Ford Fiesta (95-99) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Last Updated: 01 September 2008
The extensively revised Fiesta Mk 4 put the fun back into functional during the mid-1990s. It was as good to drive as any rival supermini and still looks fairly modern, with curvy, youthful styling, though it’s less radical than its funky little sister, the Ka. Ford's bestseller got a fresh lease of life in the form of 16-valve Zetec engines, improved suspension and handling, good security measures and modern safety features. If you add in keen pricing, this late 90s Fiesta now looks like a very canny budget supermini choice.
3 out of 5

Other Ford reviews

3.5 out of 5

Running costs

With a commendable fuel economy, inexpensive parts, and spacious 10,000-mile service intervals, the running costs are reasonably low. The Encore models have rather miserly equipment levels, but otherwise, you get a fair amount of kit for what you pay for. Although the Fiesta did not offer the best value in its class when new, insurance is affordably low and used prices have tumbled because of high volumes - making the Mk 4 an all-round safe bet.

* based on most recent data

Estimated fuel cost for 10,000 miles per year

Unleaded

£1,497 - £1,615 *

Diesel

£1,393 - £1,393 *

The estimated fuel cost figure is a guide to how much this model will cost to fuel each year, so you can compare between cars. It's calculated by using the model's average mpg (calculated from both town centre and motorway driving) and the average fuel price. It's based on the following cost-per-litre: petrol 135p and diesel 141p. Prices are updated daily.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

Petrol 10,000 miles; diesel 6,000 miles

Warranty

Mechanical 1 year; bodywork 6 years

Road tax (12 months)

£135.00 - £220.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data