Ford Fiesta Buying Guide
Before you start shopping for a used Ford Fiesta, check out our buying guide. Here, we delve into everything these peppy subcompact sedans and hatchbacks have offered up over the years. We’ll help you choose the model that has the features you need for your best daily drive.
First Generation: 2011-2019
Available as a subcompact sedan or hatchback, the used Ford Fiesta offers both excellent value and impressive fuel economy. The used Fiesta also delivers a range of sporty performances, impressive interior comfort, and a welcoming infotainment setup. Even the base trim level is big on comfort, with generous passenger space and a predictable performance. Throughout the used lineup, you’ll find tons of modern convenience, compliments of features like keyless ignition and Ford’s Sync voice controls.
This four-door subcompact is available as four main trim levels: the base S, midrange SE, upscale Titanium, and sporty ST. All but the ST come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that balances a thrifty commute with punchy power (120 horsepower). The performance-based ST has a little more kick, thanks to its turbo 1.6-liter four-cylinder (197 horses).
With the used Ford Fiesta S, you get a great price on a modern drive. This trim level is home to power locks and mirrors, air conditioning, and Bluetooth phone connectivity. The mid-grade SE adds extra conveniences, such as power windows, cruise control, and keyless entry. With the Titanium, you get a cushier ride, compliments of its leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and standard infotainment interface. The sporty ST was made for driving enthusiasts, amping up your ride with sport-tuned suspension, high-performance tires, upgraded brakes, and quicker steering.
How has the used Ford Fiesta evolved over the years?
Throughout its run, Ford continued to update the Fiesta, making it very competitive in the subcompact segment. When you’re shopping for a used model, it’s a good idea to know which model years offer which features. Here’s a look at the Fiesta updates:
- 2019: Two trim models drop from the Fiesta lineup: the base S hatchback and the upscale Titanium. A new ST Line model offers sporty style, with dual chrome exhaust tips, rear disc brakes, aerodynamic upgrades, and ST-specific front sport seats.
- 2016: The Fiesta adds Ford’s Sync 3, the infotainment system that replaced the old MyFord Touch interface. The base S includes two new standard features, an anti-theft alarm and remote keyless entry.
- 2015: The sporty Fiesta FT is now available in Performance Blue.
- 2014: The first Fiesta ST, a performance-based trim model, rolls off the assembly line. Choose the ST for its sporty handling and more powerful engine. A newly optional turbocharged three-cylinder engine offered a thriftier performance for other Fiesta trim levels. Ford’s MyFord Touch infotainment system became optional.
- 2013: The Fiesta’s new trim models and options are now more straightforward. For example, the same trims and options are offered for both sedan and hatchback models.
What else do you need to know?
If you find yourself test-driving a 2014 used Ford Fiesta, make sure it’s had all the proper recall repairs. For instance, some models suffered from a fuel leak that increased the risk of a fire. The 2014 Fiesta was also recalled for a faulty fuel pump, which had the potential to cause the vehicle to stall without warning.