1996 Ford Festiva WB review from Australia and New Zealand
"Guess hows the cable got stretched?"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The heater core started leaking not long after we got the car, caused a bad smell in the car from radiator fluid.
Front and rear bumpers separated from panels, no practical problem, just cosmetic.
The exhaust manifold has a couple of holes in it, a small one early on, and now a larger one.
Stretched the handbrake cable.
General comments?
For the price, the Festiva has been a great car, though a little underpowered with the 1.3 auto combination.
The problems with the front and rear bumpers were most likely my mothers fault, cause she used them.
The manifold is most likely my fault, it cracked some time last weekend, I suspect it was as we landed at 150 KPH with a full car.
Overall I've treated the car like I hate it it's whole life, and it's just kept coming back. Aside from the Hilux, its the first car I've had that hasn't needed at least two new engines.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Excellent value |
| Dependable, efficient and tidy |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.3 SOHC Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 65000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 213000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Toyota Hi-lux |
| Date of Entry | 28th August, 2002 |