2018 Ford Fiesta

Among Ford’s SUVs and pickups, the smallest options usually earn our highest ratings. Consumer Reports has recommended the Mustang Mach-E EV, the thrilling Mustang coupe and convertible, and the Maverick, a small pickup truck available with a hybrid powertrain. Most other vehicles, however, score low in our road tests and have average to below average reliability. With some exceptions, used Fords can be a risk. The Ford F-150 pickup combines true truck capabilities with quiet, roomy cabins, making it one of the best-selling vehicles in the U.S. However, our tests found that recent F-150s have a stiff ride, unresponsive handling, and below average reliability. The Lightning, an EV version of the F-150, drives better and is faster than its gasoline equivalent. The Bronco SUVs has exceptional off-road ability and classic boxy styling, but suffers from issues like wind noise and long stopping distances.

The subcompact Fiesta, offered in sedan and four-door hatchback bodies, drives nicely, with agile handling and a supple, controlled ride. Wind, road, and engine noise are well suppressed. Interior fit and finish and equipment levels are impressive for the class, with soft-touch dash materials and Ford's Sync handsfree system. However, the rear seat is extremely cramped. In our tests, the Fiesta feels slow, but fuel economy is excellent. The sporty ST version is a blast to drive with its turbo four-cylinder and manual transmission. The manual-only turbo three-cylinder SFE version is aimed at maximizing fuel economy. This generation of the Fiesta was introduced in 2010, with incremental changes added through 2013. The 2014 update included new front-end styling with a larger chrome-accented grille. MyFord Touch, Ford's up-level infotainment system, also became available for 2014.