Ford Fiesta opinions

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oilboy123

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I made another post about the Focus. Considering the Fiesta as well, auto, or manual trans. Those who own, or have driven one please tell me what you think?

Using for commuting for the most part. But if the price of fuel goes way up, I'll feel a little better. Considering the 2011-2014 ish range. If I did let somebody borrow the car an automatic would be better. Otherwise.......I might be very afraid of the trans if it was a manual......
 
The automatics in the Focus are DCT.

Personally I think the 1.0ecoboost MT in the fiesta could be fun.
 
We have had two Fiestas. A 2011 SE with the much hated DCT, and a 2014 ST with a normal manual transmission. From a vehicle dynamics perspective, the SE was a great little car that got great fuel economy. The automatic transmission never gave us any problems, and it worked fine. I think that people drive them the same as a "normal" automatic, and get bad results. Moving the selector to "L" gives you the lowest gear available immediately. We always drove it as if it was a manual that had automated clutching and shifting, because that is what it is. That being said, I wasn't won over by that transmission and wouldn't buy another. It wasn't nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be, though.
The ST is great.
 
The Fiesta is a bit of a misfit in North America because it really shines with the manual, which not something that many North Americans can drive, or want. I have driven an automatic Fiesta rental and it was OK, but somewhat clunky when shifting and downshifting. I could live with it, but I now own a 2015 Fiesta ST which has one of the smoothest FWD manuals that I have ever driven. It is so easy to shift that it almost pulls itself into the next gear. The whole dynamic of the car is like a solidly built go-kart. It is the most fun car that I have ever driven, largely because of the transmission and engine. I have heard that the 1 liter 3 cylinder is similar, but (obviously) less powerful.
 
It's a buzz box with mediocre transmission.

The focus is a superior buy and more tolerable day to day. My experience with rentals.
 
I'm a huge Ford fan but skip the auto - its the poorly regarded DCT. 5 or 6 speed stick and it's a stellar vehicle.
 
Safety is important, as is fuel economy. Focus, and Fiesta fuel economy are not far off each other in the right configuration. If the car is a lot noisier that could be a deal breaker. The Focus would probably be easier to get parts for? Being more common. Manual sounds like a better bet I guess.
 
From only my very brief experience slinging a Focus and Fiesta ST around an autocross course at a Ford EcoBoost challenge some years back, I'd choose the Focus every time. It was immediately apparent to me to be a sturdier vehicle. Truth be told, though, I'd probably pop for a Fusion unless the hatch is a big selling point for you. The relatively small price you pay to move up a segment is paid back handsomely with better NVH, comfort, stability, etc.
 
Originally Posted By: glock19
If it matters to you, it didn't get the greatest safety ratings.


Yeah, I liked the Fiesta (ST) and was a serious contender until I saw the crash-test ratings. The it was a "heck-naw at that point.
 
Originally Posted By: glock19
If it matters to you, it didn't get the greatest safety ratings.


Really?

Scored pretty well in Euro NCAP

http://www.euroncap.com/en/results/ford/fiesta/10922


As fare as the Fiesta goes if you want a small, comfortable, well built, economical small car that is fun to drive that handles extremely well then buy a Fiesta.

I would probably the 100 or 125 1.0 Ecoboost.

Apparently the tiny engine improves the handling over the heavier engines. Especially the diesels I suspect.

The pre facelift Automatic was a normal Torque Convertor Auto, the PowerShift was used when they facelifted it and out the new nose on it (With the grille that looked a bit "Aston")

If you service the Powershift it is reliable, they need serviced every 36k if i remember correctly.
 
Check out the Chev Spark..cheaper, more technology advanced, 10 airbags, better mileage. The fiesta is 2.5 ft longer but wheelbase and interior dimensions are very very similar in both cars. Engine and tranny are all aluminum. Latest generation of Chev Powerplant. I am not a Chevy guy but it won me over. 2017 is the 2nd year into this advanced model.I love mine.
 
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You can go over on blueovalnews.com and read about them on the Ford board. The transmissions are terrible.
 
I have a 98 Taurus now. The focus is probably the best trade off on weight, NVH, MPG, crash test ratings etc. Crash tests are important, so that counts as well.
 
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