"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
08/26/2019 at 10:30 • Filed to: None
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"Boxer_4" (Boxer_4)
08/26/2019 at 10:30 • Filed to: None | 6
| 12 |
There is only one way to characterize Fords subcompact efforts in the US: Consistently Inconsistent. Let’s dive in:
1978-1980 Ford Fiesta: Ford’s first foray into the subcompact class was the European developed Ford Fiesta, first introduced in 1976. The US version was built in West Germany, but received market specific features such as sealed-beam headlights, larger bumpers, a catalytic converter, and optional AC. The 1.6L engine was standard. The Fiesta was discontinued after 1980, with the all new Escort taking its place.
1988-1993 Ford Festiva: The Festiva was initially developed by Mazda at the request of Ford. It went on sale in Japan as the Ford Festiva around 1986. About that time, KIA began to produce the Festiva under license as the KIA Pride for the South Korean market. The Festiva was introduced to the US for the 1988 model year, built by KIA in South Korea. Throughout the run, only the 3 door version was sold in the US.
1994-1997 Ford Aspire: The Aspire was co-developed by Ford and KIA. While still using many Mazda components, including the drivetrain, the body was extensively restyled with a more aerodynamic approach. This also marked the first time that Ford sold a subcompact in the US with more than 3 doors. Ford and KIA split ways after the Aspire, with KIA introducing the independently designed RIO in 1999. Ford wouldn’t reintroduce a subcompact model for 13 years after the discontinuation of the Aspire in the US.
2011-2019 Ford Fiesta: The Fiesta made a return to the US for the 2011 model year, remaining fairly true to the European Fiesta it was based on. Both a 5 door hatchback and a 4 door sedan were available, as well as two turbocharged engine options (SFE & ST, both later one in the run). The Fiesta is once again set to be discontinued after the 2019 model year, with no future plans for another subcompact car. The Ford Ecosport subcompact SUV can be seen a s a successor.
CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
> Boxer_4
08/26/2019 at 10:33 |
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The ST was only available past 2014 when that gen fiesta was heavily refreshed. Basically Mk 7.5
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Boxer_4
> CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/26/2019 at 10:36 |
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Edited to make it more clear. The SFE was a later addition, too.
functionoverfashion
> Boxer_4
08/26/2019 at 10:42 |
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Thanks for laying all that out. I’ve always thought it was weird how they did this. A friend had (several) OG Fiestas in high school, his dad thought they were neat and bought all he could find in good condition. Then he had an Escort. I always like his Escort wagon, but missed the small Fiestas, as did he. Then we both thought the Festivas and Aspires were crap, even though they were newer. The latest Fiesta, on the other hand, is brilliant.
BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo
> Boxer_4
08/26/2019 at 10:43 |
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“Is it green?”
Yes. Very.
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Boxer_4
> functionoverfashion
08/26/2019 at 11:57 |
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This class was always an afterthought for Ford.
I think the biggest issue with the Festiva was handing it off to KIA for production. KIA wasn’t in a decent spot yet, not like now. I wonder how the Mazda built versions were received elsewhere?
The Aspire was even worse off, as KIA was involved with the design, too. I still see Festivas on occasion; I haven’t seen an Aspire in many years!
If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent
> Boxer_4
08/26/2019 at 12:11 |
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The Aspire looks beat upon even when brand new
jimz
> BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo
08/26/2019 at 13:50 |
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my sister has one that color.
duurtlang
> Boxer_4
08/26/2019 at 16:28 |
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The Ecosport is missing here. That too is a subcompact (and a downgrade compared to the Fiesta)
James May
> BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo
08/26/2019 at 16:44 |
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I quite like that reference.
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Boxer_4
> duurtlang
08/26/2019 at 18:06 |
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I’ll be honest, I forgot the Ecosport existed. I will think about it for ~30 seconds, and then I will go back to forgetting that the Ecosport exists...
RT
> Boxer_4
09/02/2019 at 21:24 |
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I find it funny how Ford are pulling out of this sector in America . The Fiesta has been the best-selling car in the UK for a while. The whole decision inadvertently distances Ford of Europe from American Ford .
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Boxer_4
> RT
09/03/2019 at 18:15 |
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This segment has never been that popular in the US except for maybe a few pockets in the country.
Ford’s attempts at world cars have never really been a consistent thing. The most recent attempt (Mk3 Fusion/Mk4 Mondeo, Mk6 Fiesta, Mk3 Focus) seemed fairly successful. The Mk1 Contour/Mondeo and Mk1/Mk3 Escort, not so much). I’d put the Mk1 Focus somewhere in the middle.