2019 Ford Fiesta Pros vs Cons

Known for its low price tag and fuel-efficient design, the 2019 Ford Fiesta remains one of the most rewarding subcompact cars on the market. While some drivers will prefer the sedan version, the hatchback body style rewards you with more cargo space. If the base Fiesta fails to spark your interest, check out the performance-focused Fiesta ST. Although the Fiesta has some bright spots, there are also a few weaknesses to consider. Let's find out if the Fiesta will meet your expectations.

What's New for 2019?

The 2019 Ford Fiesta is mechanically the same as before. As of now, Ford also doesn't plan to introduce any new features. However, Ford will offer a new ST Line appearance package, which transforms the hatchback into an especially sporty looking ride. According to sources, Ford plans to soon discontinue the Fiesta.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Ford Fiesta – The Pros

1. Good City Car

The Ford Fiesta is a great car for urban dwellers. A narrow body and short length make it easy to park in tight spots. Ford's now standard backup camera helps you to keep an eye out for potential obstacles. You can also take advantage of the Fiesta's low fuel consumption. According to the EPA, drivers can expect to average a combined 31 mpg with the available automatic transmission.

2. Zippy Performance

Although the Fiesta's standard four-cylinder engine only pushes out 120 horsepower, a lightweight design makes it feel quite responsiveness. What makes the Fiesta a blast to drive is its slick handling. It's far more agile than the typical economy car. When taking the Fiesta out on a back road, you'll immediately notice its sporty driving dynamics. If you want to have some extra fun, stick with the standard five-speed manual gearbox.

3. Exciting ST Model

The racy Fiesta ST is pound-for-pound one of the best performance bargains on the market. It comes equipped with a punchy 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Ford tuned it to generate a lively 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque. A 0-60 time of 6.7 seconds puts it among the quickest cars in the class. Meanwhile, a re-calibrated steering system and sports-tuned suspension dampers further aid the ST model's handling.

4. All-New ST Line Appearance Package Looks Great

The all-new ST Line appearance package certainly enhances the Fiesta's road presence. You get the look of a true "hot hatch" without the extra performance. Featuring a sleeker front fascia and an exciting rear spoiler, the package's body kit is bound to attract to some attention. Twin exhaust tips give the Fiesta a meaner attitude. You will also notice the 10-spoke black wheels, which accentuate the Fiesta's sporty stance.

5. Nice Interior

Fortunately, the 2019 Ford Fiesta doesn't have a cheap-looking interior. It actually matches up well with cars that are significantly more expensive. Ford did a superb job of insulating the cabin. This helps keep road noise at bay on the highway. Leather upholstery gives the range-topping Titanium trim an especially upscale feel. Meanwhile, multi-color ambient lighting helps liven up the mood.

6. Inexpensive Base Model

While all versions of the 2019 Ford Fiesta are affordable, the base model is an ideal fit for budget-minded car shoppers. Although prices will vary from one region to the next, you can anticipate paying around $14,200. This is not a bad deal for a stylish commuter car. Some of the standard technology includes Bluetooth integration, a 4.2-inch display, and a backup camera. Unlike some competitors, the base Fiesta also benefits from a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

7. Sync 3 With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system is definitely a worthwhile upgrade. It ranks among the top interfaces in the business. Although the 6.5-inch touch screen is a bit small, high-resolution graphics make the display easy to read. Whether you own a regular Android phone or an iPhone, you'll have no trouble integrating the device. When on the road, enhanced voice controls enable you to make commands while keeping your hands free.

8. Available Sony Sound System

The Fiesta's standard six-speaker sound system isn't bad for the price. However, you can crank up the excitement with the available Sony sound system. Young drivers will love the system's extra bass production. Even when turning up the volume, you can still look forward to experience good sound quality.

9. Several Cool Color Options

Ford allows you to give the new Fiesta your own personal touch. You will have a total of 10 different paint colors to choose from. Some of the energizing colors include Outrageous Green, Hot Pepper Red, and Lightning Blue. There are some eye-catching interior colors available as well.

10. Functional Hatchback Body Style

A lot of drivers will appreciate the hatchback’s practicality. Although the Fiesta hatch may not provide as much cargo space as some competitors, it’s still a step above the sedan version. You’ll be able to cram a bit more stuff in the back.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Ford Fiesta – The Cons

1. Not as Safe as Some Rivals

Unfortunately, the 2019 Ford Fiesta does not provide superior crash protection. It received a mediocre, four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Furthermore, you can’t get the Fiesta with advanced driving aids such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. You’ll find these safety technologies on the 2019 Honda Fit. Parents should also be concerned about the Fiesta’s child seat anchors, which received a “Poor” rating from the IIHS for ease of use.

2. Low Resale Value

If you buy a new 2019 Ford Fiesta, don’t expect to get a big return on your investment. This car does not have a high resale value. With rumors swirling about the Fiesta being discontinued in the near future, its value is likely to further plummet. This could be an issue for the drivers who plan to trade in their Fiesta a few years down the road.

3. Small Car

There’s no overlooking the Ford Fiesta’s small stature. Although the Fiesta’s front seats are relatively spacious, bigger drivers may still desire a bit more hip room to spread out. The Fiesta’s biggest black eye is its tight backseat. It only provides enough room for kids. Traveling with four adults aboard may prove to be an uncomfortable experience. If you need to accommodate your family and friends, take a look at the 2019 Nissan Versa.

4. Automatic Transmission Is Just Okay

Although the Fiesta’s PowerShift automatic transmission has a cool name, it suffers from a few weaknesses. When driving around at city speeds, the automatic transmission tends to jerk a bit. It takes away from the Fiesta’s overall driving experience. To enjoy a smoother performance, choose the manual transmission. The automatic’s main advantage is its slightly higher fuel economy.

5. May Struggle in the Snow

The 2019 Ford Fiesta is not the best car for tackling snowy roads. Its front-wheel-drive system is more suitable for areas that don’t have harsh winters. However, it’s important to note that none of today’s subcompact cars currently offer an AWD package.

How It Stacks Up to the Competition

The 2019 Ford Fiesta battles against the 2019 Honda Fit, the 2019 Toyota Yaris, and the 2019 Nissan Versa. While the Fiesta doesn’t offer as many safety technologies as the Honda Fit, it’s just as engaging to drive. Meanwhile, don’t expect the Toyota Yaris or the Nissan Versa to match the Fiesta’s fun-to-drive nature. Neither of these competitors can even close to delivering the excitement of the turbocharged Fiesta ST. In terms of overall reliability and repair costs, the 2019 Ford Fiesta does trail the competition.

Conclusion

If you don’t have a fortune to spend on a new car, the 2019 Ford Fiesta deserves some serious consideration. Although the Fiesta has an inexpensive price tag, it doesn’t feel cheap. It excels as a fun-to-drive commuter car. To experience class-leading excitement, take the high-output Fiesta ST for a spin. Unfortunately, there are some obvious downsides to the new Fiesta. Some drivers will be disappointed with the Fiesta’s below-average crash scores and tight backseat. A low resale value also puts the Fiesta at a disadvantage against rivals like the Honda Fit.