What us up with all the Ford Fiesta ST Love?

"McSchmalex" (McSchmalex) 01/17/2014 at 18:30 • Filed to: None

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So lately there has been a lot of auto journalist love for the Ford Fiesta ST. Yeah, I got it, you guys probably know this car is awesome. But for us schmucks who don't get to drive 50+ cars a year, I find it dubious when you place it so high.

Not saying it doesn't deserve the title of "Cheapest Fun Car In The World" but I would argue there are options.

I reference Mr. Matt Farah and The Smoking Tire crew. They make a solid argument that it is worth consideration over a very clean E46 M3. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

I showed this video to a friend of mine whose first reaction was "why not just buy a new VW GTI?"

I didn't have a good answer for him. It is a valid argument. Why all the Fiesta love, when we have a solid set of wheels on the market that has been around for a while and has a cult following. It is also coming out with a very delicious (to channel Mr. Farah) !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Lets here it Oppo, what say ye?

The Real Dacia Sandero > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:33

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I think top gear compared them. Basically, better car: GTI better drive: Fiesta ST. You choose whats more important.

Victorious Secret > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:34

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Because the ST will run after its warranty without bankrupting its owner, unlike the GTI. The ST will simply be cheaper to run in the long run AND its in a smaller class size compared to the GTI.

If VW sold a viable Polo GTI, things would be different.

As it stands the Focus ST gets recommendations over current GTI as well.

jariten1781 > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:42

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The ST is more fun than the GTI. Way more fun. It's mostly because it's a lot lighter.

I own both.

M54B30 > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:45

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I'm curious as well - I was all hyped for picking up a Focus ST in the next year or toe but people are saying the Fiesta is the greatest thing since...anything really. I think it's just be too small for my taste.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:46

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I'm buying one. It will cost me 23k out the door. I have no kids, but I do like beer. The hatch holds a lot of beer. I have limited parking spaces so having a track only car is out of the picture since I already have an old Audi I'm not getting rid of. The fiesta seems to do track days and AutoX quite well. It is very light, and very easy to move through traffic despite being a subcompact thanks to its monstrous little engine. I dislike driving the FR-S and I would hate to own one. Meanwhile the fiesta ST is fun to drive, even in crappy conditions. Plus it has a full warranty and tons of aftermarket while remaining cheap on insurance and running costs.

Find me something like it. I dare you. Ones I ruled out:

GTI/GLI - close, but insurance premiums are double the fiesta's and gas mileage is worse while being heavier and not much more power

Focus ST - gets expensive, FAST. Recaro package is over 4k where it's 2k on the fiesta. Similar spec, the Focus is about 5-6k more than the fiesta. Plus it's a bit of a harsher drive and more nose heavy.

Civic Si - more practical, more boring, more lame. So basically, it's a honda. Also not a hatch.

Fit - AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

But let's go back to used cars for a second. While the fiesta is "fun to drive" it is not a "fun car" or a toy to me. It will haul groceries and do my daily commuting. If I was to drop 20 grand or more on a dedicated fun car, I'd pick up an old 911. ANd that was the conclusion reached in the M3 comparison. Would you really enjoy your M3 when you're idling in traffic or navigating a pothole filled road just trying to get some food for the week? Wouldn't you rather let a much newer, healthier car take that burden? Save your true love for an absolutely special car? Don't think of the fiesta as a competitor to a used performance car, think of it as the jalop version of a gas saving daily driver.

Dusty Ventures > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:48

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Having driven both the ST and the GTI I'd say the ST is in a completely different league when it comes to handling and feel. It really is that good.

Dusty Ventures > M54B30 01/17/2014 at 18:50

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That is the drawback of the Fiesta. It feels and handles better than the Focus for sure, but if you're regularly putting adults in the back seat or sizable things in the trunk the Focus is definitely the car to choose of the two. (And don't get me wrong, the Focus is still an absolute blast. I was just messing around with one at the Team O'Neil Rally School earlier this week)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > M54B30 01/17/2014 at 18:51

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Sit in one to find your answer. My issue with the focus is its extra weight is definitely noticeable over the fiesta. Plus the focus is much more expensive. And I don't really care about not being able to haul a ton of people. I'm a young bachelor living in a downtown environment....and my "toy" is a turbo quattro audi sedan. Yes, my toy is more practical than what my daily driver will be :P

BUT - the focus is big enough to have car seats in the back. And I think you get more arm room as well. I had plenty of legroom in the fiesta even though I have ridiculously long legs so that won't be an issue. Seeing out the back of the fiesta was not easy, either. I bet the focus is more "stable" where the fiesta is "nimble". If that makes sense.

TheRidge > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:52

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It hard for me to figure out why you would buy one when you can get a Mazdaspeed3 for the same price after the discounts they are putting on them. Sure the body style is in its last stand but you have more power (and power potential), bigger back seat, and similar build quality. MPG would be the only knock on the 'speed.

jsmizira > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:54

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Go and drive one. Then come back and tell us about it. We can wait.

TheRidge > TheRidge 01/17/2014 at 18:54

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Also, the Fiesta ST probably sounds just like the Focus ST which is not good imo. Kinda asthmatic

iaintafraidofnoghost > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:54

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Why not buy a GTI? Because you aren't going to have $1000s+ repair bills after 70k miles in a ford.

maximillious > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 18:57

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I test drove both of the ST's the FRS the WRX and the GTI. In the end I went with the Focus ST. The size was right for someone who transports bicycles ALOT, The engine had kick, the price was low (20k out the door I didnt opt for any special seats or anything like that because stock was so so comfy). The FRS got last place on my list for several reasons but mostly because I knew I would be bored after 6 months with it. The WRX was great but too expensive and it was still used. The GTI was quick, but it just wasnt my style and it felt kinda boring. The Fiesta was #2 on the list for me and lost because of its size. Although I encourage my GF to get one, she is definitely into it.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > jsmizira 01/17/2014 at 19:00

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I test drove one last night in the snow on the stock rubber. I may or may not have gotten air over some railroad tracks. Don't tell the dealer that. It was a bit cramped since the seat was still not broken in and it was awfully stiff due to being so low miles but it left a smile on my face despite me basically crawling in bumper to bumper traffic for a few miles behind a bus before turning off and heading down some more open streets. The shifter felt right - some throw and weight, but far from excessive. It was difficult for me to see out the back but then again that back window is tiny. The side mirrors are large so that helps. Besides, what's behind me isn't important - it's losing. But it effectively becomes a three-seater when I'm in position because I have to move my seat pretty far back. Not a problem for me, but it will be if you have kids.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > maximillious 01/17/2014 at 19:05

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I'm impressed with how cheap the base focus ST is and equally impressed at how expensive the options are on it. The recaro package is listed as a 4800$ option where it's only 2000$ on the fiesta.

M54B30 > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/17/2014 at 19:06

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It does make sense - those were my thoughts and suspicions. I have a baby coming soon so any extra room is a big plus since they have to be manhandled into the stupid base. For what it's worth, you can't disconnect the seat from the base in my Montero without moving a seat forward so extra room is a slam dunk for me.

And I dunno... If I take coworkers out to lunch or pick my parents up at the airport, I'd rather say "hop into the back of my focus" than saying "squeeze into my fiesta." I need to try them to really decide though.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > TheRidge 01/17/2014 at 19:09

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Mazdaspeed3s are, from what I've heard from a LOT of people, very unreliable after the 50k mark, especially when tuned. Plus the MS3 is more of a muscle hatch. It foregoes a lot of refinement for more power and feels like it. The fiesta is 500 lbs lighter too so that helps. Oh and since people can;t stop wrapping them around trees and posts, the MS3 would run me about 350-400$ a month for insurance where the fiesta is 150$. And I have a perfect driving record and no accidents. Fuck michigan.

If all you want is a stoplight drag hatch with a decent boot and some occasional AutoX fun, then maybe the mazdaspeed3 is for you. But it is still much more expensive than a fiesta in the long run and less refined to drive and own.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > M54B30 01/17/2014 at 19:11

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Skip the recaro package - you cut almost 5k off the price of the focus and get more legroom in the back. I think the recaros cut in much more than the standard seats. Look at them side by side to be sure.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/17/2014 at 19:20

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I think you can get the ST2 on the Focus for like $2500 but it includes more than just the recaros, infotainment, stereo etc. I got the ST3 package that was like $4500 or so that included full leather recaros, projector headlights 10 speaker stereo, navigation etc. When you price out the options the Focus is cheaper than just about all it's competitors, very close to the MS3, but since I got a Ford Discount and end of the year stuff the Focus was cheaper.

maximillious > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/17/2014 at 20:04

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Yeah there is alot of stuff in that package but I don't care about the recaros. I like non electric seats. Didn't want navigation cuz I hear it's shit, infotainment is cool but not 4800 cool or even 2500 cool. I paid for the sun roof and that's it. At some point I might pick up a nice set of bride seats for the front, but for now I'm happy with what I have. I am no race car driver nor do I ever imagine I will be. I kept the extra money for a side project...shit that St3 trim costs as much as a decent datsun 510

Manuél Ferrari > Dusty Ventures 01/17/2014 at 20:05

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I've heard that the smaller size of the Fiesta ST makes it handle like a true sports car. The handling is supposed to be telepathic.

I haven't driven one. But I know the feeling after having finally achieved it with my main ride. Once a car fits like a glove driving enjoyment really goes to the next level.

Dusty Ventures > Manuél Ferrari 01/17/2014 at 20:14

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Yep, pretty much. It changes directions unlike any other FWD I've experienced, rally cars included. Balance and turn-in are incredible, there's no sign of plowing or understeer unless you royally mess up. Great little car

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > jsmizira 01/17/2014 at 20:28

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This.

I despise these loaded questions about why X car is so good/bad when the asker hasn't driven one themselves.

Go and drive it first. Then, if for some reason, your opinion differs, ask if you're right or not.

We will still abuse you for being wrong, but at least you've driven it already. (That's sarcasm. Mostly.)

Manuél Ferrari > Dusty Ventures 01/17/2014 at 20:28

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It sounds awesome!

Now I want to drive it.

Maybe I can get my sis to buy one.

Long Live the Longdoor > iaintafraidofnoghost 01/17/2014 at 20:46

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Do you really though? Do you own a GTI?

McSchmalex > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 20:46

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So then could one argue that the Fiesta ST is the better buy over the Focus ST if it is performance figures you are going after?

McSchmalex > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/17/2014 at 20:47

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I personally prefer a useable back window over side mirrors, but that is just me

McSchmalex > iaintafraidofnoghost 01/17/2014 at 20:49

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Good point.

I love German cars, I drive a German car, my friends drive German cars.

I would say that German cars are as reliable as anything else. They are as reliable as American or Asian cars. However, they are the most expensive to repair, because all cars break at some point. When that happens, do you want to pay $200 or $1,200?

Jonee > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 20:50

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It's the most fun I've ever had in a car from the past two decades. And, I've driven Ferraris, an Aston, and plenty of BMW M cars. But, both the ST's were just perfect.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 20:53

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Indeed. It might be my seating position, but I think that is the standard rear window for all fiestas but I feel like I have much larger blind spots than even my old monte carlo which had massive C-pillars. I guess that's th point of the larger side mirrors but whatever, I plan on doing autoX and rallyX over wheel to wheel events so it's not a dealbreaker by a longshot.

McSchmalex > Dusty Ventures 01/17/2014 at 20:53

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That is saying something.

That good, eh? The GTI handles solidly (which I can only state second hand) and has a great interior and build quality (which I know first hand) and so where does that leave us?

iaintafraidofnoghost > Long Live the Longdoor 01/17/2014 at 20:55

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I need to own one to make a known fact? I've owned a Vw

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > iaintafraidofnoghost 01/17/2014 at 21:10

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Which one? Did it have the VR6? That engine was a service nightmare. The inline-4s and TDIs are pretty robust little cars.

iaintafraidofnoghost > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/17/2014 at 21:20

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Really? I've heard they are expensive to service. In my mind I always dabble with the idea of getting a tdi wagon

Long Live the Longdoor > iaintafraidofnoghost 01/17/2014 at 21:23

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No, I'm just genuinely curious to hear from people who have owned GTIs on what their service history is like, as I might buy one one day. I read a lot of stuff on cars online and there seems to be this anti GTI reliability stigma that doesn't seem to have any supporting facts.

Just because you've had a bad experience with a car from a brand, doesn't mean the whole brand is crap.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > iaintafraidofnoghost 01/17/2014 at 21:25

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Some things are difficult to get at but parts are cheap for the four-cylinders. The 2.0L turbo 4 has a massive aftermarket and is pretty well thought out by now. But the TDI is legendarily robust as many VWs go for hundreds of thousands of miles before major overhauls. Maybe "service" is a bit more expensive but you can make some arguments that it is worth it for the better car overall. I do recommend avoiding excessive options to make it easier to diagnose electrical gremlins. Also get a manual. Automatics sap the life out of many of these engines. I have an older Mk3 jetta with the 2.0L NA 4-cylinder that makes 100hp.......with the 5-speed manual, it's easy to live with. With the automatic......it sounds like misery.

Dusty Ventures > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 21:40

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Handling easily goes to the ST, as I said. The GTI's interior is better looking and has less plastic (you also have to choose between MyFordTouch, which is a bit annoying, or the bazillion buttons of the non-Touch infotainment console) though the Fiesta interior isn't that bad (then again I'm used to stripped out rally car interiors, so take that as you will). Build quality feels good for the most part on the Fiesta. It feels well put together and sturdy. Not quite to the standard of the GTI, but very close. That said the GTIs have a bit of a reputation for pricy issues down the road, while I haven't heard of expensive problems with the ST/Fiesta line. (Some of the Fiesta rally cars have had fuel pump issues, but they're put through different stresses with reprogrammed ECUs etc, I haven't heard of the standard road Fiestas having the same problem, but maybe the word just hasn't reached me). The ST also has a MSRP that's $3,000 less than the GTI and is about 4 mpg better than the GTI. On the flip side it's a smaller car, so if you've got child seats, intend to put adults in the back, or moonlight as the roadie for a local rock band you might have some space issues. So really it depends on what your priorities are.

NoahthePorscheGuy > Manuél Ferrari 01/17/2014 at 21:52

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come to Cleveland. We can car swap. I call the '67 once resto'd

NoahthePorscheGuy > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/17/2014 at 21:53

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How were you able even to move in the stock tires? Stock tires are so scary (fun) under 40f let alone snow.

iaintafraidofnoghost > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/17/2014 at 21:54

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That's crazy I've heard nothing but expense. I need to look into this for the future because the wagon is really nice. I just thought parts and labor were expensive. I'm not in the market for a while (3yrs or so). I have a Subaru with 70k that I'm looking to push to 250+ and given I drive a 120 miles a day it shouldn't take as long to rack up haha

NoahthePorscheGuy > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 21:54

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If it is fun you are going after go for the Fiesta. Focus is faster to 0-60 etc.

iaintafraidofnoghost > Long Live the Longdoor 01/17/2014 at 21:56

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I wasn't basing it on one. I was basing it on all the horror stories I've heard and read. I didn't had a GTI. Sorry for the kind of snooty response. Some people take offense when some one belittles their beloved car.

NoahthePorscheGuy > McSchmalex 01/17/2014 at 22:05

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Fiesta ST owner here.

Besides what everyone is saying about the driving, as a daily driver it is pretty much perfect.

Have friends? I don't, but my brothers friends fit comfortably in the back.

Have bikes? My MTB fits easily in the back with the wheel off.

Its perfect for autocross, trackday's, parking lot hoonage.

Mileage is great. Aftermarket support is getting there but I can wait.

Best of all, insurance is significantly cheaper than the GTI.

Its the best of both worlds.

Long Live the Longdoor > iaintafraidofnoghost 01/17/2014 at 22:08

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Ahh no worries, I've read and heard said horror stories too. I just like to dig into all of the info when I can. You hear a lot of the bad stories on the internet, you often don't hear all of the good ones ;)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > NoahthePorscheGuy 01/17/2014 at 22:25

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It wasn't easy.

Axial > Long Live the Longdoor 01/18/2014 at 00:34

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Yes. A 2008 model. There's always something at least once a year; bearing failures is a big issue. And don't get me started on changing the oil; whoever thought integrated oil filters were a good idea deserves a swift kick to the groin.

Luckily it's been under extended warranty, but if it hadn't been it would be a pain in the arse car to have around. If it were a 15+ year old car, that would be one thing, but it's only 6 years old.

Manuél Ferrari > NoahthePorscheGuy 01/18/2014 at 00:42

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Haha good one!

How you liking your car?

My buddy is considering it but he's 6'3" and about 250 lbs. You think the car would be too small for him? He's also looking at the GTI

NoahthePorscheGuy > Manuél Ferrari 01/18/2014 at 00:44

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He should be fine. My friend is 6'5ish. Just make sure he doesn't get the Recaros. He should just sit in it to see

Manuél Ferrari > NoahthePorscheGuy 01/18/2014 at 00:47

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Cool

Good point, those seats wouldn't be ideal for him

Manuél Ferrari > NoahthePorscheGuy 01/18/2014 at 00:48

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By the way I'm going to create a new post right now that you're gonna like !

NoahthePorscheGuy > Manuél Ferrari 01/18/2014 at 01:02

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I wish I got the Recaro's :/

NoahthePorscheGuy > Manuél Ferrari 01/18/2014 at 01:02

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i'm waiting.

Manuél Ferrari > NoahthePorscheGuy 01/18/2014 at 01:04

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Maybe you can get them cheap later

Maybe someone won't like theirs and will want to trade

NoahthePorscheGuy > Manuél Ferrari 01/18/2014 at 01:08

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Actual not that simple. Apparently there is a built in scale that calculates weight and does stuff to the airbags and such. I've researched this alot haha.

Manuél Ferrari > NoahthePorscheGuy 01/18/2014 at 01:10

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Oh wow!!!

That's really good to know, thanks!

I've seen used cars that I liked that didn't have the seats I wanted. I assumes it wouldn't be though to swap them out.

I should have thought about safety systems.

TheRidge > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/18/2014 at 15:00

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Very unreliable in what way after 50k? I have not heard or generally seen that on the forum. Considering how new the ST's are I doubt we know how they will hold up

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > TheRidge 01/18/2014 at 15:25

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A local car club has a forum with a number of people complaining of needing major engine work and repairs, usually around 60k miles or so in their MS3s and MS6s. That is a non-branded enthusiast board so you see people with all sorts of different vehicles. I also see a lot of subarus having engine trouble at around the same time too but at least the MZR motor isn't a boxer so it's easier to get at timing chain and whatnot.

Maybe they just don't handle upgrades reliably but I wouldn't trust a used one for a daily driver given the luck I've seen others have.

McSchmalex > Jonee 01/18/2014 at 15:28

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I drove a Ferrari 458 about a year ago. It was the most fun I have ever had while driving a car.

It was also batshit insane. I own a 2014 S4, which is borderline batshit insane.

I wonder what makes a Fiesta/Focus ST more fun than a Ferrari...?

TheRidge > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 01/18/2014 at 15:32

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That's surprising. If they have burned pistons or something similar its likely they ran a number of power upgrades without upgrading the DI fuel pump. Its surprising how many people mod their cars without ever researching. Otherwise the transmission is damn strong unless you abuse the shit out of it. The VVT is the only system that had some issues and thats on the early cars. The later ones and Gen2 cars had different parts.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > TheRidge 01/18/2014 at 15:37

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Nah it wasn't thrashed internals, but blown turbos and timing/ignition problems. Same on the subarus, oddly enough. Rare for the motor to go kaboom, but common for them to have running issues that prevent the use of full power. Went to a meet with these guys at a sonic and one guys first-gen mazdaseed3 had a pretty bad idle problem that I guess others had too. Don't remember the cause but it seemed like the owners just dealt with it.

If it was a toy, or a track car, I could put up with that behavior, but not for a car I'm going to be driving around in traffic and going to/from work. Maybe the fiesta ST will have that problem down the line but I can get rid of it before then if it does.

Jonee > McSchmalex 01/18/2014 at 16:23

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You'll have to go drive one and find out. I like batshit insane cars, too, and I've always loved Ferraris, so I'm not knocking those. There's just an effortless joy about the Fords that I really really like. The clutch is not too light, but not too heavy. The throw is not too long, but not too short. It's a Goldilocks thing where I found every aspect to be just right. And, they're Fords, so you're not worried about you killing it, or it killing you.

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > McSchmalex 01/18/2014 at 17:32

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I honestly don't know. Judging from the comments I guess it really does drive THAT good.

FrankDTank > McSchmalex 10/23/2014 at 18:58

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I will NEVER buy another Ford product again. I ordered a 2014 Mustang GT with Track Pack and all the goodies from the factory and had it delivered to a local dealer here in SoCal. 2 weeks into ownership, the rear diff, driveshaft, and trans output bearing had to be replaced under warranty. It took 2 months worth of visits to 4 different dealerships and Ford CS involvement to get it resolved. I went without a car for 2 months due to wait time.

After 2 months, the problems returned and the only dealership that "hears" the problem won't do the warranty work because they didn't do the repair. To add insult to injury, every dealer that I visited has managed to leave something off or half-assembled after troubleshooting the car, so I've had various under body panels replaced twice.

On top of that, the dealership washed my car without my permission and caused severe scratching all over the car, even bleaching the brembo calipers out front and the stock ones out back due to some harsh chemical they used to clean the wheels with. They refused to remedy the issue.

Now at 20K miles, the car sounds like a dump truck and looks like a desert car with 175K on the clock and there are NO competent dealerships around within 50 miles that can do even decent work. It's always as if some half drunk idiot with a complex gets assigned to my car.

It's in the process of going back to the dealer as a LEMON. I'll admit, it's a ton of fun on the road - it will pancake your balls in any RPM, but it's not even worth the headache of ownership. This is my first and least experiment with 'Merican Muscle. I regret losing my S2K over this. How sad is that..

FrankDTank > McSchmalex 10/23/2014 at 19:00

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I will NEVER buy another Ford product again. I ordered a 2014 Mustang GT with Track Pack and all the goodies from the factory and had it delivered to a local dealer here in SoCal. 2 weeks into ownership, the rear diff, driveshaft, and trans output bearing had to be replaced under warranty. It took 2 months worth of visits to 4 different dealerships and Ford CS involvement to get it resolved. I went without a car for 2 months due to wait time.

After 2 months, the problems returned and the only dealership that "heard" the problem refused the warranty work because they didn't do the repair. To add insult to injury, every dealer that I visited has managed to leave something off or half-assembled after troubleshooting the car, so I've had various under body panels replaced twice.

On top of that, the dealership washed my car without my permission and caused severe scratching all over the car, even bleaching the brembo calipers out front and the stock ones out back due to some harsh chemical they used to clean the wheels with. They refused to remedy the issue.

Now at 20K miles, the car sounds like a dump truck and looks like a desert car with 175K on the clock and there are NO competent dealerships around within 50 miles that can do even decent work. It's always as if some half drunk idiot with a complex gets assigned to my car.

It's in the process of going back to the dealer as a LEMON. I'll admit, it's a ton of fun on the road - it will pancake your balls in any RPM, but it's not even worth the headache of ownership. This is my first and least experiment with 'Merican Muscle. I regret losing my S2K over this. How sad is that..

fiesta4evaST > McSchmalex 01/03/2015 at 22:56

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I love my fiesta st..I have owned and 03 evo a 08 sti a chrysler 300 srt....and the st is my favorite car because it keeps me in check but I feel like I have a little rocket with this think...another plus is I fill up with 93 for 26 bucks....that wouldn't last me a day with the subaru or evo. I think for the money it is a absolute steal of a car...don't let them fool you the focus is more expensive fuel wise, insurance, and it is the same size inside unless your a backseat driver. I have tuned alot of cars in my days but this car is the only one I just cant wait to mess with it I'm waiting to hit 10k so in the spring i should have 235whp 270tq and getting 30mpgs. ...why wouldn't you love this car? I have driven the new wrx, frs, gti, and they were nice cars for the price but if you want to have fun be efficient and even tune a car with those amenities you have to buy a fiesta st. I'm hoping for the rs asap also BTW hope this helped guys I wouldnt bs you just don't buy the black it's a pain in the assss to clean white is gorgous.

Das Cayman > McSchmalex 03/29/2015 at 22:50

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I've owned a 2013 Focus St, and now own both a 2014 Focus ST and a 2014 Fiesta ST. I also have a track prepped Cayman S. A stage 3 fiestsa st would wipe the snot off my track cayman on mountain roads. Yes. Fiesta ST is one of the most fun cars I've ever driven (997.1 GT3, 997.1 GT2, F430, stage 3 '12 STi, etc). It weighs nothing and you can toss it around everywhere. It's one of the only cars that I can wholeheartedly say is perfect out of the box and needs zero modifications to the chasis or engine. Mazdaspeed 3's smoke brakes after 10 min of me driving them and boil. I've cracked on my fist harder than you can imagine for 40 min straight on some serious mountain roads that I know like the back of my hand and I didn't have one complaint and nor did the car.

Oh and it gets up to 48mph on the highway (I've seen mine at 51 when hypermiling)? Yeah better believe this thing is a unicorn. Buy one.

Tyler Cole > Dusty Ventures 06/28/2015 at 02:01

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Very valid points from both of you. The Fiesta isn’t THE best car in the world, but it’s definitely the most groundbreaking car we’ve seen for years, in it’s price bracket. It’s affordable and good, a rare combination. To go back to the OPs question, that is why journalists are raving about it.

As you both said though, it’s size and personal needs need to be considered. As a young(ish) single male with no kids, it’s a no-brainer. The Fiesta ST does everything I need and want from a car. Is it fast? Yes. Does it look good? Yes. Is it fun to drive? Yes. Is it, realistically, usable as a family car (let’s say for people with a wife/husband and two kids)?Probably not. Is it a comfortable ride and/or easy to get in and out of (let’s say, for example. you regularly drive a grandparent or elderly parent around)? No. but it’s the all-round package, and what it offers for it’s money.