2011 Ford Fiesta Review

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is a small car with big-car features and technology and a top mileage rating of 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Standard safety features include AdvanceTrac electronic stability control, seven airbags including a driver knee airbag, tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer and four-wheel anti-lock brakes. The Fiesta is Ford's new subcompact car, intended to compete with models like the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris. The 2011 Fiesta sedan and four-door hatchback are Americanized versions of Europe's second-best-selling car, the current generation of which has been sold since 2008. With the Fiesta Ford may radically alter what American buyers expect from small cars. The Fiesta has features rarely seen in the Affordable Small 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. Handling is secure and while the feedback through the wheel isn't the greatest, there was little body lean and the SE model standard P185/60R15 tires hung on rather well. Look for a standing start to 60 time of about 9 seconds or so.

Ford Fiesta Power and Drive

The engine of the 2011 Fiesta is smooth and refined. The gearbox is easy to get acquainted with and the light clutch pedal helps as well. Keep the revs up and you will find this to be kind of a fun car out on curvy back roads, thanks to a well-thought suspension. There are independent MacPherson struts with a stabilizer bar up front, and a twist beam with coil springs to the rear. Ford promised to make as few changes as possible to the European Spec Fiesta and overall they did it. Power comes from a 119-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. An advanced six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission is optional. Technically an automated manual, the automatic is a technology that's begun to spread among larger cars, bringing the light weight and efficiency traditionally associated with manual transmissions. It operates with only an accelerator and brake pedal. In a change from the norm, Ford says, the highest mileage is expected with the automatic - up to 40 mpg with an optional Super Fuel Economy Package. The automated manual is operated just like an automatic transmission; the driver only uses the accelerator and brakes to regulate the car's speed, but under the hood this transmission uses two clutches to dial in the correct gears. It's a high-tech setup to delivers good performance while maximizing fuel economy. What's more, it's a setup that's usually only seen in luxury sports cars like the Audi TT.

Design of the 2011 Fiesta

Assembled in Cuautitlan Izcalli, Mexico, the tested Fiesta hatchback has a unitized steel body, is 160 inches long, rides on a 98-inch wheelbase, and is 67.8 inches wide and 58 inches tall. That makes it 14 inches longer than a Mini Cooper and three inches longer than the Mazda MX5 Miata. Or about the same overall size as the Honda Fit. The Fiesta hatchback is offered as either SE or SES trims, while the sedan can be had in S, SE, or SEL form. Of the two body styles, the sedan is more conservatively styled, with a Ford-signature three-bar chrome grille. The hatchback has a narrow front grille and a sportier design. Upscale elements include a deck lid spoiler and LED side marker lights on the front fenders with the Sport Appearance Package. Chrome belt line moldings are available. The base trim level starts with 15-inch steel wheels, but alloy rims are available in 15- and 16-inch diameters, depending on the trim level. Ford Racing offers 17-inch alloy wheels. There is a wide range of exterior paint colors, like Red Candy and Yellow Blaze Metallic, which Ford offers. The extra mirror for blind spot detection that is integrated into the regular outside mirrors are valued safety item. 

2011 Ford Fiesta Cabin

The charcoal black with light stone interior was a cheery step up from the black interiors seen on too many cars these days. Fit and finish was good and materials used were in line with the price range. This is one solidly made, at times fun-to-drive little compact. Standard features on all Fiesta models include air-conditioning, capless fuel filler system, power body-colored mirrors, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, aux audio input jack and electronic power-assisted steering. Higher trim levels include cruise control, keyless entry, satellite radio, alloy wheels, power windows and door locks, and SYNC hands-free communications and entertainment system. Optional features include heated seats, a passive entry/passive start system, power moonroof, and leather seats; also offered is a Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package for those commuters seeking maximum efficiency. The Fiesta's interior is among the higher-quality offerings in the class in terms of materials and features. A height-adjustable driver's seat and tilt-telescoping steering wheel are exceptions among subcompacts. Seat choices include cloth and leather, with optional accent-color piping. Multicolored ambient lighting is another option currently seen on higher-priced Fords. Through Ford Custom Accessories, buyers can opt for metallic door sill plates and shift knob, and even illuminated versions of the same. Convenience options include cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, keypad keyless entry, push-button engine start and even remote start. Entertainment features start with a standard analog MP3 player input jack and range all the way to a Sync-enabled premium stereo with steering-wheel controls and Sirius Satellite Radio.

Conclusions

The much anticipated Ford Fiesta is finally here, and is in stock at dealerships. The Fiesta is hailed as a sub-compact, front-wheel drive, five-passenger car with both style and fuel efficiency. This Ford model was rolled out in Europe last year, and is available in four- and five-door bodystyles in the U.S. For 2011 the Ford Fiesta is a fresh entry into the US marketplace, bringing new features and technology to the sub-compact class. 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. The bottom line is the 2011 Ford Fiesta sets new benchmarks for the affordable small car class. Ford is banking on its successful, and rightfully so. 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. Ford says the Fiesta should net 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway.