MSRP  $13,320

American automakers making small cars has historically worked out about as well as athletes in movies: there is an occasional brush with competence, but the results usually don’t turn out too well.  The Ford Fiesta may be proof that America is capable of making a small, quality car that doesn’t cost a few thousand more than the competition.

The Fiesta S is the lowest of three trim levels.  The other two are the SE and SEL.  It has a 1.6 liter, inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 120 horsepower.  It comes with 15-inch steel wheels and a 5-speed, manual transmission, with a 6-speed automatic available as an upgrade.  It is rated at 28 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

The Fiesta S, as the base model, doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles.  It does have a tilt-telescope steering wheel, power mirrors, and a 4-speaker stereo system with a CD/MP3 player.  The interior, even though bare-bones, manages to come across as very nice for a car in its class.  It has soft-touch materials and a styling that almost seems elite.

The Fiesta has the basic five modern safety features: anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags.  In addition, it has a driver’s side knee airbag.  The Fiesta earned solid 4-star ratings in the new, tougher 2011 government crash tests, and the IIRC gave it a rating of “good,” which is its top rating.  It stops from 60 mph in 119 feet.

Conclusions and driver feedback:

The Fiesta is, first and foremost, a fun car.  It has a little more “zip” than you would expect.  Acceleration is both smooth and powerful, especially in the lower gears during city driving.  The Fiesta handles like a champ.  The steering is responsive, and the suspension combines a sporty feel with a solid ride.  While the feel might be sporty and the ride a little firm, the Fiesta doesn’t give the sudden jolts that a pure sport suspension would.

The seats are comfortable, and the great ambiance of the interior only adds to the driving experience.

There is negative feedback, but most is typical of small cars.  The cabin, while it looks great, is a little cramped for some.  As is to be expected in a small car, there isn’t much cargo space, either.  Some don’t like the gear ratio and the resulting highway acceleration, which they feel is sluggish.

All in all, the Fiesta S may be the best car in its class.  If it isn’t the best, it may be the most fun to drive.  With the Fiesta, Ford has proven that it is possible for an American company to make a small car and make it right.  The Fiesta can compete with any car of its size in the world.

The verdict: if you are loyal to America cars, a definite yes.  And you may want to buy the Fiesta even if you aren’t.

This 2 wheel drive vehiccle runs on a 4 cylinder engine and a 5 speed manual transmission. Some of the features in the 2011 Ford Fiesta S include a tachometer, cloth seets, tilt steering, full safety airbags, stylish wide headlights, power door locks and vehicle warranty. This vehicle has a blue flame metal exterior, charcoal interior, and runs at 25+ miles per gallon.

This is the hot new car deal in Issaquah. With a full vehicle warranty and affordable car loan options, the sedan is a steal for just $11,850. For more information on this vehicle listing contact Evergreen Ford (1-888-629-7078).

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