Used 2018 Ford Fiesta

In a world of cheap gas and plentiful SUVs, the subcompact car is having a hard time finding an audience. However, for those who do prefer a small, fuel-efficient commuter car that is also smartly styled and loads of fun to drive, Ford builds the 2018 Fiesta subcompact. Offered in four trims and two body styles (sedan and hatchback), the Fiesta has a leg up on most of it competitors, although its aging design means you won’t find cutting-edge features like the Toyota Yaris’ forward-collision warning or the Honda Fit’s adaptive cruise control. Then again, none of the Fiesta’s rivals have anything to match the taut suspension and 197-horsepower accompanying the sporty Fiesta ST.

Confident, comfortable and easily controlled, the 2018 Ford Fiesta remains a favorite. Yes, an aging design means it’s missing some key safety features, and there are foreign competitors out there that offer more content at a better price (not to mention a better warranty), but after a few minutes behind the Fiesta’s wheel, all of those trivialities melt into the rearview mirror. Run the Fiesta through a winding single-lane road, and you’ll be amazed at the car’s poised balance, nimble reflexes and communicative steering. Power from the 1.6-liter engine isn’t robust, but it’s sufficient, especially when paired with the slick 5-speed manual (a 6-speed automatic is optional). For those willing to spend a bit more, the 197-horsepower ST trim is the ultimate “little rocket man,” offering both performance and economy in a versatile hatchback body. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels and performance tires, a sport suspension and available Recaro sport seats.

As a sedan or hatchback, the 2018 Ford Fiesta seats five; however, rear-seat legroom is a bit cramped even for a subcompact. Cargo volume is generous. All sedans have 60/40-folding rear seats for larger items, and the hatchback offers over 25 cubic feet of space with its rear seats folded. Lower-trim models are Spartan with basic but easy-to-use controls. Comfort is high and the materials feel good to the touch. It’s also nicely put together. There’s an overall feeling of quality. If you’re willing to spend, things can get fancy with leather seats, ambient lighting and push-button start.

In a world where “affordable subcompact” too often means “dowdy and unattractive,” the 2018 Ford Fiesta wears a stylish and distinctive suit. Attractive and modern as a 4-door sedan or more practical 5-door hatchback, the new Fiesta never turns heads for the wrong reasons. In addition to swallowing more cargo, the hatchback is particularly attractive, offering better proportions and a sportier physique. The Fiesta ST is endowed with a more aggressive style befitting its high-performance intentions, including larger wheels and tires, a deeper front spoiler, ST badging and two chrome exhaust pipes right out of your hot-rodding high school dreams.

SYNC 3
The Fiesta’s Sync 3 infotainment system isn’t some watered-down version of the system found on larger Ford cars, it’s a fully-functioning setup displayed through a big 6.5-inch touch screen. Voice commands can summon most features, and there’s even an available Sync AppLink that allows for voice control of some smartphone mobile apps.

ST TRIM’S 1.6-LITER ECOBOOST ENGINE
The turbocharged EcoBoost 1.6-liter engine in the ST trim is a wonderful powerplant, delivering excellent low-end torque, ample power for passing and a melodious song as the rpms climb high into the rev band. An estimated 33 mpg highway fuel-economy rating is just icing on the cake.

The least expensive Fiesta is the S sedan, but even it is nicely equipped. Standard fare includes a 4.2-inch display screen, 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with auxiliary input, rearview monitor, air conditioning, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, power door locks, Hill Start Assist, dual USB inputs and keyless entry. You will, however, still have to crank your own windows. SE models add cruise control, power windows and the MyKey system. Top-line Titanium trims include the reverse-sensing system, Sony premium audio, leather seating (heated in front), automatic climate control and the latest Sync system.

Popular options for the 2018 Fiesta include the Sync infotainment system, which now has a larger 6.5-inch touch screen with smartphone gestures like swipe and pinch to zoom, navigation, power moonroof, heated front seats, keyless entry pad, satellite radio, and an automatic transmission. The potent Fiesta ST hatchback can be made racier with hood stripes and race-car-ready, height-adjustable Recaro seats with cool leather and cloth upholstery. Strangely no automatic transmission is available on the ST.

Two engines are available in the 2018 Ford Fiesta. The standard powerplant, and the best choice for the majority of buyers, is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 120 horsepower. It’s available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and delivers impressive fuel economy. If saving gasoline is less of a concern and you just want to have more fun, a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual gearbox await you in the 197-horsepower Fiesta ST. All Fiestas are front-wheel drive (FWD).

1.6-liter inline-4
120 horsepower @ 6,350 rpm
112 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/35 mpg (manual), 27/37 mpg (automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
197 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
202 lb-ft of torque @ 4,200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/33 mpg