Why did Ford discontinue the Fiesta?
Ford Motor Company announced in 2018 that it would be discontinuing the Fiesta subcompact car in North America by 2019. This decision was driven by a shift in consumer preferences towards larger vehicles, as well as the rising costs of developing and manufacturing smaller cars.
Changing Consumer Preferences
Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable trend in the automotive industry towards larger vehicles, such as SUVs, crossovers, and pickup trucks. Consumers have been gravitating away from traditional sedans and compact cars in favor of these larger, more versatile models. This shift in consumer demand has made it increasingly difficult for automakers to justify the investment required to develop and produce smaller, less profitable vehicles like the Fiesta.
Rising Costs of Small Car Production
In addition to the changing market preferences, the costs associated with manufacturing smaller vehicles have also been rising. Stricter fuel economy and emissions regulations, as well as the need for more advanced safety and technology features, have driven up the development and production costs of compact cars. These increased costs have made it challenging for automakers to maintain profitability on smaller, lower-priced models like the Fiesta.
Ford's Strategic Shift
In the face of these market and economic realities, Ford made the strategic decision to discontinue the Fiesta in North America and focus its resources on more profitable and in-demand vehicle segments. The company has been shifting its product portfolio towards SUVs, crossovers, and trucks, which have become the backbone of its sales and profits in recent years.
While the Fiesta was a popular and well-regarded model, its discontinuation reflects the broader changes and challenges facing the automotive industry as a whole. Automakers must continually adapt to evolving consumer preferences and market conditions to remain competitive and profitable.
Which year Ford Fiesta to avoid?
The Ford Fiesta is notorious for transmission problems, with the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 models struggling most significantly. This is most likely due to Ford's PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission, which is featured in the affected models and is notorious for failing prematurely.
Why are they stopping making Ford Fiesta?
Electrifying them cuts that profit margin down further still. Ford is a business, not a charity, and when the sums don't stack up, it isn't in its interests to keep making a car. The Fiesta's sums didn't stack up and, as a result, this happy little car's 47-year life came to an end in 2023.
What took over the Ford Fiesta?
The Fiesta Mark IV (internal code name was BE91) was launched in October 1995 and became Britain's best-selling car from 1996 to 1998, when it was overtaken by the all-new Ford Focus, a replacement for the Escort.
What is Ford's smallest car?
What is Ford's smallest car? Ford's smallest current car, now that the Fiesta is no longer on sale, is the Puma compact SUV.
Should I still buy a Ford Fiesta?
Overall verdict on the Ford Fiesta
It's also one of the most enjoyable small hatchbacks to drive, thanks to its eager handling and sprightly turbocharged petrol engines." The final generation of Ford Fiesta went on sale in 2017 and remains one of the best small cars you can buy today.
Why did the Ford Fiesta fail?
The most common issue with Ford's EcoBoost engine is overheating caused by the cooling system. However, this primarily affected early Fiesta models, whose nylon coolant pipes were prone to failing at high temperatures. Ford issued a recall and repaired most of the affected models.
What is the common problem in Ford Fiesta?
Problem: Clutches are renowned as a part prone to wear and tear regardless of the make or model. Ford Fiesta's, including Zetec models, are far from immune to clutch problems. A particularly common problem with Ford Fiesta hydraulic clutches is caused by the cylinder rod becoming disconnected from the clutch pedal.
What is Ford replacing the Fiesta with?
the Puma
Ford presents the Puma as the natural successor to the Fiesta's enduring legacy. The Puma is crafted with family needs in mind, a segment where the Fiesta has historically thrived.
Is the Ford Fiesta coming back?
The long and successful history of the Ford Fiesta began in 1976 and ended in 2023. Do you miss it? Maybe there's a glimmer of hope... As we told you recently, Ford is considering developing several compact electric models from 2026, all based on a new platform.
What are Ford making instead of the Fiesta?
Last year, Ford pulled the evergreen Fiesta from production after 47 years and seven generations, and quietly announced the Focus would suffer the same fate by mid-2025. Currently, Ford's Puma crossover has proven to be a replacement of sorts for the Fiesta and was their best selling motor in the UK in 2021 and 2023.
