Ford Fiesta 2004-2008 used car review
The Ford Fiesta is nice to drive for a small car.
The Ford Fiesta is nice to drive for a small car. Its engine and quality let it down.
Long popular with buyers in Europe, the Ford Fiesta was not sold new in New Zealand until its fifth generation. It shares its chassis and some components with the Mazda2/Demio although it features its own styling, interior, engines and transmissions. Most cars are five-door hatchbacks, with Zetec and ST sports models three-door hatchbacks.
Inside and out
The Fiesta was styled under Ford's “Edge” look with a rounded shape intersected by straight lines. The front bonnet area is short and features large swept-back headlights and a small grille. Down the sides are black rubber strips that prevent car park dings. The rear lights run vertically and high for maximum visibility. The back door cuts low and wide into the rear bumper.
The Ghia model driven for this review is the premium model in the range. It features a unique colour scheme with a black dash and carpets, tan door trims, lower dashboard and seat fabrics. Large windows make it feel spacious and airy despite being a little narrow. The dashboard features a bubble-shaped pod for the key instruments and round air vents. The six-disc CD player stereo is split into three separate units. Below it are the dials for the manual air-conditioning. Audio controls sprout from the steering column.
We were impressed by the seats which are firm and supportive and with long bases for a small car. Shoulder room is a little tight, most evident in the rear where only two adults will find it comfortable. Leg and headroom are good.
The boot is a good size for a small car at 260 litres - one medium and two small cases should fit. The rear seat splits and folds 60/40 to expand the space available. There is no carpet on the seat back, making it prone to scratches and damage.
On the road
All New Zealand-new Fiestas and most imports are fitted with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This produces 74kW and 146Nm and is paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic in the base model and just the auto in the Ghia. The engine power is competitive with other small cars, but it feels only adequate and sounds like it is working hard when pushed.
Even at 13 years old, our review Fiesta still drives very well, with a firm yet comfortable ride, responsive steering with a nice weight to it and good brakes. In this area, the Fiesta is better all round than Japanese options.
No parking assistance options were offered on the Fiesta, and they are not needed. The car is small and its large windows and a high seat position mean visibility front and back is excellent.
The downside to the car’s small size is its tow rating, which is limited to 500kg unbraked (a small garden trailer) and 900kg braked (a medium-size garden trailer.)
Safety
For an older small car, the Fiesta has a solid four-star safety rating under the ANCAP system. Safety equipment on base and ST models include front airbags and anti-lock brakes. Side and curtain airbags were optional extras on the Ghia.
There are no ISOFIX child seat mounts in New Zealand-new Fiestas. The centre rear seatbelt is a full shoulder belt, which offers more protection than the lap-only type. That’s rare in small cars of this age.
Reliability
The Fiesta does not have the best reputation for reliability, mainly because the accessories and electronics can cause problems. The 1.6-litre engine uses a cambelt which will require replacement, though at the extended frequency of 150,000km or ten years.
The engine can develop oil leaks, particularly around the rocker cover gasket – oil seeps down to the exhaust and can cause smoke and a hot smell. It is not expensive or difficult to correct, although it is tricky to fix permanently.
If the air-conditioning does not work on the car you consider, don't buy it. Check that the electric windows and central locking motors are functioning correctly - these are another common source of trouble and can be expensive to find replacements for. Airbag modulators can give trouble, with the airbag warning light illuminated. Diagnosis and replacement can be prohibitively expensive.
Check that the key mechanism to open the bonnet from behind the oval “Ford” badge at the front is working smoothly and releases the bonnet. Over time, the internal mechanism that the key barrel turns will wear away and the key will not turn it far enough to unlock the bonnet release. These are not only costly to source but can leave a car potentially stranded if the latch does not work and under-bonnet access is required.
Cost of ownership
Ford recommends servicing the Fiesta every year. The standard service is affordable at just $225.
With a large engine and four-speed automatic, the Fiesta is thirsty for its size. RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, you will spend from $2,100 to fuel. The 45-litre fuel tank will cost $90 to fill at $2 a litre and should take you 530km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the Fiesta costs $117.78 a year, with the car in an expensive ACC levy group.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Fiesta valued at $5,290 will cost $41.60* per month. This is a few dollars less than most other small cars - Ford's special key system makes them harder to steal.
Buyers' guide
The Ford Fiesta is available on Trade Me from around $3,000 to $12,000, with the most expensive cars imported ST models or low mileage late-model NZ-new cars.
New Zealand-new models
- Base (LX from 2006) - Features steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, power front windows, remote central locking and CD player stereo.
- Zetec - Adds alloy wheels, body kit, fog lights, steering column controls for the stereo and sports suspension.
- Ghia - On base adds fog lights, unique interior trim, six-disc CD changer and leather steering wheel.
Japanese import models
- GLX - Features steel wheels, manual air-conditioning, power front windows, remote central locking, leather steering wheel and CD player stereo.
- ST - Features part-leather sports seats, sports steering wheel, body kit, fog lights, steering column controls for the stereo and sports suspension.
Timeline
- 2002 Launched overseas
- 2004 Launched in New Zealand to replace the Festiva model
- 2005 Minor cosmetic facelift
- 2005 ST model launched internationally
- 2008 Replaced by new model
Details
2006 Ford Fiesta Ghia
$6,500 to $10,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
1.6-litre four-cylinder, 74kW and 146NM
Four-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Four-star ANCAP rating
12 months
Space saver
7.5-litres per 100km (claimed)
Regular
1685mm
1468mm
1468mm
500kg (unbraked), 900kg (braked)
9.3m
This review covers the Ford Fiesta for model years 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Review vehicle supplied by Turners Cars.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
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