- The EPA rates the 2011 Ford Fiesta at 29/40 mpg city/highway.
- The manual-transmission Fiesta is rated at 28/37 mpg.
- The Fiesta posts better fuel efficiency than subcompacts from Toyota and Honda.
DETROIT — Ford has just released the EPA numbers for its long-awaited and much-hyped 2011 Fiesta: The subcompact with a six-speed automatic "PowerShift" transmission is rated at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway.
That is a significant improvement over direct competitors such as the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. Or it is at least if one looks only at the highway number, where the Ford is 4-5 mpg better than the Japanese cars. On EPA's city test, all three cars score within 1 mpg.
With the five-speed manual, the Fiesta's numbers drop a bit to 28/37 mpg.
It might achieve higher fuel economy than its direct competitors but it might not do better than the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze, at least in the fuel-economy-special Eco version of the Chevy.
Chevrolet says that the Cruze Eco (with a six-speed manual) will achieve 40 mpg on the highway. The Cruze is larger than the Fiesta. It's in the compact class compared to the Ford's subcompact classification. In fact, it's larger than the Fiesta's big brother, the Focus. Both get from zero to 60 mph in about 10 seconds.
Inside Line says: This is a Ford-vs.-Chevy battle that will be as hotly contested as the rejuvenated Mustang-vs.-Camaro classic. — Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit
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twofiestas says:
07:39 PM, 12/11/2010
I purchased a Fiesta 3 weeks ago. So far it has been a pleasant surprise. I made the mistake of letting my wife drive it and she literally drove it to the Ford dealer up the road and purchased one for herself.
I purchased it strictly for fuel mileage. So far the vehicle averages 35-38 MPG up and down a mountain every day. I haven't done a long highway trip yet but i'm fairly certain the 40 MPG is easliy doable. I purchased the 5 speed model and not the automatic.
I'm not a car or a Ford person but purchased this vehicle to keep from having to replace a diesel truck in a few years. The fiesta is amazingly quiet. The fit and finish appear quite acceptable. My wife traded in an Escape with 125,000 miles on it and never had a mechanical issue whatsoever with that vehicle.
We purchased the sedan models as the hatchback didn't look appealing for "trunk space". The stereo system sounds fantastic for just an AM/FM radio.
My only criticism is a squealing noise when first starting up on cold mornings. It has someting to do with the clutch and goes away after about 15 seconds. This happens with both vehicles.
It takes a little getting use to after driving trucks for over 25 years. The lack of quick acceleration won't surprise anyone. The fiesta handles really well on the mountain roads I drive daily.
Even my teenage son thought the car was cool. Trips to the gas pump are now painless.
thomasrhee says:
08:24 AM, 07/22/2010
The actual EPA for the automatic that's on the window sticker of the Fiesta's arriving on dealer lots is 29/38 with a combined fuel economy rating of 33. I bought one, and with 750 miles on the odometer so far, average MPG is around 33.5
islandarch says:
04:37 PM, 06/13/2010
What is also disgusting is that they are using pictures of the European version intermixed with the ads so as to confuse people as to what they will be getting.
A few minor strokes and greatness totally ruined.
The ultimate in stupidity.
Mark Phelan in the Freep says that GM must try and not look like a nincompoop today.
Too late, Ford has already taken the cake.
Bill
islandarch says:
04:29 PM, 06/13/2010
Isn't is stunning how they could take one of the most beautiful designs ever and ruin it for the American Market. Now it looks like the ultimate wussmobile, great for grandma.
That shows you how much Ford disrespects the American Buyer, making it look like a mini Chrysler Concord.
Disgusting, so disgusting!!!
What did they think? We wouldn't notice? We're blind? or We're stupid?
Oh how I wanted it and now have to walk away in contempt and disgust.
Bill
chriss4 says:
07:30 PM, 05/28/2010
The Fiesta is going to dominate the segment.
After driving my friends Fit, my reaction was what a buzzy econo-box with cheap crappy interior. Having driven the Euro Fiesta, I can honestly say there is no comparison, the Fiesta looks better, handles better, rides better, is a pleasure to ride in. Get over it Honda fan boys.
phill1 says:
09:11 AM, 05/24/2010
ed124c: While your praising the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring as a better choice for a small wagon then the 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback, lets remember that, this (touring dog) Elantra is actually an aging discontinued Kia Spectra 5 hatchback that was rebadged to make a new model for Hyundia when Kia introduced its new Forte that replaced the Spectra. I`m not bashing either Hyundai or Kia. I own and love my 06` Hyundai Sonata and my 06 Kia Rio5 SX Hatchback, which I`m replacing with the new Ford Fiesta SE Hatchback. The new 2011 Hyundai Accent (Verna) is a killer. Hopefully, either Hyundai will make a 5 door hatchback version as well as the 4 door sedan or Kia will introduce its version with an available 5 door hatchback. I love Ford, but both Hyundai and Kia are making Great vehicles with 5 year 60K bumper to bumper warranties. Even their resale values are starting to improve.
tbone85 says:
03:36 PM, 05/18/2010
"About your ford and it's mileage! It should be doubted if it's from Ford"
Mileage rating comes from the feds.
"Do people actually think that car is attractive? : P I don't see what this cars appeal is and yet automotive writers have been gushing over it for months. Twenty-nine city is decent mileage though."
Compared to the current competition, the Ford's design is positively brilliant. If Ford delivers an experienc similar to that of the Fiesta in Europe, writers are gushing over the tight handling, fresh design, and quality of construction.
charlesb says:
09:02 AM, 05/17/2010
Do people actually think that car is attractive? : P I don't see what this cars appeal is and yet automotive writers have been gushing over it for months. Twenty-nine city is decent mileage though.
eventhorizon1 says:
08:42 AM, 05/17/2010
Very impressive. Ford is doing right by its new product line, and while many posters have their own biases as to what is the superior car, the point was to be competitive, if not an outright winner. They have handily done so.
gordon25 says:
08:32 AM, 05/17/2010
About your ford and it's mileage! It should be doubted if it's from Ford