Picture Of Ford Fiesta

In late 1999, the Ford Fiesta Mk5 was released and saw some minor changes from the previous model, including a front clip that was inspired by the Ford Focus, and a new bumper design and wheel look. A 1.6 liter Zetec engine was introduced which produced over 100 horsepower, and more suspension modifications were made, making the car one of the best handlers on the market. The aftermarket loved these engines, and upgrades were available that would push it to over 160 horsepower quite impressive for such a small vehicle. The Mk5 was produced until 2002, when the current look of the Ford Fiesta was unveiled.


The Mk6 Ford Fiesta was introduced in 2002, and so much change had undergone the line over the years, that it no longer had any ties to its former self. The ST model was released, capable of speeds of up to 130 MPH and was offered with 17 inch wheels, different bumpers and skirting to set it apart from the standard Fiesta. This model is available in Europe today, and will be released in North America as a 2011 model.

Picture Of Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta Mk3, first produced in 1989, is by far the most popular and longest-lasting Fiesta model to date, with production continuing until 1997 -- an eight-year reign. The highest sales years for the Ford Fiesta were the early 1990’s, with the introduction of fuel-injection engines to the line. Airbags became available to the Ford Fiesta in 1994 for the first time, as well as restructuring of the body and frame to make the vehicle safer in collisions.


The Mk4 was introduced in 1995 and sales skyrocketed in Britain for the next three years. Ford used heavy Italian car influences in the new design, which utilized the same Mk3 chassis, but incorporated a much better suspension package. Engines were available in 1.25 liter and 1.4 liter sizes and were known as the Zetec line. There was also a diesel motor which featured an overhead cam design. This model of the Ford Fiesta was offered by Mazda, and called the 121 or Soho, depending on location of release. The Mk4 was produced for four years, from 1995 to 1999.

Picture Of Ford Fiesta

By 1980, over one million Ford Fiestas had been produced, making the vehicle a huge success for Ford. That year also marked a drastic design change for the Ford Fiesta. The square headlights were replaced with larger, round headlights, and a new high-output motor, named the XR2 Cars, was available. This new Fiesta boasted a 0-60 time of just over nine seconds and advertised a top speed of 105 MPH, making it a favorite mini car for the street-race crowd well into the 1980’s.


In 1983, the Mk2 Ford Fiesta was introduced which used a four cylinder, inline motor and was offered in either a 957 cc size which produced only 40 horsepower, or the bigger 1597 cc engine which tipped the power scales at 84 horsepower. The body of the new Ford Fiesta was essentially the same, with the exception of a more aerodynamic front end and a reworked interior. The hotter XR2 engine produced 96 horsepower and was mated to a five-speed manual transmission. While a truly fast, performance-minded Ford Fiesta was never actually produced, many aftermarket kits were available to enhance their performance, including turbo setups that could boost the horsepower to well over 120. The Mk2 model was offered through 1989.

Picture Of Ford Fiesta

The Ford Fiesta was designed by Ford of Europe in the 1970s to compete with the new “super mini” car design that was being introduced by companies like British Motor Corporation, MINI, and even Vauxhall, who produced the first Chevrolet Chevette in 1975. Fiat and Renault were also manufacturing smaller, front-wheel drive vehicles that were big on gas mileage.


The Mk1 Ford Fiesta utilized a four-speed, manual transmission to operate with the 957 cc engine, which came to be known as the “Valencia”, and was named after the factory that Ford built, which was intended to produce only Ford Fiestas. All the versions offered for American buyers featured a larger 1597 cc four cylinder engine.

Picture Of XR2 Cars

Handling is one thing that really needs a little attention on most models. A stiffer spring and damper and lowering of 35mm will really do much to improve handling. (The handling of the St model is actually very tight from the factory though!)

Induction kits and sports exhausts, although popular modifications will do little to add power to anything less than a 1.6 litre engine. Getting the head gas flowed and ported and converting early models to electronic ignition and fuel injection are probably the best choices of modification around.

Fast road cams will also make quite a difference to the power characteristics of the 1.6 and 2.0 engines.

Picture Of XR2 Cars