Car Ford Fiesta ST Review: The Last True Pocket Rocket
From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is the steering. There's a heft and directness most modern hatches have tuned out. This is the Car Ford Fiesta ST I'd been meaning to re-test, and the memory doesn't lie. It's small, it's loud, and it wants to be cornered hard. That's not a complaint. It's a reminder of what a true hot hatch used to feel like.
What the Car Ford Fiesta ST Is (and Isn't)
The Fiesta ST is a subcompact hot hatch built by Ford from 2013 to 2019 in the U.S. It's not a sports car, and it's not an econobox. It's a turbocharged 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 197 horsepower and 202 pound-feet of torque. That sounds tame against today's 300-hp hot hatches, but the car weighs just over 2,700 pounds. The Car Ford Fiesta ST was designed as a corner-carver, not a straight-line hero. The suspension is stiff, the tires are sticky, and the limited-slip differential helps put power down on exits. If you're coming from a modern compact, you'll find it raw. If you grew up on hot hatches, you'll feel right at home.
From Behind the Wheel: The First Thing You Notice
Driving the Fiesta ST back to back with a modern rival is like returning to a manual after years of paddles. The shift action is notchy but precise. The steering is hydraulic-assist, which means feedback flows through the rim in a way that's nearly extinct. On a tight canyon road, the car rotates beautifully. Lift off the throttle and the rear steps out a little, then stability control catches it before you get too brave. There's no drive mode selector; it's just a car that's always in the right mood.
Performance Data: 0-60, Braking, Observed MPG
In our testing, the Car Ford Fiesta ST hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. That's not impressive by modern standards, but the way it gets there matters. The turbo spools early, and the power band is broad from 2,000 rpm to redline. Braking from 60 mph took about 112 feet with the factory summer tires. Observed fuel economy over a week of mixed driving sat at 26 mpg, close to the EPA's 26/33 rating. Drive it gently and you'll see the high 20s. Drive it the way it begs to be driven, and, well, that's what the low fuel light is for.
Inside and Out: The Daily Grind
Inside, the Fiesta ST is a mixed bag. The Recaro seats are supportive and look great, but they're not for wide torsos; the bolsters are aggressive. The rear seat is tight, and cargo space is small. Fit and finish are typical Ford of that era: better than the Fiesta's trim, but still hard plastic in places. Late-model Sync 3 infotainment works well with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The parking brake is a manual lever, a nod to the past. The pedals are set up for heel-and-toe. It's not a luxury car and doesn't pretend to be. You're here for the chassis, not the cabin.
Reliability and Running Costs
Reliability on the Fiesta ST has been better than many of Ford's turbo models, but there are known trouble spots. The blend door actuator clicks, and motor mounts soften with age. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is generally durable, though some owners have reported cooling issues after 80,000 miles. Regular oil changes and a timing belt service around 100,000 miles are the big-ticket items. Parts are cheap and most independent shops can handle the work.
Insurance is one area where this car surprises. Because it's a five-door hatchback with a small engine, insurers often classify it as a commuter rather than a sports car. A typical full-coverage policy with collision runs well below what you'd pay for a Mustang or a Golf R. The exact number depends on your record and ZIP code, but the Fiesta ST lands in the budget-friendly end of the spectrum. That's a point in its favor if you're a younger driver.
Should You Buy One in 2025?
The used market for the Car Ford Fiesta ST has firmed up. Because the car was only sold in the U.S. for seven years, clean, unmodified examples are getting harder to find. Prices for a 2016-2019 example with reasonable mileage hover between $16,000 and $23,000. That's a lot for a small hatch, but there's nothing else quite like it. The Hyundai Veloster N and Volkswagen Golf GTI are faster and more refined, but they're also heavier, more expensive, and less engaging. If driving joy is your priority, the Fiesta ST remains the class benchmark. The biggest knock is the lack of factory support; Ford discontinued it with no direct successor. But the aftermarket is healthy because models like this attract enthusiasts.
The Verdict
The Fiesta ST earns an 8.0 out of 10 in our scoring, about as high as we go for a production subcompact. What it does well: steering, brakes, chassis balance, and engagement that puts cars twice the price to shame. What it does less well: back-seat space, ride comfort on broken pavement, and interior noise. Bottom line, if you're in the market for a used performance hatch and you can find one that hasn't been riced out, the Car Ford Fiesta ST is still the one to buy. Drive one, then try its rivals, and see which one you remember at the end of the day. This one stays with you. And if you're worried about insurance, get a quote before you sign the papers; it's likely a pleasant surprise.