Ah, the perennial question posed by countless car enthusiasts across automotive forums far and wide.

The TL;DR answer (that’s shorthand for “Too Long; Didn’t Read”): Yes, but it depends on your lifestyle.

If you’re considering a Ford Fiesta ST for your daily driver, then read on to determine whether or not this feisty five-door is fit for your daily driving duties.

How much space do you need?

The Fiesta ST is a small car by today’s standards. With an overall length within inches of a Mazda MX-5 Miata, it’s no surprise that the interior space is cozy, to put it kindly.

Five adults can technically cram inside the Fiesta, but they’d have to promptly see their chiropractor after any drive that’s farther than the local grocery store.

However, four average-sized adults can fit inside the ST and be somewhat comfortable for shorter stints. Front legroom is surprisingly decent, and headroom is spacious for even tall occupants, but rear legroom—as well as hip and shoulder room in all seats—is cramped.

Cargo capacity is shockingly capacious for such a pint-sized ride. With the rear seat upright, the Fiesta ST has 10.1 cubic feet of storage; this figure expands to 25.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. You can easily stow a week’s worth of groceries and the odd small piece of furniture inside the ST.

If you’re single or have just one child to shuttle around, then the Fiesta ST should have enough space for all your daily duties. On the other hand, if you shuttle around large groups or have more than one child to haul, there are better options available.

What kind of driving do you do?

Whether or not the Ford Fiesta ST is suitable for your daily driver depends on what kind of driving you do.

The Fiesta ST excels at most highway slogs and city commutes. The ST is relatively quiet at reasonable speeds, and its slick six-speed manual transmission and light clutch make shifting a breeze, even in heavy traffic. Fuel mileage is superb at 25 mpg/32 mpg (city/highway), but be aware that the ST requires premium fuel.

If your daily drive involves rough, uneven pavement, the Fiesta ST’s stiff ride may prove bothersome over time. Many drivers complain about how the ST bounces, jolts, and thuds over less-than-perfect pavement. Thankfully, you can remedy much of the harsh ride by equipping the Fiesta ST with 16 inch or even 15-inch wheels (17-inch wheels are standard).

If you occasionally drive in snowy conditions, the Fiesta ST will probably be an adequate daily driver when outfitted with a set of nice winter tires, though a vehicle with all-wheel-drive would be better for commuting in areas that see moderate to heavy snowfall.

What do your weekends look like?

The Fiesta ST can handle most commutes and errand runs, but can it accommodate your hobbies and weekend activities?

Pastimes like off-roading and water sports require vehicles that can not only swallow up a lot of stuff, but occasionally tow things like ATVs, dirt bikes, and boats. If your idea of an amazing weekend includes any of these recreational activities, then a pickup truck or SUV would be a better choice.

For most weekend pursuits—like antiquing, hiking, and even short camping trips—the Fiesta ST will dutifully oblige.

The wrap-up

The Fiesta ST is a fantastically versatile performance vehicle that’s quick, fuel-efficient, respectably practical, and affordable to own. If you can deal with the small interior space and rough ride, the ST makes a wonderful daily driver.