CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 39.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 4,700
Average Price: Around £8,000

Ford Fiesta (2008-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Comfortable and entertaining drive	Not quite as reliable as a Hyundai i20
Excellent Ecoboost engines	Underpowered entry-level 1.25-litre engine
Low fuel and insurance bills	So-so build quality

Quick Summary

The Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2008-2017) is Britain's best-selling supermini, renowned for delivering an exceptional driving experience that rivals cars costing significantly more. It combines a comfortable, compliant ride with crisp, engaging handling and nimble manoeuvrability, making it equally suited to town driving, motorway cruising, and spirited bends. The 290-litre boot is among the class-leaders, and the practical five-door configuration provides easy rear access. With a huge range of trim levels from basic Studio to plush Titanium X, there's a Fiesta for every budget and requirement.

The engine range is impressively diverse, with efficient Ecoboost petrols and capable diesels delivering excellent fuel economy—some returning up to 88mpg officially and 65-70mpg in real-world driving. The flagship ST hot hatch offers genuine performance thrills with its 1.6-litre turbo engine. Running costs are remarkably low, with many models qualifying for zero road tax and insurance groups typically sitting below group 20. Whilst build quality is merely adequate and some reliability concerns exist, the Fiesta's popularity, affordability, and sheer driving pleasure make it an outstanding used buy for families and enthusiasts alike.

Best for: Drivers seeking an engaging, comfortable supermini with excellent value, families needing practicality without compromise, and those wanting an affordable hot hatch (ST).

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising premium build quality, those seeking maximum reliability, or those requiring the most spacious rear cabin in the class.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Fiesta if: You're seeking an engaging, comfortable supermini with excellent value, need practicality without compromise, or want an affordable hot hatch (ST).

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise premium build quality, seek maximum reliability, or require the most spacious rear cabin in the class.

Competitive Position: The Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2008-2017) stands as the class benchmark for driving dynamics and overall satisfaction. Whilst the Skoda Fabia edges ahead on user ratings and the Vauxhall Corsa offers superior value, the Fiesta's superior driving experience, excellent engine range, and low running costs make it the standout choice for those who value engagement and practicality equally. It outperforms the Volkswagen Polo on driving enjoyment whilst remaining comparably priced, making it the best all-rounder in the supermini segment for most buyers.

Read our full Ford Fiesta Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.