My thoughts on the Fiesta

[J-150]

We've heard from a reviewer and some sales people.

 

 

Here I come as just a schmoe off the street.

 

 

 

So last night I took out a Fiesta SES hatchback and a Focus SE, back-to-back, as I am in the market for a new commuter car (the pickup sucks too much gas for the long commute)

 

 

Firstly, the Fiesta was so much more refined than the Focus. The Focus just seemed old and crude (we know its age so no point saying anymore) I only took out the Focus because there was a boatload of cash on the hood ($23k Canadian reduced to $15k). What is with that big, ugly metalicized plastic on the passenger side of the dash? Freakin' ugly is an understatement.

 

 

Now the Fiesta.

 

Very nice ride quality. Felt like a much larger car. I felt like I was riding higher than I should have been for a small car. It does not ride like a shoebox on wheels.

 

Pep? No doubt this was a sub-2.0 engine. At higher RPMs you can hear how small it is. That said, it moves well for an Auto. The auto was the biggest gripe for me. The kickdown would only go down one gear which wasn't enough for the acceleration I needed. To kick it down another gear or 2 required more time and manipulation on the throttle. Such is the price of a tranny tuned to fuel economy. There was also a very apparent hunting of gear while moving at city speed (50kmh/30mph)I suspect the same model in a manual would be an absolute hoot.

 

 

Interior. Wow. Comfortable seats, however the recline function was not intuitive. The handle one would think is for the recline was actually the seat height. The recline turned out to be at the hinge and very difficult to get to as the seat was right at the B Pillar. Not a lot of room for the hands to get in there.

 

 

Dash layout was beautiful All gauges were attractive and easy to read. The center stack was equally attractive. I'm not a fan of display being away from the radio controls, but in this car it wasn't so noticable. The screen graphics were also easy to read. My only Only gripe with the center stack is that the radio controls were not as intuitive as I think they should have been. A number of buttons were unlabelled and others with a simple icon that really didn't say much. Obviously once you own the car you would figue it out in short order, but on a brief test drive not so much.

 

 

 

Okay, the door lock issue. This site gave me the heads up on what to look for. Center button to lock/unlock, no issue. The exterior lock button on the door handles? No issue. The only thing I had an issue with was that this model had push-button start. So you unlock with the fob, jump in the car and push the button. Where do you put the fob? Leaves itself open to being forgotten in the car ,versus fob on key that goes in the ignition and the key and keyfob are always in your hand. Again, one of those things you learn to live with once you own the car. For me, I would still prefer a key start and then the whole thing about the locks would be no biggie.

 

 

Overall, a superior car to the immediate competition and a damn sight better than a number of C cars as well. I would highly recommend this to anyone in the market for a small car.

Edited August 6, 2010 by J-150

[akirby]

So you unlock with the fob, jump in the car and push the button. Where do you put the fob? Leaves itself open to being forgotten in the car ,versus fob on key that goes in the ignition and the key and keyfob are always in your hand. Again, one of those things you learn to live with once you own the car. For me, I would still prefer a key start and then the whole thing about the locks would be no biggie.

 

You don't need to use the fob to unlock the door. You just keep it in your pocket (within 3 feet of the door) and touch the button on the door handle and it will automatically unlock. You never have to actually touch the intelligent access keyfob.

 

Also works on the passenger front door and the trunk.

[timmm55]

I went car shopping with a techo freak.

 

He LOVED the Fiesta. It is pricey, We looked at the $14995 strippo model, (an aside, whoever decided to order a Ingot Silver car with a Tan interior should be shot) wow crank windows! He thinks the techno stuff makes the Fiesta. The size doesn't bother him, he didn't know intitally about the A/B/C segment thing. .

He had no problem figuring out the door locks.......when I told him about the "issue" he just laughed and said some explicative.

[J-150]

You don't need to use the fob to unlock the door. You just keep it in your pocket (within 3 feet of the door) and touch the button on the door handle and it will automatically unlock. You never have to actually touch the intelligent access keyfob.

 

Also works on the passenger front door and the trunk.

 

 

 

that function didn't seem to be working on the model I tested.

 

Probably doing something wrong, but thanks for the heads up. Nice to know.

[Hugh]

@ J-150:

 

I'm enjoying the Seattle Seafair with my other half and I haven't got a chance to logon in a while (sailing will do that).

 

Last Monday, I hit Glenoak Ford (Victoria BC CA) and we took a SE HB out with Auto and sat in a SES (it was the only one they had so we couldn't take it out).

 

Simply put, I agree with your overall assessment of the Fiesta. We test drove a slew of cars last summer at my father's dealership in Ontario. I strongly (sorry we strongly agree ) with your assessment of the Focus vs. Fiesta. The Fiesta felt bigger, quieter and better held together than the Focus (I hated the plastic metallic strip, centre console and the mirror adjustments were loose - Hugh's GF).

 

Handling on the Fiesta is very good for 15" wheels so I want to take it out with 16's. I also had the same throttle response issue as you did J-150 and I had the same issue when I drove my Father's Fusion last summer, and I can't explain it, but it calmed down and got used to my foot after time (I have to bury our Vulcan 93 Thunder-Topaz for little to no effect ) . I agree you can hear the 1.6 going to town but it didn't sound strained like my brother's F-150 4.6 2v w/ 4A towing a boat. My issue with the Auto is the throttle response to a quick left-hand turn.

 

What else? The seat issue caught me off guard I blame the Europeans (everybody else does) and the centre console controls threw me for a bit but I quickly learned. One glaring annoyance was the interior door handle which I questioned the strength and durability of in an otherwise well executed interior. PEPS is great! No beef here and funny enough, I didn't miss the lack of a center armrest. Cloth seats were comfortable and supportive but we didn't like the cloth seat pattern, it's too much and over the top. It will appeal to younger buyers I suppose. We both loved the leather in the SES they felt, comfortable, supportive and a surprise in this category.

 

As of now, we intend to order from the factory but in no hurry to pull the trigger. When something comes up I'll let you all know. I was impressed with the SES on the lot but, I'm not into the Yellow, Magenta and Lime.

[J-150]

 

No beef here and funny enough, I didn't miss the lack of a center armrest. Cloth seats were comfortable and supportive but we didn't like the cloth seat pattern,

 

 

 

Thanks for your comments Hugh.

 

Come to think of it, I didn't even notice the armrest was missing. My commuter car now is a beater Escort with no armrest. I use the armrest in the truck if I am going on long drives that do not include driving to work. The SES had leather (that was the demo) so I can't comment on the fabric.

 

I didn't drive one with 15" wheels to compre the ride between each, but I saw absolutely no ride quality issues with the 16s

[twintornados]

.... Where do you put the fob?

After you use it to unlock the car (if you pull it out of your pocket for that...) simply slip it right back in your pocket.....car will start with the fob in your pocket.

[J-150]

After you use it to unlock the car (if you pull it out of your pocket for that...) simply slip it right back in your pocket.....car will start with the fob in your pocket.

 

 

just seems wierd. When you use a key with fob attached, the fob is stored at the ignition of the car. When you leave the carr, the fob goes in your hand when you leave.

 

This is what we have done since cars have had keys.

 

Its a very new thing that could be a deal killer for some as it just "seems" to complicate things. Not all car buyers are patient enough to learn new tricks.

 

Im sure many will welcome it and see no problem.

[tjl]

Its a very new thing that could be a deal killer for some as it just "seems" to complicate things. Not all car buyers are patient enough to learn new tricks.

 

Note that the RFID key with pushbutton start for the Fiesta is only on the SES trim with the Upgrade Package. Other Fiestas have regular keys (with RFID for the purpose of starting and running the car only as an antitheft device).

[J-150]

Note that the RFID key with pushbutton start for the Fiesta is only on the SES trim with the Upgrade Package. Other Fiestas have regular keys (with RFID for the purpose of starting and running the car only as an antitheft device).

 

 

 

That's good to know, thank you.

 

I didn't pick up a brochure. I just wanted to test the vehicle and leave - the sales chick was a friggin' dipshit that knew nothing about what she was selling. She could show my GF where the vanity mirrors were, but not how to recline my seat.

 

I'm sure the salespeople here have seen these dippy sales people come and go many times.

[tjl]

Come to think of it, I didn't even notice the armrest was missing. My commuter car now is a beater Escort with no armrest. I use the armrest in the truck if I am going on long drives that do not include driving to work.

 

There are already aftermarket armrests being offered -- one is a Ford licensed part, while another is from a company called Boomerang.

[MKII]

@ J-150:

 

What else? The seat issue caught me off guard I blame the Europeans (everybody else does)

 

Actually the North American Fiesta seats were redesigned in North America for your market, and the recline lever was

specifically changed for your market.

 

Agree on your N.A. Focus comments, I had a 2010 Focus SE auto rental for a week while back in Canada this summer. This thing drove like

a Corolla and nothing like a Focus that I have had the pleasure of owning (3 North American Focus MY2002 and MY2005 and 2 Euro Focus MY2002 and 2007).

It is not a bad car, but boring , nasty looking (IMO) & dull to drive.

That said the seats were good and fuel economy was very good.

[jpd80]

Actually the North American Fiesta seats were redesigned in North America for your market, and the recline lever was

specifically changed for your market.

 

Agree on your N.A. Focus comments, I had a 2010 Focus SE auto rental for a week while back in Canada this summer. This thing drove like

a Corolla and nothing like a Focus that I have had the pleasure of owning (3 North American Focus MY2002 and MY2005 and 2 Euro Focus MY2002 and 2007).

It is not a bad car, but boring , nasty looking (IMO) & dull to drive.

That said the seats were good and fuel economy was very good.

I agree on the US Focus comment, I had some brief time in a US Focus last year and to be kind,

it wasn't as good as the global C1 Focus the rest of us are used to - yes, it is that much better!

One can only hope that the coming Gen III Focus really knocks over US buyers and puts Ford back on top.

 

And while Fusion is a good car, the next Generation being Mondeo based will take it to another level.

Edited August 7, 2010 by jpd80

[timmm55]

There are already aftermarket armrests being offered -- one is a Ford licensed part, while another is from a company called Boomerang.

 

One of the ones we looked at had a dealer installed armrest.

[mustang_sallad]

man... i'm Ford born and raised, but I have a hard time overlooking the utility of the Honda Fit. From what I can tell, the Fiesta just can't offer nearly as much useful space as the Fit. I want the Fiesta, but I need to justify it! I guess maybe it's more fuel efficient??

[jpd80]

man... i'm Ford born and raised, but I have a hard time overlooking the utility of the Honda Fit. From what I can tell, the Fiesta just can't offer nearly as much useful space as the Fit. I want the Fiesta, but I need to justify it! I guess maybe it's more fuel efficient??

Care to elaborate where you feel the Fit has more usable space,

does it feel bigger or is it the way you can load the vehicle?

[J-150]

man... i'm Ford born and raised, but I have a hard time overlooking the utility of the Honda Fit. From what I can tell, the Fiesta just can't offer nearly as much useful space as the Fit. I want the Fiesta, but I need to justify it! I guess maybe it's more fuel efficient??

 

 

 

Where was the utility lacking in the Fiesta vs the Fit?

[tjl]

Care to elaborate where you feel the Fit has more usable space,

does it feel bigger or is it the way you can load the vehicle?

 

EPA interior volume measurements say that the Fit does have more inside room than the Fiesta.

 

But the Fit's main advantage is in the clever folding seats. The rear seat cushion goes down when the seat backs fold down, allowing the seat back to go down to form a flat load floor. And the front seat folds down as well to create space for long objects. Or the rear seat cushions can fold up to create tall object space.

 

Most comparison reviews between the Fit and Fiesta say to choose the Fiesta for ride and handling, but the Fit if you need cargo utility. There are also trim and equipment differences between the two (e.g. if you want ESC, it is standard on all Fiestas, but included only on the most expensive possible Fit in Sport trim with Navigation (and that combination is now automatic transmission only)) that may sway your decision as well.

[BORG]

It will probably come as no surprise that I'm not as enthusiastic about the Fiesta and generally look down on this entire segment largely because fuel economy and MSRP are too close to compact vehicles like the Focus. I've driven the Fiesta and generally impressed by how significant it feels, fairly solid and isolated. However, the engine and transmission really are course and labored, an absolute deal breaker for me. This car just strikes me as something not intended for domestic consumption, it hasn't been properly taylored for consumer expectations here and I'm worried it's not going to really take off after the initial interest has died down. I think the interest in these vehicles is overstated and far too seasonal (fuel prices go up, fuel prices go down) I'm more enthusiastic about the new Focus, a car much better suited to the US market.

Edited August 8, 2010 by BORG

[rkisler]

EPA interior volume measurements say that the Fit does have more inside room than the Fiesta.

 

But the Fit's main advantage is in the clever folding seats. The rear seat cushion goes down when the seat backs fold down, allowing the seat back to go down to form a flat load floor. And the front seat folds down as well to create space for long objects. Or the rear seat cushions can fold up to create tall object space.

 

Most comparison reviews between the Fit and Fiesta say to choose the Fiesta for ride and handling, but the Fit if you need cargo utility. There are also trim and equipment differences between the two (e.g. if you want ESC, it is standard on all Fiestas, but included only on the most expensive possible Fit in Sport trim with Navigation (and that combination is now automatic transmission only)) that may sway your decision as well.

 

You are correct; the Fit definitely has a superior interior package at the expense of a less sporty exterior. The Fit also gets some of its package advantage by putting the fuel tank under the front seats which clears out the rear for those nifty seats. In addition, the roofline is less "fast" than the Fiesta in the rear. Interestingly, I saw a Fit parked next to a Toyota Matrix a couple of days ago, and there was not much difference in the passenger compartment side view, but some difference in width.

[johnnyb82]

man... i'm Ford born and raised, but I have a hard time overlooking the utility of the Honda Fit. From what I can tell, the Fiesta just can't offer nearly as much useful space as the Fit. I want the Fiesta, but I need to justify it! I guess maybe it's more fuel efficient??

 

Ford really seems to be pushing form over function lately considering the Fiesta and Taurus. Being somewhat claustrophobic, I rather Ford emphasis maximizing passenger space within a given package, but how much better the Taurus is selling shows me how most people disagree.

[ANTAUS]

Well I wouldnt say the direct outcome to that would be that because it's claustrophobic that it sells better and appeals to people...its just something some are willing to overlook because of other endearing factors. I too loathe the "peering out of a war tank" look that the MKS/Taurus has, so it has turned me off somewhat. I know to some they perceive that the cocoon feeling, is interpreted as "safety".

[MY93SHO]

Well I wouldnt say the direct outcome to that would be that because it's claustrophobic that it sells better and appeals to people...its just something some are willing to overlook because of other endearing factors. I too loathe the "peering out of a war tank" look that the MKS/Taurus has, so it has turned me off somewhat. I know to some they perceive that the cocoon feeling, is interpreted as "safety".

 

 

People also bitched about the 500/Taurus's "Command seating" and high roofline.

 

You definitely can't please everyone!

[suv_guy_19]

When you have a car with a high belt line, you really start to like it....at least I do.

[FordBuyer]

When you have a car with a high belt line, you really start to like it....at least I do.

 

Today, I was at an air show and Cadillac had some new vehicles on show there. I sat in new Lacrosse, Cadillac Sport Wagon, and Chevy Equinox and fiddled with the seats until I got the seat right for me. The front window is flat across with no curvature and the A pillars are super wide. I couldn't believe the huge blind spot and you scan side to side. What a mess! My 2002 Taurus has a curvature in the windshield and I would say the blind spot is half the size when scanning from side to side at intersections. I'm not a fan of super high belt lines. GM has really gone high with their latest creations. Ford's seem slightly more modified. Btw, the air show was great with 8 B17's flying...more than anytime since WW2 and one of two remaining B24's flying along. It's always fun to see F-16's and 18's rip through the air as they put on their awesome flying demos. The F-16 used only 1,000 feet of run way and must have been up to 650 mph within about 20 seconds. It's a fricking rocket ship and the compression waves coming off the turns are unbeiievable. No sound as it comes at you at about 300 feet high and then the wall of sound as it passes with full afterburner on is beyond describing twisting and turning as it goes by you. I've seen the F-16 do its thing before, but even so it still knocks your socks off.