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What are the specs of the 1989 Ford Festiva?


The 1989 Ford Festiva is a compact car that gained popularity for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality. Manufactured by Kia Motors and sold under the Ford brand in various markets, the Festiva was a reliable choice for budget-conscious drivers. Below, we’ll dive into the key specifications and features of this iconic vehicle.


Engine and Performance


The 1989 Ford Festiva was equipped with a modest yet efficient engine, making it ideal for city driving and light commuting. Here are the details:



  • Engine Type: 1.3L inline-4 engine

  • Horsepower: Approximately 58 hp at 5,000 rpm

  • Torque: 74 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm

  • Transmission: 4-speed manual or optional 3-speed automatic

  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)


Dimensions and Weight


The Festiva’s compact size made it easy to maneuver and park, especially in urban environments. Here are its dimensions:



  • Length: 140.5 inches

  • Width: 63.9 inches

  • Height: 55.5 inches

  • Wheelbase: 90.2 inches

  • Curb Weight: Approximately 1,720 lbs


Fuel Economy


One of the standout features of the 1989 Ford Festiva was its impressive fuel efficiency, which appealed to drivers looking to save on gas costs. The estimated fuel economy figures were:



  • City: Around 30 miles per gallon (mpg)

  • Highway: Around 37 mpg


Interior and Features


While the Festiva was a budget-friendly car, it offered a surprisingly functional interior with basic amenities. Key interior features included:



  • Seating for up to four passengers

  • Simple dashboard layout with easy-to-read gauges

  • Optional air conditioning

  • AM/FM radio (cassette player available in higher trims)

  • Foldable rear seats for additional cargo space


Safety Features


As a car from the late 1980s, the Festiva’s safety features were minimal compared to modern standards. However, it included the following:



  • Basic seat belts for all passengers

  • Energy-absorbing steering column

  • Side-impact door beams


Conclusion


The 1989 Ford Festiva was a practical and economical choice for drivers seeking a no-frills vehicle with excellent fuel efficiency and reliability. While it lacked the advanced features of today’s cars, its simplicity and affordability made it a popular option during its time. Whether you’re reminiscing about this classic or considering restoring one, the Festiva remains a symbol of efficient automotive design.


Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles per gallon does a 1989 Ford Festiva get?


Based on data from 21 vehicles, 588 fuel-ups and 144,727 miles of driving, the 1989 Ford Festiva gets a combined Avg MPG of 36.79 with a 0.75 MPG margin of error.



What engine is in a 1989 Ford Festiva?


1.3-liter B3 four-cylinder engine
Canadian sales began in January 1989, marketed at Ford and Mercury dealerships. Ford offered a single 1.3-liter B3 four-cylinder engine and three trim levels: L, L Plus, and LX.



What is the top speed of a 1989 Ford Fiesta?


With total power at 131 hp and a power/weight ratio of 15.48 lb/hp it has a top speed of 127 mph and gets to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds.



How many miles can a Ford Festiva last?


200,000 miles
According to carparts.com, a typical Ford Fiesta will last 200,000 miles with excellent maintenance and constant, proper use. Some might push far beyond that point, while others could struggle and fall apart before nearing the 200,000-mile mark.



What is the most common problem with the Ford Fiesta?


Drivers commonly search online for information about the following problems.

  • Turbo failure.
  • Bad fuel injectors.
  • Water leaks.
  • Suspension problems.
  • Blocked DPF.
  • Contaminated engine oil.
  • Worn clutch.
  • Faulty seat belt latches.



Are Ford Fiestas expensive to run?


No surprises here that the Fiesta is cheap to run in terms of fuelling, servicing and maintenance. You couldn't have it with a diesel engine late in its life, but the economical petrol engines, some of which feature mild hybrid technology, meant this wasn't too much of a loss.



What years did Ford Fiesta have transmission problems?


Vehicles impacted are the Ford Fiesta (model years 2011-2016) and the Ford Focus (model years 2012-2016) equipped with a PowerShift transmission.



How much horsepower does a 1988 Ford Festiva have?


The Festiva came with a 58-horsepower, 1.3-liter Mazda four-cylinder engine. Since the car weighed just 1,708 pounds, 58 horsepower (barely) got the job done.



Is Ford Fiesta a strong car?


Engine options are almost exclusively 1.0-litre petrols. We reckon the 100hp version is the best because it has enough power for this small, light car to get up to speed easily, while also being fuel efficient and fun to use. The Fiesta beats the VW Polo when it comes to equipment.



Is the 1989 Ford Fiesta reliable?


Extremely reliable. If simple, standard, maintenance is kept up it will out last your desire to drive it.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.