Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback Quick Test
Good Grades: The Fiesta is a good transportation car–it gets decent fuel economy (28 CITY, 36 HWY), engine power is adequate (120 horsepower, and 112 lb. ft. of torque)–the six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission works generally well with the engine, the brakes work fine, it handles corners confidently, the ride is acceptable (not too harsh, not too soft) and the driver’s seat is comfortable. It feels like a solidly-built car–it doesn’t feel cheap and tinny. The Aston-Martin-like front end styling Ford has adopted on many of its vehicles in recent years works especially well here on the Fiesta, as it does on the Fusion and the Focus.
Bad Grades: There is no rear leg room in the back seats (entry and exit into the back seats is also difficult); the cargo capacity–even with the rear seats folded town is terrible (many other cars in its class are far roomier), the stereo is complex and has far too many buttons (very small buttons) and it isn’t easy to use at all (which is too bad, because it sounds good), rear visibility is subpar, and watch your head when getting into the front and back seats–it’s easy to hit your head on the roof–and it hurts!
Final Grade: The Fiesta (even though it’s a very nice-looking car) needs a well-conceived redesign to get it right–it only earns a “C” grade. Ford is building better cars than before, but the Fiesta has too many crucial and functional shortcomings–and those flaws make it much less competitive than other subcompact cars in its class.
2015 Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback Base Price (as tested): $15,595
SUV – Truck – Auto Exam and News ©2008-2015 The Car Exam and C&CE