What engine is in a 1989 Ford Festiva?
The 1989 Ford Festiva is powered by a 1.3-liter Mazda inline-four engine, commonly identified as the B3. This Mazda-built mill was supplied to Ford for the Festiva family and underpinned early models in the United States and many export markets.
Engine specifications and performance
Below are the core specifications and variations you’re likely to encounter for the 1989 Festiva’s engine.
- Displacement: 1,299 cc (1.3 L)
- Configuration: inline-4
- Engine family/code: Mazda B3 (part of the Mazda B-series family)
- Fuel system: fuel-injected in most markets; some export versions used carburetion
- Typical power output: around 60 horsepower, with variations by market and emissions package
These figures reflect the common US-market and export versions from that era. Exact output can vary by calibration and regional specifications.
Origins and market context
The Festiva was born from a collaborative effort between Ford and Mazda, designed to deliver economical transportation in the subcompact segment. The 1.3-liter Mazda B3 engine was a familiar Mazda design deployed across several small cars in the 1980s, making it a linchpin of the Festiva’s performance and reliability in its early years.
US-market specifics
In the United States, 1989 Festivas commonly used the 1.3-liter fuel-injected MPI version, paired with transmissions that ranged from manual to automatic depending on trim. This setup offered modest power and excellent fuel economy for its class at the time.
International variants
Beyond the U.S., various export markets sometimes employed different fuel delivery configurations, including carbureted options in earlier or non-U.S. markets. The core engine block remained the same Mazda B3 design, but emissions equipment and intake/fuel-management hardware could differ by country.
Maintenance and ownership notes
For owners or restorers, verifying the exact engine code on the block or VIN helps confirm the intended configuration. Routine maintenance—timing system checks, regular oil changes, cooling system upkeep, and ensuring proper fuel delivery—remains essential for longevity of this 1.3-liter powerplant.
Bottom line
The 1989 Ford Festiva’s engine is a 1.3-liter Mazda inline-four from the B3 family, a compact, lightweight design developed for efficiency and reliability. Across markets, this engine powered the Festiva with variations mainly in fuel delivery and emissions equipment, reflecting Ford and Mazda’s collaborative approach to affordable motoring in the late 1980s.
Summary
In short, if you’re looking at a 1989 Ford Festiva, expect a 1.3-liter Mazda B3 inline-four under the hood—a small, economical engine that defined the car’s practical, budget-friendly character for its era.
What type of engine does a Ford Fiesta have?
The Ford Fiesta has had a variety of engines depending on the model year and trim, but popular options include the 1.0L EcoBoost (gasoline) and 1.5L TDCi (diesel). Other engines include older 1.6L Duratec and 1.6L EcoBoost options in past generations.
Common engine options
- 1.0L EcoBoost: This is a three-cylinder, turbocharged gasoline engine available in various power outputs, such as 100hp, 125hp, or 155hp (as a mild hybrid).
- 1.5L TDCi: This is a turbocharged diesel engine available in different power outputs, such as 84hp or 118hp.
- 1.1L Duratec: A naturally aspirated, three-cylinder gasoline engine that is generally less powerful than the EcoBoost options.
- 1.6L EcoBoost: A turbocharged four-cylinder engine specifically used in performance models like the Fiesta ST, which produces around 197 hp.
Other engines
- Older models also featured different engines, such as the 1.6L Duratec gasoline engine.
- Early models came with 1.3L or 1.6L engines.
How much horsepower does a 1990 Ford Festiva have?
Engine
| Horsepower | 63 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 73 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
What size engine is in the 1989 Ford Festiva?
1.3-liter B3
Starting from late 1987 for the 1988 model year, Kia began exports to the United States under the "Ford Festiva" name. 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.
Is a Ford Festiva a reliable car?
The 1993 Ford Festiva receives an average consumer rating of 4.5 overall and a 4.7 for reliability, which means owners consider its reliability to be above average.
