What are the pros and cons of the Ford Fiesta 2016?
The 2016 Ford Fiesta delivers sprightly handling and efficient fuel economy, with a budget-friendly price tag. It’s a strong choice for urban drivers who value driving fun, but it sacrifices rear-seat space, cargo room, and some reliability concerns around the automatic transmission.
What follows is a detailed look at the Fiesta's strengths and drawbacks, focusing on performance, practicality, features, safety, and ownership costs to help you decide if it's the right subcompact for you.
Pros
What buyers tend to like about the 2016 Fiesta in daily use:
- Engaging handling and precise steering that make the car feel nimble on city streets and winding roads.
- Fuel economy that is competitive in the subcompact class, especially with manual transmissions and in markets where EcoBoost variants are offered.
- Low starting price and affordable ownership costs relative to many rivals.
- Manual transmission option adds driving engagement and can be cheaper to maintain than certain automatics.
- Compact footprint and tight turning radius make parking and manuevering in urban environments easy.
- Stylish interior design for the class, with improved materials in higher trims.
- Decent feature set for the price, including Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and available SYNC/MyFord Touch in earlier trims.
Overall, the Fiesta rewards drivers who want a fun, economical city car with a distinct personality, though it’s not the roomiest choice in its class.
Performance and handling
The Fiesta's small size and light weight contribute to agile handling and responsive steering, which many drivers find refreshing in a subcompact. The 1.6-liter engine provides adequate power for everyday driving, and a manual transmission offers a more engaged driving experience. However, the automated PowerShift transmission can feel abrupt in stop-and-go traffic, and some owners report reliability concerns with that setup over time.
Interior space and practicality
The cabin is reasonably well‑appointed for a subcompact, with comfortable front seats and a stylish design. Rear legroom and trunk space are limited compared with rival subcompacts, which can hinder practicality for families or those who regularly transport cargo or passengers in the back seat.
Cons
Notable drawbacks to consider before buying or leasing a 2016 Fiesta:
- Tight rear seating and modest cargo capacity relative to rivals, which can limit practicality for families or substantial gear.
- Automated manual PowerShift transmission can exhibit jerky shifts and has been the subject of reliability concerns and recalls in some markets.
- Road and wind noise can be noticeable at highway speeds, and ride quality can feel firm on rough pavement.
- Infotainment systems in earlier trims (such as MyFord Touch) can be slow or unintuitive, especially when paired with older hardware.
- Advanced safety features are not as comprehensive as some newer subcompacts, depending on trim level and market.
- resale values for used 2016 Fiests tend to be weaker than some rivals, reflecting market demand for subcompacts.
For buyers who prioritize practicality and the latest tech, these drawbacks may weigh more heavily, especially compared with newer competitors.
Reliability and ownership costs
Ownership costs are generally affordable, but the Fiesta's transmission setup has been a recurring concern for some owners. If you’re considering a used 2016 Fiesta, review the service history for any transmission work or recalls, and check for rust protection, oil leaks, and other common wear items. Note that Ford stopped selling the Fiesta in the United States after the 2019 model year, which can affect dealer support and resale value, though parts and service remain available through Ford and the broader aftermarket.
Summary
The 2016 Ford Fiesta stands out in the subcompact segment for its nimble handling, engaging driving feel, and approachable price. It excels for urban dwellers who value efficiency and fun behind the wheel, but it falls short on practicality and long-term reliability concerns tied to the automatic transmission. If you want a compact car that’s enjoyable to drive and don’t require enormous rear-seat space or cargo capacity, the Fiesta is a compelling option. If you need more space or the latest advanced safety and infotainment tech, you may want to consider other subcompacts in the class.
