2012 Ford Fiesta Total Car Score Analysis

The 2012 Ford Fiesta earns an excellent Total Car Score, making the compact sedan and hatchback one of the highest rated choices in the economy car segment. 
 
Not too long ago the mention of an economy car conjured up images of something small and cramped, light on amenities and absolutely boring to drive. The Ford Fiesta takes that preconception and dumps it on the curb. Now just a couple years old, the current Fiesta is fun, frugal and stylish — whether in sedan or hatchback body style. 
 
Praised for its fit and finish, and excellent road manners, it scores well where it really matters. Reviewers consistently applaud its agile handling and supple ride, and mention the available options such as keyless entry and Ford's Sync multimedia offerings. 
 
A top score doesn’t mean perfect. The Fiesta's price will creep upwards as desirable options are added, and the rear seats and cargo area aren't as expansive as some of its competitors. 
 
Now in its sixth-generation, the Fiesta is sold worldwide. It arrived in the United States last year and it continues into 2012 mostly unchanged.

2012 Ford Fiesta Model Line-Up

The 2012 Ford Fiesta is an economy-oriented compact car sold in both four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles. 
 
Under the hood is a standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder that is rated at 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, the standard gearbox, or a six-speed automated dual-clutch transmission (versus a traditional automatic with a fluid-filled torque converter; the dry dual-clutch gearbox is quicker and more fuel efficient).  
 
The Fiesta sedan is offered in three trim levels, while there are just two trim levels for the hatchback. Base S models arrive with 15-inch steel wheels, manual air conditioning and an AM/FM radio with four speakers. The SE models gain power accessories, message center and a CD player while the SEL sedan (and SES hatchback) are fitted with Ford SYNC, LED parking lights, premium wheels and more. 
 
Options, which are trim level specific, include the Sport Appearance Package, SYNC and Sound Package, Winter Package and the Sirius XM Satellite Radio Package. Those seeking to maximize fuel efficiency should opt for the Super Fuel Economy package — it improves aerodynamics with underbody panels and a blocked-off grille while reducing drag with lightweight wheels and low rolling resistance tires. 
 
The EPA estimates the 1.6-liter inline-four with the automatic transmission will earn 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined (the manual transmission gives up one mpg in the highway cycle, but earns the same combined rating). Fiesta models with the Super Fuel Economy package are rated at 28 mpg city, 40 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined.

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