Article Comments - 2009 Ford Fiesta First Drive and Full Test

88 messages, Last post on Oct 30, 2009 at 5:32 PM

You are in the Ford Fiesta Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Ford Fiesta, Future Vehicle, Hatchback

First Drive: 2009 Ford Fiesta - First Impressions: Small European cars haven't made much of an impression in America before, but the Fiesta might be different.(more)

2009 Ford Fiesta Titanium Full Test and Video - Bottom Line: We're crossing our fingers (and toes) that Ford doesn't stray too far from this winning combination of style, performance and efficiency when the 2011 Ford Fiesta finally arrives in 2010. (more)

Outline

Messages Page 6 of 10: 1; ...; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8; 9; 10; Prev; Next; Last

#42 of 88 Fiesta questions by murrowcat May 19, 2009 (3:27 pm)
We got rid of our disappointing Nissan Versa SL hatchback, which had the worst manual transmission ever known to mankind. Yes, it had a nice interior, but it was a chore to drive, and it had sloppy handling. We look forward to looking at the Fiesta 5-door, because it looks sharp. Don't get me started on the Versa's styling. But... does it have a center armrest, so the driver has someplace to put his elbow while shifting? To my knowledge, the Fit does not offer one for manual transmission models and neither does the Astra. That's a deal breaker. Is there any chance of upgraded upholstery -- maybe leather -- so we don't get econocar seats? Just asking. Replies to this message: nukepooch1 (May 22, 2009 7:38 pm)
#43 of 88 Re: Fiesta questions [murrowcat] by nukepooch1 May 22, 2009 (7:38 pm)
Replying to: murrowcat (May 19, 2009 3:27 pm) According to http://www.fordvehicles.com/2011fiesta/ under 'The Story' at the top, there will be an choice of three leather options. Checking out all of the photos I can get my eyes on, there doesn't seem to be any center armrests. I'm okay with having one for highway cruising, but it needs to get out of the way when in the twisty bits. Also, on the same site, under 'Your Fiesta', you can choose which three of ten features you'd like to see make it to the US. I really hope Ford listens, because I picked the performance suspension and the turbo kit. (Any of the others would be welcome for the third feature...dare I wish for all of the above?) I want to throw my vote in to get the three-door hatch here. What I want is a version of a domestic MINI Cooper. Up-spec interior, leather seats, sport suspension, three-door hatch. Honestly though, as good as the five-door looks, if they refuse to bring the three-door hatch, but put the go-faster bits (turbo? Yes, please!) in the five-door than I would be okay with that. Not what I truly want, however, but it is a step in the right direction. If they don't bother with anything sport-related and bring the five-door hatch as a soft, squishy, A to B appliance, then forget it.
#44 of 88 Re: FORD FIESTA 3 door Hatch-Sport version [k55] by k55 Jun 05, 2009 (12:14 pm)
Replying to: k55 (May 13, 2009 7:47 am) The Ford I am waiting on is the Ford Fiesta Zetec S 3 door hatch 1.6 DOHC w/ 5 or 6spd manual. I would also consider the Ford Ka. I hope you have the forethought to bring these as well as the sedan and 5 door hatch Fiesta. I am seriously considering one of these if offered. I hope you do offer since I have not owned an American car since my 1989 Ford Taurus company car and I would like to consider an American company in my purchase plans. I would also suggest you move forward on the time frame for intro. I have read the euro articles and it seems the press /enthusiasts can find no wrong . The only "wrong" I see is that if you do wait for Mid 2010. You will be encouraging quite a bit of competition who are also in the wings waiting to be introduced soon in the USA (Mk VI VW Golf , VW Polo, Honda CRZ, Suzuki Swift, Kia Forte sedan and coupe, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Spark, Toyota IQ..........) This is quite a group and many will be vying for the sub Focus market. I have known about the Ford products that you hesitate to offer in the USA ( ,new version Focus, Ka, Kuga, Mondeo, etc). I realize there are cost factors for some (Mondeo) but if you think there is not a market and good potential ROI for some of these products my feeling is that you are misreading the US market. What Ford ( as well as GM and Chrysler ) are doing is that you are not including sizeable segments of the US population who have never bought into the need for V8's, or even V6's ,huge SUV's ,trucks, 7 passenger seating, 4wd, 5000 lb curb weights, etc. This is what pushed me towards foreign manufacturers as Ford seemed to abandon the prior Fiesta,Festiva, Capri and now ,even the Focus market in the USA. (IIE:You have had the next generation Focus in Europe for over 1yr. Yet we still get the old version). We notice and we read. I wish you well in the USA . Replies to this message: dgs4 (Jun 13, 2009 5:13 pm) joe0302 (Jun 30, 2009 6:23 am) jeffyscott (Jun 30, 2009 4:40 pm) and 1 more...
#45 of 88 2009 Ford Fiesta First Drive by turnten Jun 08, 2009 (11:09 am)
From what I have seen, looks like ford will for the most part be bringing over the Fiesta intact and in near euro form. If so, I would put it as a win for them. Certainly a contender. I know there are already a bunch of them on the road for their various promotional programs, and those are unmolested
#46 of 88 Re: FORD FIESTA 3 door Hatch-Sport version [k55] by dgs4 Jun 13, 2009 (5:13 pm)
Replying to: k55 (Jun 05, 2009 12:14 pm) Please don't encourage Ford to rush anything about the introduction of it's small, fun, fuel efficient vehicles to the US. Ford has exactly ONE try to get this right, and if they screw up in any way it's game over for them. They are trying to appeal to a segment of the American population who generally buy Japanese for their cars, and it's going to take A LOT of convincing that a European Ford in the US is a worthy product. The Opel Astra has failed miserably here so it's not a given that just because it's small and it's from Europe it's going to do well. Ford needs to get this right, the US Fiesta must be perfect in every way. It must blow away the competition, not be just as good, it has to be better, much better to get rid of the justified stigma Americans have of small American cars. If you read up a couple of posts you will see my first post in this thread detailing the types of small cars the American car companies have tried to pass off on us while Honda and Toyota were manufacturing the excellent Civic and Corolla. People don't forget easily. Heck, Hyundai has taken 25 years to try in rebuild it's reputation due to it's first, crappy cars introduced to the American market. So no, Ford needs to take their sweet time getting the Fiesta right, because no matter how late to market it is, if it's as good as it needs to be all will be forgiven. If it's not Ford will have another Saturn Astra sitting on its dealership lots collecting dust. Replies to this message: joe0302 (Jun 30, 2009 6:23 am) jeffyscott (Jun 30, 2009 4:40 pm) bpizzuti (Jul 22, 2009 10:07 am)
#47 of 88 Re: FORD FIESTA 3 door Hatch-Sport version [dgs4] by joe0302 Jun 30, 2009 (6:23 am)
Replying to: dgs4 (Jun 13, 2009 5:13 pm) I think K 55 has the right idea.I've had mostly 2dr. hatches . The first three were the Mazda RX7 GS, then I went to GSX's nice cars ,but could use a little more low end torque. I switched to the Integra GSR (all my cars were manual trannynies) (The Integra's were great) My wife bought me a 2002 RSX Type S and I haven't found a HB to day that is so much fun to drive in the mountains ,or going to Home Depot. The car just wants to be driven to it's limits nice Vtec. The leather seats are cheap though,but the car hasn't cost me a dime in repairs.K 55 , I went to try the 2dr Astra (opel) what a dog. It needs a 2.0 geared like the RSX.The Astra has the style but, no you no what. I hope Roger Penske takes over Saturn and you'll see some tuners,he knows what we want. I think Acura shut out alot of buyers going to the TSX. Well on August 2, I get to drive a Focus .I got a call to show up. What do they mean it's a micro car?Also, is SY NC an optionI know the push button is. I'm only interested in the 5spd and is the power shift tranny a DSG? I hope this car is not a go cart like the Mini. My wife wants me to be practical and get a GTI with all the bells and whistles.She claims the Focus will be dumb down and not like the one she rented in Austria ,or Germany.(she's from Austria) and has an Audi V8.She claims the Autobann is the best high way to drive to drive on and in Europe you can drive cars aggressively. Well, I'll fill you in when I get to drive it and I plan on putting the wood to it,down shifting ,taking 3rd gear to the redline and shifting into 5th. I asked the saleman if I could gun it as it states on the brochure. Replies to this message: jeffyscott (Jun 30, 2009 4:40 pm) bpizzuti (Jul 22, 2009 10:07 am)
#48 of 88 Re: FORD FIESTA 3 door Hatch-Sport version [joe0302] by jeffyscott Jun 30, 2009 (4:40 pm)
Replying to: joe0302 (Jun 30, 2009 6:23 am) My wife wants me to be practical and get a GTI with all the bells and whistles. a most unusual definition of "practical" Replies to this message: bpizzuti (Jul 22, 2009 10:07 am)
#49 of 88 Re: FORD FIESTA 3 door Hatch-Sport version [jeffyscott] by bpizzuti Jul 22, 2009 (10:07 am)
Replying to: jeffyscott (Jun 30, 2009 4:40 pm) Practical. adj. Capable of being put to use or account. Synonyms: "useful," "handy," "hatchback." Particularly hatchback, in this case.
#50 of 88 Ford and GM are Screwed by puffin1 Aug 29, 2009 (6:24 am)
They cannot retool fast enough to catch VW, Toyota,Honda, Kia and Hundai.They are already offering cars Americans want. (yes KIA can you believe it) GM almost had it right with it's Opel. That Astra 3 dr hatch w/heated seats was almost perfect.What was wrong was the lack of enough horses and a sunroof.You had to buy the 5 DR HB it had all of the above except,I think a 1.6 liter w/o a turbo correct or scold me if you want. That Astra had 18" low profiles and was screaming for a 2.0 liter six speed. Ford has the hot hatch in Europe now. If they can't get me a 3 door HB by May they have lost me .
#51 of 88 Fiesta Tested Article by dodgeman07 Aug 31, 2009 (9:50 pm)
Good article on the new Fiesta on "Inside Line". My eyes about popped out of my head when perusing the photos. Fiesta Tested A 188-HP engine is noted! Hopes dashed when I realized it's a typo! Replies to this message: bpizzuti (Sep 01, 2009 2:12 am) roxy11 (Sep 01, 2009 9:28 am) puffin1 (Sep 01, 2009 4:02 pm) roxy11 (Sep 01, 2009 4:05 pm) and 2 more... bpizzuti (Sep 02, 2009 2:25 am) and 3 more...