Used 2019 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback Review

Ford has said it will stop producing sedans and most of its hatchbacks over the next few years, given the buying public's proclivity for crossovers. That's unfortunate because the 2019 Ford Fiesta is one of the best subcompact cars on the market.

Low prices are essential for these pint-size sedans and hatchbacks, and the Fiesta is no different. Work your way up from the thrifty base trim, however, and you'll find a small car that offers thrills and a sense of style that few in this segment can match. While the standard Fiesta is relatively fun to drive, the real gem in the lineup is the range-topping ST model. It's quite pricey — about 50 percent more expensive than the base Fiesta — but the Fiesta ST has serious performance cred.

Some other subcompacts offer more room and a bigger cargo area — notably, the Honda Fit — but the 2019 Ford Fiesta's personality might win you over. If you're in the market for a small car that offers a little something extra, be sure to check out the Fiesta while you still can — this will be the Fiesta's last year of production.

The 2019 Ford Fiesta is a subcompact car offered in two body styles: sedan and four-door hatchback. The sedan is available in S and SE trims, while the hatchback is sold in the SE and ST Line trims alongside a high-performance ST model. The affordable base S is modestly equipped, but the SE offers more tech features, such as the Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The high-performance ST comes with a six-speed manual, a sport-tuned suspension and a strong turbocharged engine.

The S starts off with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (120 horsepower, 112 pound-feet of torque), a five-speed manual transmission (a six-speed dual-clutch automatic is available as an option), 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors with secondary blind-spot mirrors, remote locking and unlocking, a height-adjustable driver's seat, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, power locks, manual windows, Bluetooth, Sync voice controls, a 4.2-inch center display, a rearview camera, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and a USB port.

The Fiesta SE builds on the above with 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a rear spoiler (hatchback only), upgraded cloth upholstery, a front center console with armrest, power windows, cruise control, metallic-painted interior trim, and MyKey parental controls for teen drivers.

The optional SE Appearance package adds 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler (sedan), cloth sport upholstery, ambient interior lighting, the Sync 3 infotainment interface with a 6.5-inch touchscreen, enhanced voice controls (including Sync AppLink mobile app integration), satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and dual USB ports. Sixteen-inch black-painted wheels are optional, with or without the Appearance package.

The ST Line hatchback contains the SE Appearance package upgrades, along with rear disc brakes, dual chrome exhaust tips, a black-painted spoiler, roof and door mirrors, aerodynamic upgrades, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, and ST-specific cloth sport seats.

The SE and the ST Line's Cold Weather package bundles heated outside mirrors, heated front seats and automatic climate control.

The Fiesta ST adds a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (197 hp, 202 lb-ft) that's paired exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. Also included are 17-inch wheels with summer performance tires, a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and quicker steering. You also get keyless entry and ignition, distinctive interior trim, a trip computer, adjustable lumbar support for the driver, automatic climate control, and an 8-speaker Sony sound system with HD radio. The ST Recaro package adds heated Recaro front sport seats (including height adjustments), leather and cloth upholstery and heated mirrors. Also available are black 17-inch wheels with red brake calipers.

A sunroof and a navigation system are stand-alone options on the SE, ST Line and ST trims.

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Ford Fiesta Sedan SE (1.6L inline-4 | 6-speed dual-clutch automatic | FWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2014, the current Fiesta has received some revisions, including some changes to standard and optional equipment. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Fiesta, however.