This week’s Five-Point Inspection is all about the 2012 Ford Fiesta SES, a small hatchback that takes on the likes of the Hyundai Accent, Chevy Sonic and Mazda 2. 

The SES has since been replaced by the Titanium trim package, but still represents the top of the line model for the 2012 model year. Starting at $13,995, the Fiesta is equipped with a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine that makes 120 hp, and comes with standard features like seven airbags, including a knee airbag. The IIHS also named the Fiesta a top safety pick.

For more on the 2012 Fiesta, read on into this week’s Five-Point Insepction.


While the interior of the Ford Fiesta offers some interesting and eye catching design, the interior ‘style’ package is simply trying too hard. Available in either white or red, the steering wheel, center stack, and seat backs are all outfitted in a contrasting color to make them pop. Problem is, they are not eye-catching in a good way, but in more of a “wow who spilled the red paint everywhere” way. The interior style package tacks on an extra $925 to the Fiesta, money that would be much better spent elsewhere.

Add on the $375 tattoo graphics package, consisting of some cliché tribal tattoo-esque style, and you get a car that wishes it was cool, but comes across as tacky.

When a USB device is hooked up, specifically an iPod, you have to use the voice recognition system to choose specific songs. Ford seems to be taking the millennial thing too far, assuming that the targeted buyer group will be just as happy to talk to the car. While the voice recognition does work flawlessly, the ability to cruise through the music library visually is too important to get rid of.

Standing at 6 foot 2, usually I have an issue when it comes to small hatches. The Fiesta on the other hand actually offered enough head room for me to sit comfortably. Even with another six foot plus passenger sitting in the rear driver’s side seat, I managed to find a position that wasn’t all that cramped. The seats have a low valley that allows you to sink deep into them, offering comfort and ample head room.


Thanks to the stiff suspension, the Fiesta offers a chance to have some fun in the corners, and because of that it is easy to drive quick. Equipped with a 1.6-liter four cylinder that makes 120 hp and 112 lb-ft torque, our test Fiesta returned 33 mpg, the exact combined rating that the automaker claims.

This is refreshing, as many cars fail to meet their EPA rated fuel economy numbers, and reinforces the fact that this hatchback is best suited as a commuter car.

The PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission helps achieve those fuel economy numbers, but often it feels like the computer controlling it doesn’t know what it’s doing. Shift points are extremely high, even pushing past the redline quite a few times, and then clunking hard on the downshift.

Slow shifts are also a problem, as well as slow engagement off of the line. In certain idling situations, like rolling in stop and go traffic, the engine feels choked, like it might stall. As impressive as the fuel economy may be, it comes with significant driving-feel drawbacks.

Is the Ford Fiesta the perfect commuter car for you? Take a look at our new car buying page to spec out a brand new Fiesta. You can check out Ford’s entire range, or jump straight to the Fiesta.

Think the Fiesta isn’t perfect? Why not check out it’s competition: the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio and Chevrolet Sonic.