1990 Ford Festiva L 1.3 from North America

Summary:

A cheap wild ride

Faults:

On my car I have had only a few minor problems. The first problem I experienced was when I stood on the brake I blew out a hose because it was rusted. The only other problem was that the old worn fan belt broke.

General Comments:

I have owned two car's now and they have done everything I have asked them to and beyond. They have gotten covered in road salt and only show minor signs of rust. The two cars have not lost power or performance since I bought them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th July, 2002

1990 Ford Festiva L + 1.3 fuel injected from North America

Summary:

This is one fine, little car, and I have never regretted owning it

Faults:

A piston cracked at about 75,000 miles and I allowed the local dealership to replace all four.

After I corrected a lot of their mistakes, I decided to do all future repairs at home.

The oil gets changed, religiously, between 3 and 5 thousand miles.

The clutch was replaced at 105, 000, just because I thought it should be.

The brakes have been replaced once and they are about due again.

The car used to get 40-44 miles per gallon, but after the Ford garage worked on it, the fuel economy dropped to 30-32. It took my tune up to get it back up to 36-38. At this time, that's the best that I can get.

If you're looking here for faults or complaints, you won't find them. This is one fine little car.

General Comments:

This is our secondary work/daily driver and our primary vehicle is a full size custom van. My wife and I enjoy driving Big Bird (Festiva) just as much as White Wolf (Van). It is extremely quick and handles well.

The original air conditioner still produces extremely cold air and the original AM/FM stereo works well. All my cars have names; because it's bright yellow, the Festiva is Big Bird.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2001

1990 Ford Festiva LX 1.3 from North America

Summary:

Very dependable

Faults:

I just bought this Festiva. I had hardly any money with two kids, and was trying to finish college. I paid 900 dollars for this car. It needs a new muffler but it still runs great. It seems to be very dependable.

General Comments:

It may not be much to look at, but it will get you there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2001

1990 Ford Festiva L+ 1.3 from North America

Summary:

The BEST car ever made

Faults:

Nothing other than routine maintenance items. Now that it is getting older I am replacing items (alternator) that are naturally failing but they are not major components.

This car has never had to go back to the dealer for any warranty repair. I do my own repair work so I keep my cars maintained fairly well.

General Comments:

It was only last month that my Festiva actually didn't start for the first time after ten years of ownership. Talk about shocked! It ALWAYS starts. Turned out to be dirt in a relay. I cleaned it and was back on the road.

I have owned over fifty cars so far in my life and this is the BEST car I have ever owned. In the past ten years I've had the Festiva I've had second cars that come and go but I never even THINK about selling my Festiva.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th October, 2000

2nd Jan 2001, 19:17

I was glad to read this review. A lot of folks poke fun at this vehicle, but I have had the same good luck as you. Never broke - never in the shop - cheap to run - great car. My other car is a BMW...

Gary

6th Jan 2001, 14:22

I am so glad to hear some good reviews on the Festiva. I originally purchased it to save mileage on my '97 Mazda 626 and I sold the Mazda a month ago because I am so pleased with the Festiva. Friends have laughed at me for the switch but guess who they call for a ride when their "new" car is in the shop! At 138,000 miles all I have replaced are tires, wiper blades, and a dome light.