Ford Festiva: The Tiny Blue Oval Hatchback You Forgot Existed

The first-generation Ford Festiva came in a variety of body styles, including a three- or five-door hatchback, sedan, and wagon. Engine options were limited to a 1.1-liter or 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine, depending on geographical area and manufacturing company. The Ford Festiva came with a four- or five-speed manual transmission (depending on trim level), an independent front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension. The LX trim was the highest trim level available and offered several upgrades like a five-speed manual transmission, a tachometer, cassette radio, and cloth interior seating.

In 1990, a “facelifted” version of sorts was introduced, with a few improvements: the Ford Festiva made the jump from carburetor to fuel injection, the transmission options changed (now a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic) and the seatbelts were given an upgrade. The front seat belts went from manual to motorized (except in the Canadian market, where manual front seat belts remained), and for the passengers in the back, manual rear seat belts were added as standard. The following year, in 1991, trim levels were simplified by consolidating the L Plus and LX into the single GL trim. The GL gained alloy wheels and a “sport” option package.

For all its charm and value, the Ford Festiva did not score very well in terms of passenger or pedestrian safety, gaining a low vehicle safety rating (two out of five stars) in Monash University’s “Used Car Safety Ratings” buyer’s guide.