Weekly Top 3: Why The Ford Fiesta Is A Breath Of Fresh Air
By now we all know about the Big Three's disastrous overreliance on big SUVs, but there's a crucial flipside to that coin: in focusing on building more and more gas-guzzling monsters, GM, Ford and Chrysler continued to neglect the volume-selling economy and midsize segments. Cirrus, Stratus, Avenger, Sebring, Caliber, Cavalier, Cobalt, Escort, Festiva, old ovoid Taurus, current Focus...the list of Detroit's medicore-at-best efforts in these segments from the '90s and '00s is long and undistinguished.
At present, Chrysler's small and midsize offerings remain hopeless; only Fiat can save them now. Things seem to be looking up for GM, though, given our encouraging first drive of the new Chevrolet Cruze. And then there's Ford, which has its act together more than any other American automaker. The revamped 2010 Fusion is a competitive car, the up-to-date Euro version of the Focus is coming soon to our side of the pond, and the subject of this article -- the spunky little Fiesta -- is a truly world-class runabout.
How do I know? Because Automotive Editor John DiPietro and I drove the Fiesta at a special event in Oxnard, CA last week. You won't be able to buy one until the spring of 2010, but that's about the only thing wrong with it. Read on for three reasons why the Fiesta is Detroit's best small car in years.
3. It's a hoot to drive.
Seriously. The steering is spot-on -- it's nicely weighted and remarkably responsive to quick inputs. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is sewing-machine smooth (you know, like Honda engines used to be), and it delivers a satisfying high-rpm kick. I had more fun driving the Fiesta than I've ever had in a Honda Fit, which is the perennial fun-to-drive champ in this segment. This car is engaging enough that it might eat into base Mini Cooper sales.
2. It's got a seriously nice interior. How about a soft-touch dash in a tiny economy car? A center stack that's styled like a cell phone? Comfortable, grippy seats? Cool-looking gauges? The Fiesta's cabin is aimed directly at all those "millennials" who grew up thinking American cars were junk. It will change their minds if they give it a chance.
1. It's desirable for reasons beyond affordability.
The Fiesta is a car that people will be proud to own. It doesn't scream "I'm cheap!" the way so many American compacts have in the past. It's fun, attractive, and well-constructed. You won't buy one because you have to; you'll buy one because you want
to. That's "gotta have it" factor has been AWOL from Detroit economy cars as long as I can remember (with the possible exception of the first-generation Focus, in its day). I'm pleased to report that it looks to be on the upswing.
Josh Sadlier, Associate Editor, Edmunds.com
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- Josh Sadlier April 3, 2009, 3:00 AM
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This is good to hear. Ford seems to be making some huge steps. I can't believe I'm actually looking forward to the release of a Fiesta and a Taurus but I am.
I still remember the original 1978-80 Fiesta, that was one feisty little sumbitch, I always thought it was a shame they replaced it with the ultra-lame vastly-inferior Escort.
I'm glad to see it coming back to the U.S. One thing, though... did Ford have to make it so, shall we say... homely looking? I wouldn't go so far as to call it ugly, but it's close.
The Fiesta looks worlds better the Focus and should do great.
Could we be entering an era where it's cool to own a small car in the US?
"Things seem to be looking up for GM, though, given our encouraging first drive of the new Chevrolet Cruze."
Regarding the Cruze, I'd say things are looking more sideways than up.
I'm looking forward to seeing the Fiesta out on the road. Its a great looking car inside and out, even if Ford insists on pushing that green color. 2010 can't come soon enough.
They should have brought the Euro models sooner. Fiesta looks extremely good. How about getting the Mondeo & new Fusion from there ASAP?
Another review I read said that the ride was more than rough. The reviewer saw it as a reasonable trade off for good handling.
I like Josh's comment about digging into the Mini market. I don't know how much it'll dig into the Focus market. Focus drivers aren't looking for a rough ride.
@brn,
I actually thought the Fiesta had a nice refined ride. "Euro-firm" you might call it. My only complaint on that front was road noise.
It's interesting that you mention the Focus. I had a brief conversation with one of the Ford guys about the possibility of the Fiesta cannibalizing Focus sales, and other than noting the Fiesta's comparatively puny backseat (virtually no legroom when I tried to sit behind myself), he couldn't think of why someone would buy the current Focus instead. Fortunately the new Focus should be arriving around the same time (spring of 2010), so that won't be an issue. Shame we have to wait till then for the Fiesta though.
-JS
I must say, everything that I've seen, and read, about the Fiesta is good. From appealing looks and design, to enthusiastic reviews on their driveability and handling. I too am excited to see this car make it to the USA. I'm eagerly awaiting the Mazda2 as well... *crossing fingers* Now if Subaru will get their act together and bring over the R1! Packaged differently, of course. The styling needs work. Then again, ALL Subaru styling needs work... :P