Filed under: Car Buying (http://www.autoblog.com/category/carbuying/), Budget (http://www.autoblog.com/category/economy/), Etc. (http://www.autoblog.com/category/etc/), Earnings/Financials (http://www.autoblog.com/category/earnings-financials/)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/12/fiesta-630.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/review-2011-ford-fiesta/) 2011 Ford Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite the wave of all-new compact and subcompact fighters hitting the market right now, sales of small cars in the U.S. don't appear to be budging much. According to Cars.com, models like the much-hyped Ford Fiesta (http://www.autoblog.com/model/fiesta) are struggling to do much better than their older, stale counterparts at other automakers. So far, the Fiesta is number four in sales in the subcompact segment, falling well behind the Nissan Versa (http://www.autoblog.com/model/versa) with 6,724 sales in November, the Honda Fit with 4,180 units and the Hyundai Accent (http://www.autoblog.com/model/accent) at 4,052. In fact, Ford only managed to move 3,473 Fiesta units - just a hair above the 3,262 soon-to-be-replaced Chevrolet Aveo (http://www.autoblog.com/model/aveo) vehicles that rolled off of dealer lots last month.

Fortunately, the news is a little better for larger vehicles like the Chevrolet Cruze (http://www.autoblog.com/model/cruze). General Motors (http://www.autoblog.com/make/gm) managed to sell 8,066 of its small sedans in the vehicle's first full month on the market, and a total of 8,955 new-for-2011 Volkswagen Jetta (http://www.autoblog.com/model/jetta) models found homes during the second to last month of the year as well. Even the aged Ford Focus (http://www.autoblog.com/model/focus) saw its sales jump by 27 percent to 13,030 in November thanks in no small part to an aggressive incentive program.

Head over to Cars.com (http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2010/12/40-mpg-ford-fiesta-other-small-cars-flounder.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cars%2Fkickingtires+%28Kicking+Tires%29&utm_content=Google+Reader) for a full breakdown of America's disappointing subcompact sales, then chime in with your thoughts on the matter in Comments.


Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/review-2011-ford-fiesta/)

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/01fiestasesreview2011_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/review-2011-ford-fiesta/#3062689)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/02fiestasesreview2011_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/review-2011-ford-fiesta/#3062690)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/03fiestasesreview2011_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/review-2011-ford-fiesta/#3062691)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/04fiestasesreview2011_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/review-2011-ford-fiesta/#3062692)http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/05fiestasesreview2011_thumbnail.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/review-2011-ford-fiesta/#3062693)

Photos copyright (C)2010 Drew Phillips / AOL

[Source: Cars.com (http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2010/12/40-mpg-ford-fiesta-other-small-cars-flounder.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cars%2Fkickingtires+%28Kicking+Tires%29&utm_content=Google+Reader)]Subcompact sales fail to impress; Ford Fiesta and Chevy Aveo selling similarly (http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/08/subcompact-sales-fail-to-impress-ford-fiesta-and-chevy-aveo-sel/) originally appeared on Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com) on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds (http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/).



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ok, so maybe americans are willing to step down to compacts but subcompacts may still be a little too small? or maybe people still have the theory that subcompact cars are supposed to be $8000 and have optional rear window defrosters? interesting nonetheless

We are a country of big fat people with lots of big fat kids. People dont want sub compact cars. You would think the automotive industry would have learned that about Americans by now.

it could be that the fiestas are fugly as shit.

We are a country of big fat people with lots of big fat kids. People dont want sub compact cars. You would think the automotive industry would have learned that about Americans by now.

maybe not america as a whole , but i do love me some small cars.

i think the fiesta may be more coin than what others are willing to pay.
i also agree with fattie, i love a small car. id have a smart car if we got the brabus model with the turbo like the rest of the world gets.

i think the fiesta may be more coin than what others are willing to pay.
i also agree with fattie, i love a small car. id have a smart car if we got the brabus model with the turbo like the rest of the world gets.

yea , its priced WAY to high. things are getting rediculous in this country. noone has any gdam money yet the prices of 99% of cars is way to much.

Although I love teh Fiesta, from what I have gathered from other noncar lovers, they dont like the car... My Girl Friend said something along the lines of, "Why do you want that?". I have to admit that I like the Mazda 2 more after seeing both of them. But I would probably still go with the Fiesta... Also I would NEVER OWN A RETARDED AVEO.

yea , its priced WAY to high. things are getting rediculous in this country. noone has any gdam money yet the prices of 99% of cars is way to much.

Not just cars but houses, gas, groceries...the cost of everything has risen sharply in just years. When is the last time minimum wage and pay for the low to middle working class went up? 5 years? Even then, its like what? 50-75 cents? Jeez, thanks. Ok, off my soapbox, dont want to get OT [:)]

it could be that the fiestas are fugly as shit.

I totally agree 110%. I don't get it, It's a down grade in my mind. Correct me if I am wrong but, the freaking 03 zx3 looks better then that^ thing, to me that^ is a down grade. Ford has more then disappointed me with that piece of crap.


I think they would do better if they started making the 03-07 zx3's again and SVT's, do people disagree or agree?

And the ST is not in this conversation, I think that Ford did a great job on the ST.

... Also I would NEVER OWN A RETARDED AVEO.

I would own an Aveo, before a Yaris or a Fit. American all the way. I know I am not the only one.

I would own an Aveo, before a Yaris or a Fit. American all the way. I know I am not the only one.

I would not have any of those 3. I would rather try to spend money I don't have to get something better [???:)]

Ah, nothing like seeing the subcompact segment fall flat on it's face again. They did something similar to this back in the 70's with the oil crisis and began making compact cars and tried a few subcompacts as well. Sales were fair but no one really bought them much. My thought is that most people buy a compact or subcompact for a few reasons but the main one being is that it is cheap.

I would own an Aveo, before a Yaris or a Fit. American all the way. I know I am not the only one.

I dont judge my purchases by what country they come from. I choose what would best fit me. I would never settle for something that isnt good because of where the company is based. Plus if you are going make purchase decisions based off of nationality you need to dig further and make sure the product you are buying is actually American or is it just an American name.

Both ways are great anyway. It's just free markets at work. Im glad we can make purchasing decisions off of convictions and practicality.

This is what happens when the Auto Industry force feeds a generally overweight American populace ridiculously over-sized and overpriced SUV's for decades. We get base model quality cars that cost out the arse and look like The came in a plastic clamshell marked "Penny Racers".

Whatever car I buy, I want it to be a sportier version than the base, so currently none of these cars in the subcompact category would appeal to Me as a perspective buyer.

ok, so maybe americans are willing to step down to compacts but subcompacts may still be a little too small? or maybe people still have the theory that subcompact cars are supposed to be $8000 and have optional rear window defrosters? interesting nonetheless

Bam!

We are a country of big fat people with lots of big fat kids. People dont want sub compact cars. You would think the automotive industry would have learned that about Americans by now.

Double Bam!

I totally agree 110%. I don't get it, It's a down grade in my mind. Correct me if I am wrong but, the freaking 03 zx3 looks better then that^ thing, to me that^ is a down grade. Ford has more then disappointed me with that piece of crap.


I think they would do better if they started making the 03-07 zx3's again and SVT's, do people disagree or agree?

And the ST is not in this conversation, I think that Ford did a great job on the ST.

I dont get your logic, its a downgrade because you think its not as good looking? Do i love those older foci, of course, but do I think ford should of just continued to make them, hells no. You think the fiesta is overpriced, which its really not, but how would you want to pay the new car prices we have now on something that is over ten years old. Thats just insane, although thousands of people did it when they bought their current generation focus. Those foci were good in their time, not now. The competition would walk all over them. Although fun to drive and good looking, they are outdated, materials are subpar compared to todays standards and the competition.


The fiesta is far from a piece of crap, have you driven in one, or sat in one? Did you take a look at the tight fit and finish and the high quality materials that you wouldnt expect to find on a sub compact?

Do I think subcompacts have found a home in the american market, no but thats because most still have in their minds bigger is always better. Even if its not needed, people will buy an SUV, with nothing more then a cd player and maybe a sunroof, before they buy a compact or subcompact with all the gadgets and equipment that your heart can desire, and something way more fuel effiecent, especially when all theyll be doing is driving to work a few miles away and dropping their kid off at shool....all because bigger is better to them.

Subcompacts may see a rise when gas goes up to $200 a barrel, which may be here before you know it.

Oh and another thing. Fiesta sales may seem low, but its not like you drive down to the local dealership and see ten of them sitting on the lot for weeks, youd be lucky if you see one. So, ill pretty much take this with a grain of salt.

I dont judge my purchases by what country they come from. I choose what would best fit me. I would never settle for something that isnt good because of where the company is based. Plus if you are going make purchase decisions based off of nationality you need to dig further and make sure the product you are buying is actually American or is it just an American name.

Exactly. The Aveo is a Daewoo at heart.

Looks like there will be some significant rebates on the Fiesta in the not too distant future.

same has happened in Mexico.. i have seen 1 or 2 hatchback fiestas rollin and thats it. and the opinions of the people i know is that the car is overpriced, imo the price is good. Hopefully the car lasts long

id also take the mazda2 over the fiesta anyday. if they would make it a 2 door and get 20 mpore hp out of it id do it right now lol.

I am not saying just build the 03 zx3 exactly the same that would be stupid. Keep the body style and upgrade the suspension, the motor and inside. My biggest point I was trying to make is, I don't like the body style it is too close to that Toyota Yaris for me.

As for have I sat in one or driven one? No, But I wouldn't even think about it unless I know how much HP it is making. I find most car's are judged on the HP, weather or not it has the power to get out into traffic or weather it has even enough power for someone like me. And I know Some people might be saying, But you have the 2000 se wagon with the 2.0l Zetec and it only makes 110 hp. Yes I do, But it seems worth it to me to spend the money and make the HP gains from performance parts with this motor, Cause it does seem pretty easy to make HP with this car, It just cost a little. And I have researched this car more then any other car I have owned.

Maybe I am going a bit far and beyond saying it's a piece of crap, But it does look cheap to me, and they charge so much for it. IDK maybe it's just me, but I don't like it at all, I like high style body lines and the HP to back it up.

Do you know how much HP it is pushing and what motor is available for it? I think I heard it's has the option of the 1.8l and 2.0l Zetec's?

1.6L duratec. close to 120HP (118 i think) and something like 112lb-ft of torque.

yea , its priced WAY to high. things are getting rediculous in this country. noone has any gdam money yet the prices of 99% of cars is way to much.

I was saying this long before the Fiesta was introduced. For the price of a Fiesta you could get into a 2011 Focus(and maybe even a Fusion) and still decent fuel economy and performance without breaking the bank. $18 to $21K for a subcompact(not including the dealer markups) is a little hard to swallow for some folks in the U.S. market.

I would own an Aveo, before a Yaris or a Fit. American all the way. I know I am not the only one.

Even if the Aveo is built in South Korea?
(built by Daewoo)[shhh]

Whatever car I buy, I want it to be a sportier version than the base, so currently none of these cars in the subcompact category would appeal to Me as a perspective buyer.

^^This pretty much sums up how I currently feel about new cars. Some one also said they are not seeing many fiestas on the local lot, I totally agree. The couple times I have swung by the ford dealership they had one with a sold sign and the next they had one for sale. Its not like they had a real hard launch of the car and you are not seeing them sit.

Doesnt appear that the new Aveo will be put together in Korea for long... Although it is still being built there
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/18/new-chevrolet-aveo-begins-production-in-korea/

Don't WE (USA) make anything anymore? Or do we just make excuses?

^^We make Toyotas :)

^^ we make stuff that you don't find to be American

^^We make Toyotas :)

and we all saw what happened there!

Don't WE (USA) make anything anymore? Or do we just make excuses?

We make some GM products...take that however you will. My Malibu was built at the Fairfax plant in Kansas.

Why buy a Fiesta when you can get a Focus with the $3k rebate cheaper.

I totally agree 110%. I don't get it, It's a down grade in my mind. Correct me if I am wrong but, the freaking 03 zx3 looks better then that^ thing, to me that^ is a down grade. Ford has more then disappointed me with that piece of crap.


I think they would do better if they started making the 03-07 zx3's again and SVT's, do people disagree or agree?

And the ST is not in this conversation, I think that Ford did a great job on the ST.

i agree , my zx3 is friggen awesome.

Sales will improve. Gas prices are already almost at $3. I wouldn't be surprised if gas prices weren't at $3.50 by Memorial day.

Sales will improve. Gas prices are already almost at $3. I wouldn't be surprised if gas prices weren't at $3.50 by Memorial day.

I pay about $3.25 for 87, and I'm not even in Manhattan. I'd love to be in a part of the country where 87 is $2.60.

it could be that the fiestas are fugly as shit.

Hahah, this. Slap the Euro bumper on there, toss the fugly sedan out, bring the 3-door option and watch 'em sell like hot cakes!

Most likely it's just dealerships stupidly marking prices up to ridiculous levels. It's hard to justify buying a Fiesta around a $19k price point when you can get a more spacious Mazda3, Hyundai/Kia anything, or Jetta for the same price.

The rear seats on the Fiesta cannot seat anyone but kids, midgets, or amputees. It has nothing to do with weight. It's height. Limiting this car to bachelors or young couples is obviously not going to yield a ton of profits.

EDIT: Gas prices have already hit $3.20-ish here in PA. :-(

I am not saying just build the 03 zx3 exactly the same that would be stupid. Keep the body style and upgrade the suspension, the motor and inside. My biggest point I was trying to make is, I don't like the body style it is too close to that Toyota Yaris for me.

As for have I sat in one or driven one? No, But I wouldn't even think about it unless I know how much HP it is making. I find most car's are judged on the HP, weather or not it has the power to get out into traffic or weather it has even enough power for someone like me. And I know Some people might be saying, But you have the 2000 se wagon with the 2.0l Zetec and it only makes 110 hp. Yes I do, But it seems worth it to me to spend the money and make the HP gains from performance parts with this motor, Cause it does seem pretty easy to make HP with this car, It just cost a little. And I have researched this car more then any other car I have owned.

Maybe I am going a bit far and beyond saying it's a piece of crap, But it does look cheap to me, and they charge so much for it. IDK maybe it's just me, but I don't like it at all, I like high style body lines and the HP to back it up.

Do you know how much HP it is pushing and what motor is available for it? I think I heard it's has the option of the 1.8l and 2.0l Zetec's?



Posted via FF Mobile Well advice would be to research the car before calling it a piece of crap lol, you dont seem to know a damn thing about it. The zetec does not exist anymore and hasnt since 2004. The fiesta is rolling with a 1.6l duratec four here in the US. It makes 120hp and 112 ftlbs of tq. Doesnt seem like much but the car is not heavy either and the power is competative. Fiesta is pretty much as quick as a focus. Epa mileage is rated at 28/38 or 29/40 depending on options. Transmission choices are five speed auto or fords new six speed dtc powershift transmission, which will aslo be found in the 2012 focus. Powershift is not only quicker with shifts then your manual but it also returns better fuel mileage. Interior materials on the fiesta are not what most americans are used to on a subcompact, even a compact car. They easily trump the competition and are much better quality and fit and finish then the urrent focus...this will change when the 2012 comes out of course. Fiesta starts at just over 13k for the sedan and just over 15k for the hatch. Prices can climb high if you load them up but your loading them with features not found on other cars in this class. Just with any car though, it can be cheap or really expensive depending on what you put in it. I really think people are judging the car too much by its 22k loaded price tag...you can get nicely equipped ones underneath that and they are by no means bare bones. Prices will make more sense for the simple minded when the new focus comes out.

As far as performance, no its not the fastest car but its not meant to be, same way the non performance focus wasnt. Where the fiesta shines, just like the focus is its fun to drive characteristics and in the handling department. The thing is sticky and just has immense grip. I had just as much if not more fun driving the fiesta then my focus, its shorter wheelbase makes it that much more tossable. And as far as parts, aftermarket companies are already working on parts for the fiesta, some of them even have stuff out for it already. Fswerks is working on a ton of stuff, even a turbo. Also a turbocharged performance fiesta mule has been spotted in both europe and detriot, so a fiesta st is more then likely coming to some market. Id love a fiesta because it has the same qualities that made me love my focus. Can only image how good a performance version would be or one with some mods. Get the power numbers up to slightly north of 150, throw on stiffer springs, some nice grippy summer performance tires and you will have one damn entertaining drive, would probably feel like driving an svt focus.

Posted via FF Mobile Something that i have to bring up. The honda fit we know is good and appeals to all the honda lovers out there. Ford we know is good, but there are still a lot of people out there that are still sketchy about them. Wow, the versa outsold them all. But, id like to know how many of those were nicely equipped as I wouldnt be surprised if a large percentage of those sold were ones that were priced 13k and below and many were probably the stripped out versas, it is after all one of the cheapest cars you can buy.

Posted via FF Mobile Well advice would be to research the car before calling it a piece of crap lol, you dont seem to know a damn thing about it. The zetec does not exist anymore and hasnt since 2004. The fiesta is rolling with a 1.6l duratec four here in the US. It makes 120hp and 112 ftlbs of tq. Doesnt seem like much but the car is not heavy either and the power is competative. Fiesta is pretty much as quick as a focus. Epa mileage is rated at 28/38 or 29/40 depending on options. Transmission choices are five speed auto or fords new six speed dtc powershift transmission, which will aslo be found in the 2012 focus. Powershift is not only quicker with shifts then your manual but it also returns better fuel mileage. Interior materials on the fiesta are not what most americans are used to on a subcompact, even a compact car. They easily trump the competition and are much better quality and fit and finish then the urrent focus...this will change when the 2012 comes out of course. Fiesta starts at just over 13k for the sedan and just over 15k for the hatch. Prices can climb high if you load them up but your loading them with features not found on other cars in this class. Just with any car though, it can be cheap or really expensive depending on what you put in it. I really think people are judging the car too much by its 22k loaded price tag...you can get nicely equipped ones underneath that and they are by no means bare bones. Prices will make more sense for the simple minded when the new focus comes out.

As far as performance, no its not the fastest car but its not meant to be, same way the non performance focus wasnt. Where the fiesta shines, just like the focus is its fun to drive characteristics and in the handling department. The thing is sticky and just has immense grip. I had just as much if not more fun driving the fiesta then my focus, its shorter wheelbase makes it that much more tossable. And as far as parts, aftermarket companies are already working on parts for the fiesta, some of them even have stuff out for it already. Fswerks is working on a ton of stuff, even a turbo. Also a turbocharged performance fiesta mule has been spotted in both europe and detriot, so a fiesta st is more then likely coming to some market. Id love a fiesta because it has the same qualities that made me love my focus. Can only image how good a performance version would be or one with some mods. Get the power numbers up to slightly north of 150, throw on stiffer springs, some nice grippy summer performance tires and you will have one damn entertaining drive, would probably feel like driving an svt focus.


Haven't read much on it, So Yes, I don't know too much on the new car's coming out. Just haven't spent hours reading on it. Big deal, as I said I don't know if I would like it unless I drove it, and I don't see how anyone could say they like it unless they drove it. But I like high body line and HP to back it up as I said.

it could be that the fiestas are fugly as shit.

Oh really? Hmm, I get tons of compliments, people staring at my car while I'm driving on the highway all the time & people asking me about my car everytime I'm at the gas pumps. Apparently it's not too 'fugly as s&*^' as you say[dunno][hihi]

The fit & finish of the car is awesome. I was so impressed on how well it's put together. Please go test drive a car before you bash it. Thanks[:D]

I was saying this long before the Fiesta was introduced. For the price of a Fiesta you could get into a 2011 Focus(and maybe even a Fusion) and still decent fuel economy and performance without breaking the bank. $18 to $21K for a subcompact(not including the dealer markups) is a little hard to swallow for some folks in the U.S. market.

Ford makes zero money on the current Focus= good for consumer but bad for business. These days a coming to close real soon, so you current Focus bargain hunters better get out there and stock up on em.

Ford is not in the game to be sales king in car sales, it is a losing $ game.
Now with trucks that is a different story. The moronic article about B segment sales not going so well in the USA is hmm a "No shit sherlock" moment I'd say.
Slow day at the authors desk so he/she writes a totally empty article about B segment sales in the USA.

BTW, The Fiesta is fetching an average of $3,000 to $4,000 above its $13,995 base price as buyers load it with extra features such as heated leather seats. At almost $18,000, the Fiesta is commanding a higher average price than the Honda Motor Co.’s Civic compact and Toyota Motor Corp.’s Corolla small car. The top spec'd Fiesta model, accounts for 39 percent of U.S. sales, = profit is being made on the Fiesta= don't get pissed when you don't see piles on cash on the hood to move Fiesta units.
Only 7 percent of U.S. buyers are choosing the cheapest trim level on the Fiesta,

The Fiesta has the highest transaction price in its segment in the U.S.

Six out of 10 Fiesta buyers in the U.S. haven’t previously purchased a Ford.

These are just some very important points missed by the dummy who wasted there ink on writing like a said "empty" article to fill his/her weekly quota.[hihi]

Ford makes zero money on the current Focus= good for consumer but bad for business. These days a coming to close real soon, so you current Focus bargain hunters better get out there and stock up on em.

Ford is not in the game to be sales king in car sales, it is a losing $ game.
Now with trucks that is a different story. The moronic article about B segment sales not going so well in the USA is hmm a "No shit sherlock" moment I'd say.
Slow day at the authors desk so he/she writes a totally empty article about B segment sales in the USA.

BTW, The Fiesta is fetching an average of $3,000 to $4,000 above its $13,995 base price as buyers load it with extra features such as heated leather seats. At almost $18,000, the Fiesta is commanding a higher average price than the Honda Motor Co.’s Civic compact and Toyota Motor Corp.’s Corolla small car. The top spec'd Fiesta model, accounts for 39 percent of U.S. sales, = profit is being made on the Fiesta= don't get pissed when you don't see piles on cash on the hood to move Fiesta units.
Only 7 percent of U.S. buyers are choosing the cheapest trim level on the Fiesta,

The Fiesta has the highest transaction price in its segment in the U.S.

Six out of 10 Fiesta buyers in the U.S. haven’t previously purchased a Ford.

These are just some very important points missed by the dummy who wasted there ink on writing like a said "empty" article to fill his/her weekly quota.[hihi]

However,like I said,not everyone is in a position to shell out $18 to 21K for a Fiesta. There are many choices out there here in the U.S. market that offer more car and/or the same features for less money.

I really liked the drive of the one @ the June 2010 Car show in PA. It was fun. I was playing nice so I didn't get kicked out, but it was fun. I drove only the manual hatch, but looking back I should have driven the new auto. I can't get a test drive at my dealership in KS. They just ignore me. :(

However,like I said,not everyone is in a position to shell out $18 to 21K for a Fiesta. There are many choices out there here in the U.S. market that offer more car and/or the same features for less money.



Posted via FF Mobile Maybe more car, but id like to know what others with the same features you speak off. Certainly non in the fiestas segment. Only one I can think of is the kia forte, which offers very nice options for a low price, but even as a new hyundai/kia supporter, the ride is not as sophisticated as the fiesta nor does it have the same quality of materials. And the whole, you can get a 2011 focus for the same if not less doesnt stick here. For one you have to compare msrp, not some dealer rebate which obviously youll get on an outdated car that is flooded on dealer lots and about to be replaced in two months. What is the argument going to be in a few months when you cant get a 2011 focus anymore? Also, the focus comes with some of the same equipment but not all. It certainpy doesnt come with pushbutton start, or 40mpg, or a 6 spd powershift transmission. And you certainly are not getting the same fit and finish on the focus either. Imo if your not getting that 3k dollar rebate on a 2011 focus your getting ripped off.

Posted via FF Mobile Maybe more car, but id like to know what others with the same features you speak off. Certainly non in the fiestas segment. Only one I can think of is the kia forte, which offers very nice options for a low price, but even as a new hyundai/kia supporter, the ride is not as sophisticated as the fiesta nor does it have the same quality of materials. And the whole, you can get a 2011 focus for the same if not less doesnt stick here. For one you have to compare msrp, not some dealer rebate which obviously youll get on an outdated car that is flooded on dealer lots and about to be replaced in two months. What is the argument going to be in a few months when you cant get a 2011 focus anymore? Also, the focus comes with some of the same equipment but not all. It certainpy doesnt come with pushbutton start, or 40mpg, or a 6 spd powershift transmission. And you certainly are not getting the same fit and finish on the focus either. Imo if your not getting that 3k dollar rebate on a 2011 focus your getting ripped off.

Most economy car buyers aren't concerned so much about a pushbutton start or ride sophistication. They're concerned about fuel economy,afforability,value for the money and reliability. And it's not just about the price of a vehicle from a MSRP standpoint,it's also about the price
from a MONTHLY PAYMENT point of view(which gets a lot of people who don't do their homework into trouble). And recently like it or not, based on the rebates and incentives being issued a 2011 Focus can be had for less than what a Fiesta goes for. You just have to know where to look.

Most economy car buyers aren't concerned so much about a pushbutton start or ride sophistication. They're concerned about fuel economy,afforability,value for the money and reliability. And it's not just about the price of a vehicle from a MSRP standpoint,it's also about the price
from a MONTHLY PAYMENT point of view(which gets a lot of people who don't do their homework into trouble). And recently like it or not, based on the rebates and incentives being issued a 2011 Focus can be had for less than what a Fiesta goes for. You just have to know where to look.



Posted via FF Mobile I agree with everything you said, and the things you said people are looking for i think fit the bill with the fiesta. And like I said not all of them are 22k. If you not into all the gadgets get an S or Se model. They not barebones and your still getting a very nice car.

id take a loaded up fiesta, but some features are MIA like xenons, rain sensing wipers, and auto climate control. i mean if we're gunna be premium, lets be premium! so for that reason id only buy an SE hatch with a few options and thats about $17,500 which is competitive for the segment.

I think the issue at play is that the car APPEARS small, when in reality it is VERY close to the size of the 00-07 focus hatchback. I think the combination of the fact that it APPEARS small and the fact that a fully loaded model comes in around 18.5k and our unemployment rate is beyond rediculous.....its going to be tough selling the car. I think it looks lightyears better than the newest fit and yaris, It's very early yet, and its the christmas gift season. I think sales will increase after the new year when people recoop their money and tax returns start making their way out.

All in all, I think this evaluation is a bit of a knee-jerk and it's too early to judge.

OT: Everytime I read the phrase "toss the car around" I feel a bit weird [hihi]

The fiesta is a real sharp looking car, I'm surprised people on here don't agree.
Posted via FF Mobile

...the fact that a fully loaded model comes in around 18.5k and our unemployment rate is beyond rediculous.....

My dealer has one on his lot that is over $21k! This does not include any dealer markup.

My dealer has one on his lot that is over $21k! This does not include any dealer markup.

I hope that dealer sells it before the 2012 Focus comes out then. From the look of it, the new Focus will make it difficult to justify a Fiesta if you want extra features.

I hope that dealer sells it before the 2012 Focus comes out then. From the look of it, the new Focus will make it difficult to justify a Fiesta if you want extra features.

Ehh it depends on what those features are. A fiesta over 21k is pretty much a loaded ses with a bunch of accesories mind you. Yes youll be able to get a focus cheaper, but not with the same equipment and options. For example a focus with leather seats will cost you over 21k, where as a fiesta with such will cost you around 19k. Most fiestas can be had under 20k. Will the focus steal sales? Of course, especially here in america where people are bigger have more families and are so used to associating price with size unless its a sports car or has an M a B or an A on it. But I bet many foci on dealer lots will carry a north of 20k price tag easy.

Ehh it depends on what those features are. A fiesta over 21k is pretty much a loaded ses with a bunch of accesories mind you. Yes youll be able to get a focus cheaper, but not with the same equipment and options. For example a focus with leather seats will cost you over 21k, where as a fiesta with such will cost you around 19k. Most fiestas can be had under 20k. Will the focus steal sales? Of course, especially here in america where people are bigger have more families and are so used to associating price with size unless its a sports car or has an M a B or an A on it. But I bet many foci on dealer lots will carry a north of 20k price tag easy.

It goes a bit beyond just the features. The Focus at the 21k mark has a lot of features standard that are just options or would not be available on the Fiesta. The extra horsepower in the Focus also is a big draw over the Fiesta.

It goes a bit beyond just the features. The Focus at the 21k mark has a lot of features standard that are just options or would not be available on the Fiesta. The extra horsepower in the Focus also is a big draw over the Fiesta.

Can you be more specific on those options? And yea if you want power the focus is the obvious choice

Can you be more specific on those options? And yea if you want power the focus is the obvious choice

One of the more obvious is MyFord Touch. The information center(4 inch display for vehicle info) is there for the Fiesta, but no MyFord Touch. The Fiesta does not have Fog Lamps as an option either. There are MANY things that start to show up under the Focus SE as standard options that are optional on the Fiesta, or just are not available. As you go up into the $19,000 range, it becomes hard to go with a Fiesta over the Focus. This is generally how it works, when you are looking at the low end, there is a clear advantage in terms of price vs what you get, but as you add more and more options, you start to see advantages to move up to the next tier of car.

When you go from the Fiesta to the Focus, the crossover starts to hit at the $18,000 mark. Going to the Fusion, there is a crossover mark at the $24,000 mark where you start to find advantages to going "up" a vehicle class.

The thing we are seeing with the Fiesta to the Focus, is the value of the 2012 Focus SE is already very good, but when you go to the Focus SEL, you really find many things that are standard that just are not options on the Fiesta. These advantages go beyond the "toys" that are available, but go to handling, power, and overall vehicle stability. AdvanceTrac ECS is another thing that will help the Focus in ALL models over the Fiesta.

Here in the Northeast, things like Torque Vector Control and AdvanceTrac ECS should be seen as far more value to an owner than most of the other "toys".

One of the more obvious is MyFord Touch. The information center(4 inch display for vehicle info) is there for the Fiesta, but no MyFord Touch. The Fiesta does not have Fog Lamps as an option either. There are MANY things that start to show up under the Focus SE as standard options that are optional on the Fiesta, or just are not available. As you go up into the $19,000 range, it becomes hard to go with a Fiesta over the Focus. This is generally how it works, when you are looking at the low end, there is a clear advantage in terms of price vs what you get, but as you add more and more options, you start to see advantages to move up to the next tier of car.

When you go from the Fiesta to the Focus, the crossover starts to hit at the $18,000 mark. Going to the Fusion, there is a crossover mark at the $24,000 mark where you start to find advantages to going "up" a vehicle class.

The thing we are seeing with the Fiesta to the Focus, is the value of the 2012 Focus SE is already very good, but when you go to the Focus SEL, you really find many things that are standard that just are not options on the Fiesta. These advantages go beyond the "toys" that are available, but go to handling, power, and overall vehicle stability. AdvanceTrac ECS is another thing that will help the Focus in ALL models over the Fiesta.

Here in the Northeast, things like Torque Vector Control and AdvanceTrac ECS should be seen as far more value to an owner than most of the other "toys".



Posted via FF Mobile Fiesta has both tc and esc standard, but the tvc on the focus is one of the bigger things. I agree the fiestas value cap is 19k, because more then that you should definitely be going with the focus. The SE focus, especially with sport package might just be one of the best values in fords line up. Would I spend 21k on a fiesta, probably not, im perfectly fine with driving around an se with sync, and I can do without the chrome lol.

Be cafeful though, and this goes to everyone. Ford might confuse you but MyFord Touch is not offered on all focus models. It is only available on the SEL and Titanium as options. The other trims its MyFord, which is pretty much just sync with some updates that are and will be added to other products with sync.

Posted via FF Mobile Fiesta has both tc and esc standard, but the tvc on the focus is one of the bigger things. I agree the fiestas value cap is 19k, because more then that you should definitely be going with the focus. The SE focus, especially with sport package might just be one of the best values in fords line up. Would I spend 21k on a fiesta, probably not, im perfectly fine with driving around an se with sync, and I can do without the chrome lol.

Be cafeful though, and this goes to everyone. Ford might confuse you but MyFord Touch is not offered on all focus models. It is only available on the SEL and Titanium as options. The other trims its MyFord, which is pretty much just sync with some updates that are and will be added to other products with sync.

One thing that comes into play is what features you want. Since I would be looking for an automatic(better fuel economy and no tradeoff for acceleration), that adds enough cost on the S or SE to make the SEL the better choice, and at that point, going to the Titanium also makes sense. With the SEL and Titanium, MyFord Touch IS available.

The Titanium provides pretty much everything I would want, including the MyFord Touch system, and for the price, it seems to be worth it.