2011 Ford Fiesta Promises To Be Big Fun In a Small Package

Euro-spec 2011 Ford Fiesta in New York City

Back in the 80’s my parents had a Ford Fiesta; it was terracotta orange and built like a tank for a small economy car. The original Fiesta had a three-year production run in U.S. from 1978 to 1980. Now for 2011 Ford is introducing the Fiesta back to the U.S. market place and supposedly it should come over much like the original with few changes from the European spec car. So the real question is, will the Fiesta be the next Mini or disappear like its ancestor?

If we look back at the Fiesta’s history it is interesting to note that the Fiesta was a runaway success in Europe. In fact, the original car saw its one-millionth unit sold in January of 1979 after only being in the market since 1976. However, like a lot of cars that were supposed to be “World” models, the Fiesta didn’t fair as well in the United States and the sales ceased for the 1981 model year. The Fiesta was replaced by the Ford Escort for the North American market and remained in production until 2003. So now we have come full circle to the reintroduction of the Fiesta.

2011 Ford Fiesta logo

Younger generations of American’s probably won’t even remember or know that a Fiesta was once sold in the U.S. They might remember the ‘90s minicar, the Ford Festiva, but otherwise there isn’t a lot of brand equity in the Fiesta name stateside. Maybe this is good or maybe it is bad…it really depends on what Ford is trying to do with the car. Currently, Ford has jumped on the social media train and created a huge following by giving cars to people around the country to Twitter and blog their experiences about the Fiesta. They are also doing Ride and Drive events and spinning the car as a hip and fun economy car with a tuner edge.

2011 Ford Fiesta

So maybe in the U.S. Ford isn’t looking to capitalize on a car that has a great reputation like the Fiesta does in Europe (it hasn’t missed a model year there since 1976). Given current First Drive reviews from John Voelcker over at TheCarConnection.com, the new Fiesta indeed will live up to the sporty feel young and old crave here in the U.S. I mean, if John likes then it must have some impressive qualities, especially when you consider he is a huge fan of the Tesla Roadster and the redesigned Mini.

So until I can get my hands on one (coming soon right here at AllSmallCars.com) we will have to be envious of those who are getting a sneak peak at what could be the next small car success for The Ford Motor Company.

Don’t cruise of yet! We invite you to stick around and check out the latest blogs, reviews and photos here at AllSmallCars.com. Also, get the full First Drive review of the 2011 Ford Fiesta and check out some audition video from the Fiesta Movement contestover at TheCarConnection.com