Overview

A low-priced sub-compact "first car" that has been in production for 35 years and long popular in Europe, the Fiesta was taken off US markets in 1980, and is being reintroduced for the 2011 model year. It is available as a sedan or a hatchback.

The Fiesta S is the base trim, and features 15-inch steel wheels and a 4-speaker radio with auxiliary input jack and USB port. The Fiesta SE trim adds power windows and locks and a CD player. The Fiesta SEL is the highest trim for the sedan. It features 16-inch wheels, rear spoiler, 6-speaker sound system, upgraded lights, and a voice-commanded navigation system. The hatchback version of the Fiesta adds a spoiler at the SE trim level; the hatchback's top trim is called the SEL. Other options include keyless ignition, keyless entry, heated leather seats, larger wheels, sunroof, and a fuel-saving package. The Fiesta sedan provides 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback's cargo space can be stretched to 26 cubic feet with rear seats lowered, according to Ford.

The 2011 Ford Fiesta's power plant is a 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with a standard 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automated manual dual-clutch transmission. According to the EPA, it delivers 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Standard safety features on the 2011 Ford Fiesta include anti-lock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, front side air bags, side curtain air bags, and a driver's knee air bag. In government crash tests, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Fiesta 5 (out of 5) stars for driver and 4 stars for front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. The Fiesta received 5 stars for overall side-impact protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Fiesta highest-possible "Good" ratings across the board in its crash tests.

Starting MSRP for the 2011 Ford Fiesta was $13,200.