What is the fuel consumption of the Ford Festiva?
In the United States, the Ford Festiva typically achieved about 40 to 45 mpg combined, with manual transmissions often delivering the better highway mileage and automatics trailing slightly. This article provides typical figures by configuration and market, and notes factors that influence real-world results.
US-market fuel economy by configuration
Below are representative EPA estimates for common US-spec Festiva configurations. They illustrate the spread between manual and automatic transmissions and how engine choice affects efficiency.
- 1.3 L engine with 5-speed manual: about 38 mpg city and 53 mpg highway (roughly 45 mpg combined).
- 1.3 L engine with 4-speed automatic: about 34–37 mpg city and 44–50 mpg highway (roughly 37–41 mpg combined).
Note that actual mileage depends on driving conditions, maintenance, tire pressure, and payload.
International context
Outside the United States, Festiva variants were sold under Mazda branding in some markets (for example, the UK’s Mazda 121). Official economy figures are often published in imperial mpg, and tuning differences can shift real-world results. Highway efficiency remained strong due to the car’s light weight and small displacement.
Real-world factors affecting fuel use
Several practical factors influence actual fuel economy, including maintenance, driving style, and load.
- Maintenance: Clean air filters, fresh spark plugs, proper tire inflation, and regular tune-ups can improve mpg.
- Driving style: Gentle acceleration, steady speeds, and minimizing idling yield better mileage.
- Vehicle condition and load: Extra weight, roof racks, or worn components reduce efficiency.
In practice, owners report real-world mpg that can be higher or lower than EPA estimates depending on conditions.
Summary
The Ford Festiva offered strong fuel economy for its era. In the US, typical figures for common configurations sit in the broad 40–45 mpg combined range, with manual versions often topping highway numbers and automatics trailing slightly. International variants follow a similar pattern, with regional measurement standards affecting reported numbers. For a precise figure, identify the exact year, market, engine, and transmission and consult the official EPA or manufacturer data for that variant. Real-world results depend on driving habits and maintenance.
Which small car is most fuel efficient?
The most economical small cars are generally hybrids or compact sedans, with top contenders including the Toyota Prius LE and Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue for their exceptional fuel economy. Other economical options include the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, which are known for being reliable, fuel-efficient, and affordable to maintain. When choosing, consider the balance between initial cost and long-term savings from fuel efficiency and maintenance.
Hybrid models for maximum efficiency
- Toyota Prius LE: Often leads the pack with an impressive 57 mpg combined.
- Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Blue: A strong hybrid option offering 54 mpg combined.
- Honda Jazz: Another practical hybrid choice, especially in its petrol-electric version.
Non-hybrid compacts with high fuel economy
- Honda Civic: Consistently ranks high for its 48 mpg combined rating in the hatchback model, with good long-term reliability.
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback: A practical and reliable choice that achieves good gas mileage and has low maintenance costs.
- Kia Forte LX: Another economical compact sedan option with good fuel efficiency.
Other considerations
- Smaller engines: Generally, smaller engines and lighter vehicles get better gas mileage.
- Reliability and maintenance: Consider long-term costs; for example, the Toyota Prius is noted for having low average maintenance costs.
- Mitsubishi Mirage G4: A non-hybrid sedan that offers high fuel efficiency for its class.
- Nissan Sentra: Another compact option that boasts good gas mileage and a low starting price.
How much is a 1990 Ford Festiva worth?
The value of a used 1990 Ford Festiva ranges from $490 to $1,867, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
Is a Ford Festiva a reliable car?
My Ford Festiva was the best car I ever owned. Drove it to over 225,000 miles and only repairs needed were tires, brakes and mufflers. It was still on the original clutch!! Great car and unbelievable gas mileage!!
How many miles per gallon does a Ford Festiva get?
Fuel Economy
| City | 30 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 38 mpg |
| Combined | 33 mpg |
