on this car. I only hope that it will prove to be as good as '03 Ford 2.3 Focus I owned.
**Updated Review
fiestafanatic, 03/10/2014
updated 08/24/2022
2011 Ford Fiesta SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Update - Car ended up being a death trap. Nothing but transmission issues. Traded for a brand new Honda four years after buying This car is my very first car and I am in love! I have the oxford white SEL trim. The only thing that I have an issue with is the Sync. Apparently, there is a factory defect in the software that causes the entire auxillary unit to go out. My radio still works good though. Other than that it has been a dream. Excellent gas mileage!! Almost 40mpg!!! Moonroof, all of my friends fit in just fine! Highly recommend!
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7500 Miles in my Fiesta Hatchback w/automatic
haulsalot, 03/27/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased the Fiesta Hatchback new in November as an around town and commuting car. My drive is 38 miles each way with a mix of two lane road, suburban traffic, and I-95. On any given day, the 18 miles on 1-95 can be wide open or grinding traffic. After 4 months, I couldn't be happier with the Fiesta. It is fun to drive, quiet, full of cool features, very comfortable. So far I have had no issues of any sort with the car and pretty much everything about it is better than expected. The Sync system with Sirius is terrific, working flawlessly over Bluetooth with my Blackberry. I have owned quite a few new cars and the Fiesta compares favorably with my Honda Fit and Toyota/Pont Vibe.
Not reliable
cpearsall, 06/22/2015
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I do not recommend anyone purchase this vehicle. Despite research that informed me that there were transmission issues, I went with good faith that the car would perform well, so I purchased the vehicle. It had 17,500 miles on it and the second day I had it in my possession, the engine malfunctioned - forcing me to pull over on the side of the road. I am not getting this vehicle again. If this happened on the second day I had it with barely any miles on it, I can only imagine what may happen months down the line. DO NOT PURCHASE. The specks inside the vehicle does not make up for the car breaking down on the beltway!
Excellent little car- 6 speed automatic SE.
s_carlock, 05/29/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
My wife and I have had our Fiesta for about 9 months now and have put around 10.5k miles on it in the time, including a trip from Austin, TX. to Charleston, SC and back, totaling 2400 miles of travel (probably a bit more since we took detours) and the car has been reliable every step of the way. For the price, the Fiesta is an excellent vehicle. The construction seems solid (love how heavy the doors are), the seats are comfortable once adjusted to personal taste -- our cross-country trip was a 24 hour drive each way, non-stop -- the storage space in the sedan is excellent. The Sync system has been a little fussy at times, but not a deal-breaker. Just takes a little time to get used to.
Quiet, Comfortable and Fun to Drive
davep101, 08/12/2013
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
My Fiesta hatchback has 35K miles now. I am very happy overall with the performance and style of this little car. I drive mostly on the highway and get 42 mpg overall. I have the automated manual transmission and concur with the frustration some people have voiced. I spoke with a Ford mechanic about the design of this automated manual vs a traditional automatic transmission. It is apparent to me that there is a learning curve when it comes to driving this transmission. Dealers should be explaining to customers how this trans differs from a traditional automatic with a torque converter.
New Fiesta Great Value
Corvair, 08/01/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've had it almost six days and 600 miles.Very impressive little car. Price was cheap,but nothing else. Quiet, firm but not harsh ride. Handles very well. Engine is very smooth and quiet, likes to rev. Compared to my old Toyota Matrix, this is at least a class better in refinement and extras. The not so good, no center arm rest, not much in side storage. Back seat leg room is tight, but has good headroom and good comfort. Speedometer is like 4-5 mph off. Ford says, so what. Workmanship and A/C better than the Matrix. The bar has been raised in this class by a lot. Lots of little extras, like lighted power window switches and map lights in the back seat. Only the price is cheap.Solid.
Happy with this Fiesta since April 2011
Rick, 02/07/2018
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I've read a lot of the reviews, most of which seem to have been from buyers early on. I have 103k on mine now and have not had any issue with the car. It is a loaded SES and has the automated six speed transmission. I get a combined average mileage of 36-38 mpg. At 30k I switched to Mobil 1 full synthetic oil and since then I have seen highway mileage on trips to 43 mpg. It has averaged better than 45k on a set of tires and is on it's third set now. I have ordered and replaced them each time with the same exact tires that it came with. I am happy with the performance and quality of the car and enjoy driving it. It drives and handles as good and as quiet now as it did new.
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Review 2011 Fiesta but be forewarned
Jill Stockman, 03/29/2016
updated 09/29/2016
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Yes, I liked the car or would not have bought it. It handled nicely until it didn't. Ford issued a recall regarding transmission problems which only continue to get worse as the dealership gives me the run-around for the past year. Funny that the problem would get worse since that is exactly what the recall said. Yet try getting a straight answer and even worse something done about it before you stall out or kill yourself. It is no fun to drive because it jerks and shakes and makes noise and makes you wonder when it will simply stop. Not only can I not get it repaired/replaced...how do I sell a car when it is all over the internet that they are a huge problem! Thanks Ford. Finally after contacting Ford directly and a bit more runaround from the dealer...I got someone to look at it (same moron who had first said I did not have the problem...that I was "too light on the gas")...well, this time as soon as he got in and started it he said (many expletives included) this is the worst f'n one he's seen and that I could not drive it like that. Ah, no foolin' buddy. So miraculously they happened to have the new parts in stock and it was repaired the next business day. Replacing the whole transmission plus some other issue that had been affected because it had gone so long in that condition. Yes, now it drives like new and I am happy to have it done. However, that does not change my review of this vehicle. I still say think twice.
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Worst decision ever
Mo, 01/31/2019
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car equipped with problems, I've had problems from day one of owning this crap I lost a lot of money on it because it didn’t come with any warranty cuz I Purchased it from a private party, in my opinion this car has the worst automatic transmission on earth, I replaced it for $2280, and the car still acting up , I bought this car used with 93,000 miles on it, and that was the worst decision I’ve ever made, I drove the car for one year and 4 months and I spent money on it more than what I paid for it, but Thank God I sold it, but of course for very cheap.
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Dont buy this car!
maxmandd2, 03/02/2013
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The first 10000 miles were fine ...it gets good gas mileage on the road, however it was downhill from there...Brakes grinded and front end bumped while turning the steering wheel ...every month it had increasingly poor accelleration and worst of all this car was unsafe. Often the manual transmission would not go into reverse and then it quickly got to where it would not shift from second gear to third while getting on freeways. I almost got rear-ended several times. Rather than have this junk pile worked on I traded it off after one year while it was still under warranty. Buy a Toyota instead!
Probably not best
cars77, 11/24/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is probably not the best for your money. I have the SFE with auto trans and the trans is very jerky and makes strange noises and movements like it doesnt know what gear to be in from 0-30 mph. The car has 9000 miles and ford said to change oil every 10000 so that is what i was going to do. Around 5000, checked the oild and it was low so i added some. Around 8800 checked again and was again low so i added some. So i called the dealership and they said the would get it in 2 weeks. Took it to the dealership and said there was nothing wrong. That is just the oil problem. Also took it to the delership for a backfire that happened as i was merging. Ford says nothing wrong to that too.
Don’t buy!
Mel, 04/18/2019
updated 10/19/2020
2011 Ford Fiesta SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used. There was an open recall on the transmission clutch. I was told by Ford that I had to put money down, despite what I was describing. Fast forward one year later, I needed to replace the transmission at 58,800 miles. More than likely the engine probably needs to be placed also, IDK. There are no lights on. I purchased this car at 13,000 miles. Don’t waste your time on this car!! Update- I never replaced the engine, because I didn’t want have the headache. I traded the Fiesta for an upgrade to a Buick Encore.
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Ford or Hyundai the MPG is about the same
roadwarriorlt, 10/26/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have an S 4 door with an automatic and drive 78 miles one way to work plus 100 miles of city making calls each day, so I got the car to cut my daily gas cost. At the same time I was looking at a Hyundai Elantra which another sales person picked up for basically the same price as we both purchased pre-owned with 5k to 7k miles on the cars. I bring this up because Ford says 37 mpg for the automatic on the car and Hyundai says 40 mpg. Well after more than 1,100 miles and 3 tanks of gas. I'm at 36.46 mpg and the Hyundai is at 37.10 mpg so the MPG are pretty close to the same.
Not quite there yet
Forestpark, 12/02/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Car Drives and handles well, it's very quiet and smooth. The dual clutch automatic helps with mileage buts gets "jerky" sometimes in stop and go traffic. Acceleration is not awful but it sometimes lags, a few more horses would be welcome. Also rpm are way too high on the highway. this car MUST rev a lot to accelerate. it loves 5000 rpm under moderate acceleration.
Transmission is dangerous
Erin Grey, 03/11/2015
2011 Ford Fiesta S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The transmission just slipped out of the blue while I was on the highway! We had had some problems before - weird things like the battery died when it was just a couple years old (we didn't leave a light on or anything, it just died). Then the car would sometimes stall when coming to a stop. But nobody could tell us what was wrong, and they all thought I was crazy. This latest highway fiasco is the end for me though. So dangerous! Plus now the clutch is shot. Neither the dealership nor Ford will cover the clutch. This is crazy! This car is dangerous.
Terrible Engine, do not buy this car
cremebrulee, 01/08/2013
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I own a 2011 Ford Fiesta SE. I've had more mechanical problems with it then any other car I've owned. Bought it new, and has been making a grinding noise since I bought it. Replaced the clutch and is now in the shop again for the 3rd time, they cannot figure out what the grinding noise is? I don't understand how Ford can get away with this? They are not standing by their product. I've also read, that they were replacing transmissions quietly due to this terrible grinding noise it makes?
Completely Satisfied
Chris, 10/07/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I can't say enough good things about this car. The fuel efficiency is amazing. I have the super fuel economy package and on a level surface going 65 I easily get 47 MPG. The handling is unbelievable, the tires hold on to the road amazingly well on turns. The SYNC package is convenient and I use it daily to make calls and select music (the voice recognition software could use an upgrade). A six hour trip to Las Vegas flew by in no time, after about 3 hours of driving my back-seat passenger wondered if we'd driven for more than an hour (Though he is only about 5'6"). The car feels solid when you drive it and there's virtually no road noise. The ride is smooth and quite going over 100mph.
What Europeans Have Known For Years...
slipster17, 10/29/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Once again, we here in the US have a sampling of Fords European branch with the new Fiesta. Part of a legacy of smaller, nimble hatchbacks (Fiesta, Escort, Focus) that made up the backbone of sales in Europe for years. During my first month of ownership I can safety say the 2011 Fiesta has just as much fun, great styling and economy packed in as the original Focus... but also much more. For under $20k you can have a car appointed as well as any $30k mid-size; but with so much more character! It's fluid styling and vibrant colors make it an instant hit no matter where it's parked. The winning formula is all there; you just have to try it. Go on. You might just be surprised at what you find.
Feisty Fiesta!!
Goodfellas76, 10/21/2010
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a very COOL little ride. Wanted to downsize from V6 for better MPG. Bought SES with cloth heated seats, heated mirrors, etc and the dual-clutch tranny. Heats up REAL quick. Interior is best in class; better grade materials than more expensive car. Handles great and has plenty of pick-up (though, haven't driven with more than two people in it, yet). Also not driving it to get a ton of fun out of it (being conservative for higher MPG). Automatic is really good but sort of feels like it's slipping sometimes. Looks great on the outside in the Blue metallic! Not sure about MPG yet or reliability (have only had a couple days) BUT Ford has been on a roll! No worries!
Never buy first year production/design car
van kham, 01/01/2016
updated 07/05/2017
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used with 45k, it was to be my commuter car and a replacement to my older 2000 celica gts with 200k. First the goods: mpg is great, good looking car, good ride, most things are within arms reach, power is ok for little car, good cargo space. Now the bad: Yes, the world famous transmission issue with this car, car was at the dealer twice, things started to fall apart at 54k, little things, too much to list, got the car fixed and sold it at. I wish I had done my research before I bought the car. Yes, i am back driving my 2000 celica, she never give me problem in 7 years.
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I wouldn't suggest this car.
Paul Jarrels, 11/11/2015
updated 05/11/2016
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Awful transmission problems, Ive already had it replaced along with the clutch and its under 70k miles. Bluetooth wont connect most of the time and parts literally fall off. Its a goodlooking car but thats about all it has going for it.
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Not one of Ford's Better Ideas!
godzilla1957, 07/20/2013
2011 Ford Fiesta SES 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
Though the SES is very sharp looking, gets pretty good MPG (though a friend's TDI Passat at twice the size gets just as good MPG) it has many flaws and I honestly wish I hadn't bought this car. The 6 speed auto trans had to be reprogrammed, I'm reading about those who had to get new trans and I'm nervous since I'm 2K miles out of warrantee. I can't enter or exit a driveway with any grade without scraping. I can't see though the back window due to the read hear rests, no center console creates right arm fatigue. The AC vents blow right on my hands creating aches. At 5'11" I sit way too low, the back seat is basically worthless and SYNC is an abomination. I'm an unhappy camper.
Engine blew up at 4300 miles
stormy442, 07/21/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
13 of 20 people found this review helpful
The car has 4300 miles and the engine blew up. We called Ford to have it towed into the dealer for repair. 2 days later they called to say the car had been wrecked. No one knew how but since it had no anti freeze in it then, they voided the warranty forcing us to use our insurance. We had both the firefighters write statements on our behalf that at the time they arrived for the car reported as a car fire, they inspected the car completely and it had no damage at all to it other than a blown engine. Ford said they did not care and we would have to prove differently! In my opinion they have forgot the tough times of the past and do not care about continuing customer care after the sale.
Ford Fiesta Transmission Problems
j2cub, 12/09/2011
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
Well my Ford Fiesta had less than 1800 miles on it when the transmission started chattering while holding a steady traffic speed of 30 MPH after it warmed up. Now it does it bad between 30 and 55 MPH, still after it is warmed up. Its fine when its cold. Also twice after putting 2900 miles on the car, the transmission would not release when trying to stop at a stop light. It drove me through a red light, TWICE. It was as if I was driving a manual transmission car and forgot to put the clutch in. Scared me to death, but Im forced to keep driving it. Took it to Kline Motors, a Ford dealership in Winfield KS. They said they worked on it for 2 hours and charged over $172 and did nothing.
Good car...especially for the money
qwerty14, 07/26/2013
2011 Ford Fiesta S 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have a 2011 Fiesta with 68K miles and I have experienced NO issues at all. The car drives fine and for the price(<$15K) you canÂt beat it. Need I remind all of the Fiesta bashers.... this is not a high end $20K+ car. You get what you pay for and for less than $15K, this is a nice car. The only thing I have done to the car so far with 68K miles is oil changes and one set of tires. As far as the transmission is concerned, yes Ford has used a manual-automatic transmission and you simply need to get used to it. The Âjerky transmission that many have complained about is because you donÂt have a feel for the car. You canÂt come to a complete stop and then try to give it gas right away.
DO NOT buy this car!!
paigelarissa, 05/14/2012
2011 Ford Fiesta SEL 4dr Sedan (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 22 people found this review helpful
bought this car brand new in 2010. Didnt have any issues for about 6 months. Then it all happened at once! Ford does not tell you that even if the car is automatic that it has a manuel transmisson. The car is VERlY sluggish! Feels exactly like you are driving a stick shift,also shifts into gear VERY hard.Had to have my car towed to Ford because of my car not driving,just sitting and revving RPM's.got told they updated software.well once i got it back when i would back out of my driveway and go into drive it would shift SO hard that it would jerk my head and body.Ford proceeded to tell me this was a "normal hesitation" because the car has a manuel transmission! im no car expert but i know a
Practical & Fun Commuter
Wood Cycle, 03/17/2019
updated 03/31/2025
2011 Ford Fiesta SE 4dr Hatchback (1.6L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
Having owned this car for over eight years, I'd say this is a very intelligently designed car. It provides a great deal for the dollars spent at and since purchase. The ride and handling are just right making it a fun car to drive. It's stable on the highway - not buffeted about by wind from passing trucks. It is quiet and the heated seats and heater/defroster work very well. It's unfortunate that Ford has decided to discontinue sales in the U.S. (again). Maybe it will return (again). Update: I've given thought to trading the Fiesta in for a 2019 model since they are selling for less now than I paid in 2010 as Ford gets out of the sedan business. I still like the car very much. No complaints. Update: It has been over nine years since I bought the Fiesta and I feel very much the same about it. Honestly, I'd like to give credit to the engineers who designed this inexpensive car so intelligently. I also give credit to the people who built and assembled the car. Some friends have suggested that I buy a new car to help out our currently economy, hurt as it is by the corona virus. That's the most compelling reason to sell the Fiesta and buy a new vehicle. Update: My Fiesta will be ten years old in December. I still drive it and it's still doing fine and looks fine as well. The exterior is in very good shape, especially considering it does not have a place in our garage so it stays outdoors all the time. And, the interior is in fine shape and cleans up so well. I made a smart purchase way back when. The Fiesta is now ten years and three months old and doing fine. Just had oil changed, new wipers installed and tires rotated. When it warms up a bit I'll clean the interior then wash and polish it. No problems. Update: The Fiesta was eleven years old this past December and everything about it is great. It made it through another northwest Ohio winter without problems of any kind. In this time of increasing auto prices, it actually gained value in the past year! I'll wait until prices fall again (as they will) before shopping for something new. The next time it's warm and sunny, I'll give it the good spring cleaning it deserves. My Fiesta will be 12 yrs. old in December. Just over 70k miles now. Still going strong and looking good. A smart choice. I hope Ford will make a small electric vehicle sometime soon. Update: I don't think anyone cares to read about the condition of a 12 year and 3 month old Fiesta. But, just for the record, it's still fine. As soon as the weather gets warm enough, I'll give it a cleaning inside and out. With the average price of a new vehicle at about $50,000 I'll keep the little Ford awhile longer. It's good, reliable transportation. I sold the Fiesta in December after 14 years of very reliable service. Bought a 2024 Ford Escape PHEV. Very nice car.
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