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Ford Fiesta: First Drive

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eggwich del fiero
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
Usually, Jalopnik's First Drive articles contain a disclaimer about how the company tried to influence them by giving them food and flying them somewhere. Usually it's a joke, but isn't it a bit appropriate in this case? I know it's not Diddles car per se, but I am sure Ford is aware your staff received one of the hundred promo cars. And I realize it was granted before this First Drive came out, but still, seems at least a little relevant.

Disclaimer: The Kia Rio asked me to write this message.
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Wes Siler
04/03/09

@gone fishin' with eggwich del fiero: Disclaimer: As an auto publication we have contacts in the auto industry.

The usual disclaimer exists only when we attend a press launch as a way of disclosing to readers that the manufacturer facilitated the drive and attempted to indoctrinate us into their propoganda. This wasn't a launch, we had to pick it up and drop it off at our local dealer. The press briefing consisted of looking up details Jalopnik had already published. While I'm tickled Pink that Didorosi is getting the opportunity to evaluate one for 6 months, that doesn't impact our editorial integrity.
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Ford Tempo Fanatic
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
I think this is the first great Ford compact since the 1991 Tempo.

One thing I'd like to readdress though. Journalists and car enthusiasts alike preach to Ford to bring over their European offerings..

You seem to be forgetting a certain Ford Contour. If I were Ford I'd be a little cautious in trying to import their European range when their previous attempt was met with such hatred.
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Hannah_101
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
I wouldn't mind having a Fiesta... The only requirement I'd have is that it has an automatic --- I haven't learned stick yet.

The Fiesta is the only small car I have an interest in from an American brand that will still be around in a couple years time, as far as I know now... As much as I'd like an Astra, I also want something I know I can take to a dealership if need be.
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A strolling player got drunk and
04/02/09

@Hannah_101: Get one and learn! Seriously, it took me maybe five minutes to learn and only one outing to get good enough to drive in some traffic. It's extraordinarily rewarding.
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DoctorNine
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
I like the general design on these pretty well. Certainly, no one can argue that they don't fit what the market needs. Well done, Ford. That said, I think I've remarked before that the headlight surround does waaaaay too much of the kitty-kat glasses treatment. The speedo/tach surround should be, well, ROUND. And that flat over the wheel arches is way too wide. Otherwise, it's amazing that they got so much right. Kudos again.

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danio3834
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
Time for a Siesta.
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Mad_Science
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
You guys need to bounce this thing off a more decidedly un-Jalop audience.

(Your local mall might be a starting point)

We're all hyped up over the obvious superiority of the Euro-Fords, but I'd be curious to see what more mainstream would-be buyers would think.

After all, the Contour/Mystique were Euro-Fords, and despite being a hit with the likes of us, were a bit of a sales disappointment.
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Wes Siler
04/02/09

@Mad_Science: Those were massively dumbed down, really not the same thing at all.
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Tier 5 royal, the Manic King
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
Hmmm, leather interior in Fiesta? never seen such a thing in Europe. Same for Corsa, Polo, Fabia, Ibiza or similar cheap small car.....

Oh, and thanks to crazy taxes top of the line Fiesta's (similar to the car Wes tested) price in denmark: 220 000 Danish kroner = 39750 U.S. dollars, but in Germany 25000 USD.
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Wes Siler
04/02/09

@Manic King of Corinthia: This spec car would cost GBP 14,195, thats about $21,000. Prices are NOT comparable between Europe or England and America, there's many different factors involved.
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domino
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
hot magenta!?

dear god,
please let me pull up at a stop light next to diddles in a hot pink focus.
love,
domino
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domino
04/02/09

@domino: ugh, fiesta. damn multitasking :(
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Paul Y. can't get in the club; gotta parking lot pimp
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
If they bring me the 3-door, I could conceievably buy a Ford product in the future! The 5-door sorta screws with the proportions a little (it's still an attractive little car).

...and 0-60 in ten seconds is very reasonable.
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bzr
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
Yeah, but will the Marines like it as much as the SAS did?
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bmoreDLJ
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
And Ford wants to futz with the styling for the US-version WHY???
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Six Flags Over Tomsk
04/02/09

@bmoreDLJ: Well, I'm pretty certain they'll have to add longer bumpers with amber turn signal repeaters on the sides of the front bumper, per DOT regs. Not sure what else they'll do.
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Schm, enjoying his first desert winter. .
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
Hi, I'm euro-ford. We haven't seen each other in a long time, perhaps we need to get to know each other?

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beercheck
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
Why didn't the phrase "European-tuned suspension" die in the 80s?
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BigHarv
04/02/09

@beercheck: Moreover, why is it still meaningful? Why are cars tuned so differently for the US?
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Six Flags Over Tomsk
04/02/09

@BigHarv: Because most Americans want the handling dynamics of their cars to remind them of Jell-O as much as possible. Hell, if someone discovered a way for suspension bushings to sound like Bill Cosby when compressed, the first carmaker to use them would pwnz0r the marketplace!
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beercheck
04/02/09

@Upgrade to Tomsk Diamond today!: @philibuster: So, basically, the Fiesta is fucked?
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lilwillie
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
I don't want one, don't ever want to ride in one, don't need one. Totally useless in my automotive world and wouldn't meet my needs.

That said, it is a excellent little car and sure to sell very well to those that like that particular style and size of car.

Crazy how you can like something you hate.
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eggwich del fiero
04/02/09

@lilwillie: It seems at times that people don't realize that for the majority of americans, space isn't an issue. Even in most cities, you don't need a small car, unless you are really small and all your stuff is small, as well.
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A strolling player got drunk and
04/02/09

@gone fishin' with eggwich del fiero: We don't need size either, though, honestly. I've been more comfortable in some subcompacts than in some huge cars, since it's nearly all about seat and control surface orientation and placement anyway... and there are decidedly few times when I need to carry any big stuff at all.
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boognish
04/02/09

In reply to Ford Fiesta: First Drive
Hey Wes, I work all over Greenpoint, and Astoria, and LIC, and could hook you up with some photo locations. Maybe shut down a side street for a few minutes for a quick shoot. Big fan, Big fan.
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Wes Siler
04/02/09

@boognish: Cool, email me.
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