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2018 Ford Fiesta review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Ford Fiesta highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Fun, sporty handling
  • Nicely-made interior with available technology upgrades
  • Exciting performance from Fiesta ST

Cons

  • Limited cargo and rear seat space
  • Ride quality and seat comfort are poor compared to rivals
  • No available driver aids

Mileage (EPA estimate)

26 city, 33 highway, 29 combined

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The 2018 Ford Fiesta loses a liter

Available as both a sedan and hatchback, the 2018 Ford Fiesta has a nicely-made interior with good ergonomics, sporty handling, and a surprisingly quiet ride. On the downside, the interior and cargo area are tight, even for a subcompact, and other subcompacts offer more comfort on the road. Still, there’s a lot of personality here, and the Fiesta ST dials up the fun with a more powerful turbocharged engine, although it is only available with a manual transmission. Unfortunately for 2018, Ford discontinued the very fuel-efficient 1.0-liter engine.

For 2018, the Fiesta’s rearview camera is now standard equipment on the base Fiesta S. If you’re looking for touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, be aware that was an option on the Fiesta SE trim, and only standard on the Fiesta Titanium. If you want driver aids like forward collision warning or adaptive cruise control, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

All Ford Fiesta years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ford Fiesta generation from 2012 to 2019

What is new for the 2018 Ford Fiesta?

  • Enhanced safety features including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
  • Updated infotainment system with larger touchscreen and improved connectivity options.
  • New engine options available for better fuel efficiency and performance.
  • Revised exterior design elements for a more modern appearance.
  • Removal of manual transmission option from the lineup.

2018 Ford Fiesta trims

Curious how Ford Fiesta trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

S:

  • 120-hp, 112-lb-ft of torque 1.6L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • View our Ford Fiesta S inventory

SE:

Titanium:

  • Includes all features available on the SE
  • Leather Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Parking Sensors
  • Smart Key
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Sony Sound System
  • Apple CarPlay
  • View our Ford Fiesta Titanium inventory

ST:

Ford Fiesta photos

What We Like

Handling: The Fiesta isn’t particularly quick in a straight line, but it’s well-suited to tackling curves thanks to its sporty handling and quick steering. There’s plenty of fun to be had here, although the tradeoff is a stiffer ride.

Interior quality: Overall, the Fiesta’s interior feels well-built and the controls are thoughtfully laid out for easy use. In higher trims, the sense of quality is upgraded by soft-touch materials on touchpoints like the steering wheel and shifter knob. We just wish the seats were a bit more comfortable to sit in.

Fiesta ST: The standard Fiesta engine can’t quite match the little car’s handling prowess, but the ST takes care of that with a 197-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a sportier suspension, and a more aggressive look.

What Needs Improvement

Interior space: Even among subcompact cars, the Fiesta has a tight backseat and a small cargo space, whether you opt for the sedan or hatchback. The Fiesta works best as a city runabout for one or two people.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.1 out of 5

7 customer reviews
The 2018 Ford Fiesta is praised for its excellent fuel economy, smooth handling, and modern technology features like Sync 3. However, its limited power and concerns about reliability were noted by some. Mixed opinions on seat comfort and cargo space highlight its versatility but show room for improvement.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Ford Fiesta an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Ford Fiesta 15th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Fiesta

Ford Fiesta features and specs

Curious how Ford Fiesta trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Titanium 4D Hatchback 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Leather Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Smart Key
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Automatic Transmission
  • CD Audio
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Sony Sound System
  • Sync System
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto

Optional Features

  • Sunroof(s)
  • Remote Start
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

1.6L

Horsepower

120

Torque (ft-lbs)

112

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

12.4

Wheelbase

98"

Overall length

159.7"

Width

67.8"

Height

58.1"

Leg room

F 42.2"/R 31.2"

Head room

F 39.1"/R 37.2"

Front tires

P195/50HR16

Rear tires

P195/50HR16

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Ford Fiesta FAQ

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