Used 1993 Ford Festiva Consumer Reviews
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Proven reliability
MtnRoad, 03/10/2016
updated 09/18/2017
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have a 1993 Ford Festiva L Model, 1.3L engine, 5 spd....all with less than 60,000 original miles on it. My Festiva is all original except for the tires and some new parts here and there for routine maintenance. I keep the air pressure in my original size tires at max level and the car rides really smooth. Handling is pretty good, and surprisingly it performs well in higher gears despite the small engine size. I love the simplicity of the car. Considering what transportation costs nowadays I strongly believe the reason they stopped selling this little gem in the US was because it would have seriously injured the auto industry for sales of new cars. Everyone would have eventually bought one for cheap (I think new they were only around $5,000-6,000 USD) and since they are reliable and built well there would be millions of survivor cars on the road today. As everyone knows, it's a Mazda 121 which was sold all over the World, mostly in emerging markets. The Festiva for the US market was assembled by Kia with all the Mazda parts coming from Japan, and has a Ford badge on it. I love Fords. I love Mazda, and I love Kia, so this can't get any better in my opinion. My Festiva is 23 years old as of my review and the paint is still like new. The interior cloth seats have started to disintegrate from the sun, but all the plastics have held up well. I put a couple seat covers on the front seats and it's like new again. Since I've owned the car I have replaced a few inexpensive parts, and the front windshield. The factory air conditioner works great in the Arizona summer but can cause power loss and my engine temperature to rise a bit. The engine is bulletproof and if you look online for videos there are people who video document their Festiva's turning over some serious mileage (one video I saw showed a Festiva with 500,000 miles). It is really fun to drive and I love taking mine on occasional long scenic drives into the mountains to stretch it's legs. The car gets a lot of attention wherever I take it, and someone always asks where they can get one. Parts are easy to find online (eBay, etc). UPDATE: I sold my Festiva for $3,000. The car was 24 years old. I listed it online and it sold in less than 24-hours. The lady that bought said she owned one back in the 1990s and always wished she still had it. Yes, the Festiva is popular, especially among people who previously owned one and are familiar with the utility and reliability.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Almost too well built
Bones, 09/17/2008
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've owned two of these cars, the last one I still own. It's almost as if this car was built way before its time. Now with gas what it is, I hear less and less laughing. It's pretty obvious in cars of this size bueracracy is the only thing standing between fuel economy and cars that boast of 23 MPG. This car gets 40 MPG all day long. My buddy and I collected 7 of these cars way before cas went up. We made topless parade vehicles, drove them and parted them. Now, we always have parts and drive like-new 93's. It was dumb luck, but oh-so-sweet. I drive mine around town, he bounces back and forth to Key west in his. They are a dream at 70, but commute like motorcycles.
Festevil
kyle, 03/17/2009
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
i own a festiva gt and its got alittle under 93000 miles, and other then alittle transmission trouble, i love the car, i get my fair share of funny looks but their just mad i can park in small spots at work, down town, and at clubs. i did redo the suspension to make it more of a comfordable ride. if anyone else is looking to do so just look for coil overs off of an ATV, yes funny but with the right amount of skill and patients... it worked my festiva never dies, so it got the nic- name, "FestEvil" which is being painted on the trunk after the dents and scratches are removed. great cars hope the 2011 model is as great as its grandfather
93 ford festiva
doug allen, 12/16/2009
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
just purchased a 93 festiva this car i very dependable and gets a consistent 40 mpg fun to drive and handles well they should be making these cars again tires are getting hard to find easy to work on.
Reliable to a Fault- Just keeps running!
FestivaFan, 12/10/2009
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought this car as a temporary replacement for my beloved wrecked 89 1/2 Mustang. Seven years later, I still have it. Getting fantastic gas mileage is addictive. It is also a great city car, no self respecting car thief or jacker will mess with a lowly Festiva. Not a great car to be in during an accident, but it is nimble enough to avoid situations bigger cars couldn't. After all, are we all going to be forced to drive SUV Panzers to be safe from the SUV bullies. I hope not. The Edmonds pricing for the Festiva is a joke, I can sell this car for what I paid for it tomorrow. They are revered for their reliability, storage, and mileage. All the same reasons I will keep driving it until it dies.
Just get one
Mr.Ouchies, 06/20/2010
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
You're not gonna spend that much on one and will be surprised. You can buy one as a spoof then soon realize it's your baby. I wanted one just for novelty but got caught up in festiva fever. This car has never left me stranded and only required a new alternator and battery. Farthest I have traveled in it in one day was about 300 miles when i first got it and true to what others have said "I no longer trust this car on long trips." I don't know why I don't, but i just don't. These cars do die sort of. I have seen one not work with 256,000 due to bad ignition switch. I have seen one with 125,000 that was in an accident, but engine was pulled to put in one with over 300,000 that barely began to smoke
Built like a tank
alwaysinaford, 09/29/2010
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Have know about these cars for a long time. Motor is like a rock, flawless. manual transmission, flawless. I get 41-47 mpg depending on how hard I run it. I agree with the window issue. Have only replaced the alternator and battery. Tires are very hard to find. I am 6"2" tall and I am very comfortable. Really enjoy driving it as my daily driver. I will keep it until the day it dies.
Will not die
Neil.hutchison, 12/26/2015
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned three,my brother three and brother in-law fixes them for resale. We all love them! To many miles on all of them never saw one die! Best combo fuel injection paired with a five speed manual.
- Performance
- Interior
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- Reliability
- Value
Best car ever!
Mike, 12/03/2010
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have 323,000 miles on mine. I didn't change the fan belt till after 10 years. I haven't changed the fuel filter or plug wires yet! Just a great little car for what it is. Take the back seat out and you can haul two mountain bikes and some camping gear in it.
Ford Kia Festiva
Cammy, 11/14/2002
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. A great car Ford never made. But a hellava selection on their part. As much fun as the Mini I had in '68.
Great Car
Jeff , 12/15/2005
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It never gave any major problems. The only flaw I had with it is the muffler because they wear out fast, but I bought a lifetime warranty one and I'm set. I seen many people who have them and they have over 200,000 miles on them. This is great because I bought mine used with only 38,000 miles. This will last me a long time and I hope ford will someday bring this car back on their model line.
Love My Toy Car
Tippy3, 03/04/2004
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1993 Festiva new, and even though I keep thinking I need to get a new car with modern options, I like it so much I can't part with it. I have replaced the exhaust twice, the brakes once, the tires once with some extras for nail punctures. It's getting harder to get 12 inch tires which is a problem. I drive it in New York City and the size helps a lot when I park on the street. It's amazing what will fit into it.
Economical Car
Festiva Driver, 03/16/2004
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car a few years ago as a high school student. It has turned out to be a very dependable car, having incurred no expenses other than routine brake pad, tire, and oil changes. The car gets good gas mileage, and is cheap to insure and plate. While the car appears small on the outside, it is actually fairly comfortable on the inside, and has a useful amount of storage space. The interior is simple but durable. My biggest complaints are that the car tends to get a severe lack of respect on the road, and I wouldnt trust it in a wreck. I'm not comfortable with taking the car over 70 and even that is pushing it on a long haul.
What a car!
Bruce, 07/28/2007
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
For basic cheap transport this car just cannot be beaten. It behaves like a large go cart on the road, so I'd like to think I could avoid accidents in it, but I wouldn't like to be hit by a large vehicle. It gets outstanding gas mileage (35-45 mpg) even with an automatic transmission. Ford doesn't support it well (It is 14 years old after all). It is a cult car of sorts, because it has a small(er) carbon footprint, is cheap and yet is acceptable all weather transport. If more of these were produced I would buy several. It would be nice to have more luxury features. It is basically a "hybrid" car at 1/10th the price.
Repair or replace
rsmith45694s, 04/06/2008
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is absolutley a blast to drive. The transmissions seem to be weak, second one in two years but easy to replace had it out in under 2 hours. Brake lines rust through up here. And the rotors are difficult to replace due to hub bolt design as a whole this car is easy to repair I wish I had a whole car lot of them bought it for $200 best thing I ever did. I would not sell it for $2000 now.
I love this car
Peter Unander, 06/02/2008
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as an economical way to see my girlfriend at the time who lived 50 miles away. I am 6'3" but leg room is not a problem with this car, nor is storage for that matter I can haul my pressure washer my airless and all my hoses & gear as well as my 40' & 28' ladders on the roof. Two years after purchasing this car while driving home in a rain storm I missed a turn and me my dog and my Festiva went 80 feet into a ravine. Amazingly the car sustained little damage other then a slightly bent rear axle which I replaced for $100 from a wrecking yard. This is in my opinion one of the best cars on the market. That's why I am writting this
My Lil' car
Kyle, 07/17/2009
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This has been my most reliable car EVER- bought in'96 for $3,900-was a impulse buy (bought within hours of looking at) Initially thought I overpaid - but 13 yrs and at 185,000 miles - U think I got a steal on it I dont get mileage others might(is a 5 speed) get 35-38 mpg (with wind pushing me have got 45-48) tho mpg is with usually with car loaded up and 75 mph Gone is rear seat - and many times passenger seat - fit 8 ft boards in it with front seat gone- so cargo room is awesome (use it like was a truck) great ground clearance for N Dakota winters Until real recently could go 5,000- 6,000 miles(oil change to oil change) without adding any oil in between alot of long trips 800mile
93 GL
David Tatum, 04/11/2005
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After a nuclear war two things will remain, roaches and Festivas. Purchased in '93 and it still runs strong. Over 200.000 miles and still gets 43mpg. Only major repair - CV joint at 70,000 miles. For a work car to go from point A to point B you can't beat it. A long trip - NO WAY. 12" tires are cheap to buy new.
Perfect city car
ifedulov, 04/19/2002
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The gas milage just amazing. I'm getting about 300 miles on 8 gallons of gas in city/highway driving. That is almost 38MPG! Amazing car. My expenses so far are: $150 new exhaust, $140 rear brakes and 3x$20 oil changes. Oh and not to mention street parking. That is just simply the second best feature of this car. It can fit in any spot!
great car; I got 48MPG highway, reliable
festiva owner, 09/11/2002
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Owned for 6 years so far, now it has 100000 miles. never any problem. replaced the starter once (30 minute job) Got 48.5 MPG on highway trip to new york from virginia last year. Much more responsive and fun to drive than my Jimmy or minivan. I would be concerned in a major accident, but it should be easier to aviod one in this car. Highly recommended for any safe driver who wants a good car with great mileage.
Good little car
msi, 02/27/2002
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only trouble was brakes,front wheel bearings and exhaust
My first car
WackyJosh, 01/04/2003
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was actually given to me as a present from a family friend who was moving out of the country. It was my first car. It now has 122000 miles on it and is still running well.
love my roller skate
re3ver, 10/09/2003
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Festiva. I had to buy it used because they aren't made any more. My first was involved in a wreck or else I would still be driving it. If they still made them I would buy a new one. With gas prices the way they are my little car pays for itself in savings. It is a fun car and handles well in traffic. I have taken it to retriever field trials and it will go some places the large 4WD trucks can't.
Faithful Festiva
j fox, 12/14/2003
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Festiva new (26 miles) in 1993 as a car to run around town and to go back and forth to work. It has never failed me not even once. I have replaced the tires 3 times,the right rear wheel bearing once, and replaced the battery and that is it.It has an oil leak around the head gasket but there is no shame in that with 126k.I put a new muffler on too. It has got me through blizzards and over deer and it looks as good as it did when it was new. I change oil every 3k,wash it every week,wax it ever 3 months. I hate to get rid of her but I need a 4x4 pick-up now. It is the best car I have ever owned.I plan on selling it to my friend that I car pool to work with.
Parks like a Mini, Hauls like a van
Guy Noyes, 09/11/2005
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Festiva. They start easily every time. They run and run. Replace the muffler every couple of years and change the oil is about all you have to do. Except buy gas - I've gotten 35 mpg in city! Although a tiny footprint the front seats are roomy and the rear seats OK (good headroom) and when your fold down the rear seat you can haul amazing things, even a stuffed chair. It handles like a little sports car in the city. As others have said, I wish they made a new version that is as reliable. I think Ford would never have put this jewel out if they knew it would last so long trouble free. Why can't all cars be so hassle-free? I love my Festiva. It's fun, fun, fun!
Festiva is a great CAr
Skydance2, 08/08/2004
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a used bright blue Festiva it is the best car I ever owned, gas mileage cannot be beat and it is so fun to drive. I wish Ford would come out with a new version of this car.
Festiva
Brian, 04/04/2006
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Festiva new in 1993 for $5600. Today it has 225,000 miles on it and still gets over 40 mpg. I too have gone through mufflers but only had to pay for the first because of the lifetime warranty. Add the brakes to that list of lifetime warranty only had to buy the first set. When the old girl does decide to give up the ghost I wish that I would be able to bye a new one. Sad to think, that I cant get them here in the states. I think the Festiva or there predecessor can be found in Brazil? Good commuter car and great in the city for parking. The guys at work tease me but hell Ive watched them buy car after car through the years. What a car.
One of the Greatest Cars Ever!
Joe, 08/25/2006
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Festiva is a worthy and honorable successor to the Ford Fiesta. This car has seen me through fair weather and foul. It's brought me safely home to my family on weekends in the worst of weather, when I was working hundreds of miles away. It has provided basic, reliable transportation for daily trips to Pittsburgh, taking the kids to school, the dog to the vet, grocery shopping and so on. It's not hard to recognize in the mall parking lot, though you may have trouble seeing it behind all of the land yachts. It has all of the character that 3 kids and a lot of road time can give a car over 13 years. I can hear how it's running, I can feel how it's driving, it suits me.
The little engine that could !!!!
Midlifer, 03/10/2002
1993 Ford Festiva L 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you like cheap and reliable, than the 1993 Ford Festiva is the car to get. The last Festiva I had was traded in for another in 1998 for $3200 at 32,000 mile. The trade-in had 198,000 miles on it and I found out that it got up to 240,000. I know someone with one at 400,000. I delivered my washing machine with it and later a Drier. The back seat folds real flat. Ford stopped offering this car in 1993 but the car is still made as the Kia Pride.
Festiva reliable
festiva, 04/02/2008
1993 Ford Festiva GL 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car from my brother. Great car, good gas mileage, easy to fix and find parts for (except tires!) wouldn't trust taking kids for the fact that it's small and not accident friendly! Car has moved from Utah to Arizona to Nebraska and to Texas. Now over 170k wouldn't take it on long trips, but love it for back and forth to work!