2017 Ford Fiesta

The 2017 Fiesta is available as a sedan or hatchback in four trim levels (S, SE, Titanium, and ST). Prices start at $14,535 (including an $875 destination charge) for the entry-level S sedan, and top out at around $26,000 for a fully optioned, hatchback-and-manual-only ST performance model. While it's pricey at $19,825, the Fiesta Titanium Hatchback will likely be a popular choice because of its standard dual-clutch automatic transmission and strong roster of standard equipment. Features include:

• Heated front seats
• Sync 3
• Push-button start
• SiriusXM satellite radio
• Leather upholstery
• 16-inch alloy wheels

Another benefit of going with the Fiesta Titanium is the relatively tiny options list. Noteworthy extras include an $845 sunroof, a $795 navigation upgrade for the standard touchscreen infotainment system, and a $90 Smoker's Package. That's it. All told, you can score a fully loaded Fiesta Titanium for just $21,555.

The 2017 Fiesta comes with a choice of three engines. The first is a 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder that's standard on S, SE, and Titanium models, matched to either a five-speed manual or optional six-speed dual clutch automatic (the automatic is standard on Titanium models). The second is a 123-hp, turbocharged, 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine that's offered as a $995 option on SE models with a manual transmission – if you select an SE, this engine is worth every penny.

The third engine is a 197-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder that, matched with a six-speed manual, is the only offered on the ST. As the standard stick and impressive power output might suggest, the Fiesta ST is a hot hatchback, and therefore an entirely different pack of tamales, offering a much more aggressive handling profile, stouter brakes, and a sportier interior focused around the heavily bolstered front seats.

The main ST-specific options are a $1,995 package that adds a handsome set of heated Recaro racing seats and (for some reason) heated side mirrors and a black wheel package that includes red brake calipers for $375. Otherwise, optional extras and prices mirror the Titanium.

• The tiny 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo is a hoot, with diesel-like low-end torque that makes city driving easy.
• The 1.6-liter turbo elevates the ST model into true performance hatchback territory – Fiat 500 Abarth and Mini Cooper S owners, beware.
• Responsive steering and nimble handling set the Fiesta apart from the rest of the competition in the subcompact class.

• The dual-clutch transmission detracts from the overall driving experience with upshifts and downshifts that aren't nearly as smooth or seamless as a traditional automatic. It's also been saddled with a series of technical service bulletins and is currently subject to a mass-action lawsuit.
• The chassis tends to bounce over potholes and other road irregularities.
• The Fiesta fared poorly in federal crash testing.

• Interior trim and materials are better than average for a subcompact.
• The ST's Recaro seats are fantastically supportive, even though the bolsters hinder ingress and egress.
• The driving position is excellent, provided you fit.
• Trunk space in the sedan is fairly roomy for the segment at 12.8 cubic feet.

• Up front, the seats don't offer much in the way of support (ST aside).
• Back seat space is tight, with room for only two adults, while the ST's Recaro seats make that space even tighter.
• Versatility is hampered because the 60/40 split back seat doesn't fold flat, while the hatchback's storage capacity is less than half that of the class-leading Honda Fit.

Although the ST is especially fun to drive, the entire Fiesta lineup possesses agile handling and excellent steering. On top of that and despite only a mild refresh in seven years, the Fiesta's styling – especially the hatchback – still looks good, inside and out.

The unreliable and clunky dual-clutch transmission is bad enough to warrant avoiding automatic-equipped Fiestas. And with manual-trans models subject to the same lousy crash test ratings, the Fiesta has some big demerits.

Although it once was a standout in the subcompact segment, a sloppy automatic and poor safety scores mean the Ford Fiesta should no longer top car buyer's lists.