Even with all its upside, the 2012 Ford Fiesta has a tough uphill climb because there is a lot of co

Ford says the Fiesta is the second-best selling car in Europe and boasts 15 million sold since 1976. But until a year ago, a vehicle with the Fiesta name hadn't been offered in the U.S. since 1980! Reintroduced to American car buyers in 2011, Ford is naturally hoping that the Fiesta emulates its success overseas.
Although traditionally known for its trucks and larger vehicles, Ford proved it can make a good small car as well with the Focus, a highly flight hotel car deals efficient model that has earned considerable respect. If Ford can do the same with the Fiesta that will help erase the image of the company's entry-level cars in the past like the Escort, Neon and Cavalier, which were all branded as failures.
Available as both a sedan and hatchback, the Fiesta is being marketed as a smart choice for young car shoppers who are searching for an economy car that can be fun to drive, has a well designed cabin, gets good gas mileage, has an engaging style, and sells for a reasonable price - starting at $13,200 for the base model sedan.
Going with one of the two hatchback trims (there are three sedan trims to choose from) is more expensive, yet the added versatility is a plus that should be appealing to many potential Fiesta buyers. And for some extra cash, niceties that some subcompacts don't offer - heated leather seats, Ford's Sync system, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, keyless entry, flight hotel car deals push-button start - can be added.
Even with all its upside, the 2012 Ford Fiesta has a tough uphill climb because there is a lot of competition in the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Sonic, the Hyundai Accent and the Kia Rio.
Although some car experts have deemed the Fiesta "spirited," that wasn't the opinion here during a week test-driving the top-of-the-line SES Hatchback. I found the front-wheel drive Fiesta very pokey climbing hills and lacking adequate acceleration in freeway passing situations.
All Fiestas are powered by a 1.6-liter, inline-4 with 120 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque. The automatic transmission Fiesta was clocked at 11.3 seconds going 0-60 mph, while the manual covers the same distance in 9.5 seconds. Both times nearly match the Honda Fit.
Like many entry-level cars, the interior is a mix of good and bad. In the front seat, the leg room for taller folks is limited and there is no center armrest, which is never good. The back seat is about average, meaning it's a bit cramped for adults in the leg-room department and three people is one too many.
The cargo space is disappointing, especially in the hatchback version where one would anticipate more storage capability. Another knock on the Fiesta is the air conditioning took way too long to cool down the car.
The addition of the Fiesta is a plus for Ford, which continues making a comeback in the small-car category. The Fiesta is a solid choice for people seeking an inexpensive car that's good on gas, has a nice array of standard features, and has an appealing style.
Yesterday evening, Roseville Police detectives arrested Francis Amiteye Ngissah, age 24 of Roseville, on suspicion of inflicting cruel corporal punishment on three juveniles and one young adult enrolled in his basketball college preparatory program.
Sacramento Realtor and short sale expert, Julie Jalone, writes about the new California Homeowner Bill of Rights which went into effect on January 1 and clarifies the situation in the State regarding the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act.
Rocklin-The Sierra College Natural History Museum at the Rocklin Campus will hold an open house on Saturday January 26, 2013, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm. This event is FREE and the public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
Local Events 1/12/2013 Volunteer Tree Planting in Roseville 1/12/2013 Wine Tasting and Auction Benefit 1/15/2013 Gloves & Shovels Garden Club Meeting 1/15/2013 Roseville Better Gardens Club 1/15/2013 Child Support Services Seminar in Rocklin