Ford Fiesta ST (05-08) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on 13 December 2006

Last Updated: 15 August 2008

The Fiesta ST marked a return to form for small fast Fords and it's little surprise that many see it as the spiritual successor to the famous XR2i. Thanks to a 2.0-litre engine with 150bhp it can sprint from 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds, and although that's not blisteringly quick when compared to newer alternatives, the ST's real strength is its handling. Agile and fun, the Fiesta offers a hugely involving driving experience while strong brakes and superb levels of grip mean it's reassuring. The stiff suspension set-up is good for corners but not for uneven roads, while on the motorway the lack of refinement is all too noticeable. However, on the plus side the styling is neat and understated (although optional bonnet and side stripes are available if you want to stand out) and the interior is well built and comfortable.

4 out of 5

Other Ford reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£13,595 - £13,707

Used price range:

£3,398 - £7,195

View all used prices

Get a Ford Fiesta ST (05-08) information pack

Next steps

Ford Fiesta ST cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 91 models like this for sale, starting at £3,490.

Find used Ford Fiesta STs for sale

Strong performance, sharp handling, involving to drive, neat styling

Frantic on the motorway, lacks refinement, dated interior, only two airbags

For the review of the latest Ford Fiesta ST click here

Driving & Performance

Performance

3.5 out of 5
"Only one engine is available in the Fiesta ST, but unlike similar cars such as the Vauxhall Corsa..."
Handling

4.5 out of 5
"This is the Fiesta's forte - it builds on the strength of the standard car which is enjoyable to..."

Comfort

Comfort

3 out of 5
"While the ST is great on twisting roads, it doesn't make for an ideal long distance car. The ride is..."
Practicality

3 out of 5
"Choosing the ST doesn't mean you have to sacrifice practicality - it has the same 60/40 split..."
Equipment

3.5 out of 5
"The ST comes with unique 17-inch alloy wheels, air con, electric windows, lowered and stiffened..."
Behind the wheel

3 out of 5
"The dash has a functional feel but it's starting to show its age. The material used on the dash top..."

Costs

Running costs

4 out of 5
"Fuel economy is probably most buyers biggest concern but with an average of 38mpg the Fiesta is..."
Green credentials

3.5 out of 5
"It may be a hot hatch but the Fiesta ST isn't as unenvironmentally as you'd expect. The 2.0-litre..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

3.5 out of 5
"The Fiesta gained four stars out of five for occupant protection in Euro NCAP crash tests but newer..."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"The Fiesta ST is proving to be reliable in the main thanks to a well proven engine (it's used in the..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

4 out of 5
"You should also try and get one of the options packs included - the Reflex Pack includes front side..."
Buying used

4 out of 5
"Although the Fiesta was launched in 2002, the ST didn't arrive until early 2005. It was facelifted -..."
Selling

4 out of 5
"The Fiesta ST may not be the fastest hot hatch around but it's still sought after and there are..."