Ford Fiesta Review (1999 to 2002)

Quick Summary

Britain has always had something of a love affair with the Fiesta, but it was only when the fifth generation car was announced that the baby Ford was really deserving of all this fawning affection. Whilst it's hardly the most spacious supermini on the used market, it is one of the most entertaining. Don't buy one if you've got rapidly sprouting sprogs but if you can afford to be a little bit selfish, indulge yourself while you still can. The vast dealer network, affordable part prices and the wide choice available also do no harm to the Fiesta's standing amongst used buyers. With the sixth generation car punching values down, now is a good time to snap up a well looked after fifth generation Fiesta.

Overall:

Models Covered: 3 & 5dr hatch: 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 turbo diesel [Freestyle, Fun, Flight, Black, Encore, Zetec, Finesse, LX, Zetec LX, Ghia, Zetec-S]

SMALL WONDER

The fifth generation Fiesta established itself as the best handling supermini around, testament to Richard Parry-Jones' insistence on driving fun being the key to sales success. Although subsequent events have shown clever packaging to be of greater concern to buyers, the Fiesta has become synonymous with a big grin. The fifth generation cars led to the very different sixth generation model, a car that managed to successfully combine space and agility. As a used purchase a Fiesta makes sense on a number of levels.
Used Ford Fiesta for sale

History of the Fiesta

Once a byword for lowest common denominator motoring, the Fiesta gradually developed into something extremely competent. The fourth generation Fiesta range launched in October 1995, though shaped similarly to its predecessor was quite different under the skin from previous models. The range was revised in October 1999 with more angular nose styling, new tailgate badges and various minor interior modifications. In winter 2000, the 100bhp 1.6-litre engine, which had been used in the sporting Zetec-S model, replaced the Ghia model's ageing 1.4-litre unit. The TDdi diesel engine made an appearance, as did a sporty Zetec-S variant. Early 2002 saw the final fling for this Fiesta as it was replaced by an all-new sixth generation version.
Used Ford Fiesta for sale

Ford Fiesta Road Test

This is where the fifth generation Fiesta scores. Able to outhandle some quite serious tackle, the Fiesta quickly gained a reputation as a proper driver's car, helped in no small part by the acclaim heaped upon its sister vehicle, the Puma. The excellent 1.7-litre engine from the Puma would have been an obvious choice to propel the Fiesta, but Ford feared it might steal some of that coupe's customers. Hence the use of an upgraded 104bhp 1.6-litre engine borrowed from the larger Focus family hatch. That means rest to sixty in 10.2s on the way to 113mph - though it should feel a lot faster thanks to the Puma's short-throw gearchange and an engine note apparently tuned to provide a suitably sporty soundtrack.
Used Ford Fiesta for sale

Buying a Ford Fiesta

Engines are, on the whole, reliable, but watch for the usual signs of wear and signs of hard fleet or company use such as worn carpets or scuffed trim. Check for tyre wear as many fifth generation cars will have been driven enthusiastically.Rust shouldn't be a problem on these cars as Dagenham build quality is reasonably good but check the bottom and opening edges of the doors, and the tailgate, for user-inflicted damage that can lead to corrosion. Remember that a full service history always helps when selling on, too.
Used Ford Fiesta for sale

Ford Fiesta Typical Pricing

Word got around that the fifth-generation Fiesta was something worth having and sales were very good for what was effectively the last of its line before being replaced by an all-new car. Prices start around £2,000 for 1999 V LX models or £2,100 for a 1999 V plated 1.2 16v Zetec three door. The five-door body costs another £100. The 1.3-litre versions open at around £1,700 for a 1999V plated Encore or £1,900 for a Finesse. The 1.4-litre 16v is a much preferable powerplant and prices reflect this, a 1999 V plated 1.4 Zetec commanding around £2,200. Opt for the 1.6-litre engine and you can expect to pay around £2,900 for a 2000 V plated Zetec-S. Diesel models are a little way off the cutting edge, the TDCi engines being reserved for the sixth generation car, but they are cheap to run and consequently in reasonable demand. A fair opening value for a 1999 V plate 1.8 Encore diesel would be around £1,700 with a Finesse costing another £200, both in five-door form. Insurance for the fifth generation Fiesta reflects its low cost of repair, ranging from Group 4 for the 1.3-litre cars up to a moderate Group 8 for the effervescent 1.6 Zetec-S.
Used Ford Fiesta for sale

Ford Fiesta Parts

(approx based on a Fiesta 1.4 Zetec) As you might expect, parts are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. A clutch assembly and an alternator will both be around £75.Front brake pads are around £25 a set and the rears £20, a replacement headlamp is close to £50 and a manual door mirror should be in the region of £40. A full exhaust is about £80 and a catalyst is about £200. A starter motor around is around £110, front wing is around £60, a windscreen about £70, a tail lamp about £30 and a catalyst about £200. Front dampers are around £55 each and rears around £50 each.
Used Ford Fiesta for sale