Faults:

The oil sending unit leaked at about 30,000 miles, a ten dollar fix.

The seat belt retainer for the front passenger failed at about 65,000 dealer replaced free.

The water pump failed at 145,000 miles, replaced myself.

The original battery finally gave up the ghost after 6 1/2 years.

General Comments:

This has got to have been one of the best cars I have ever owned. I was skeptical when I first bought it and was planning to trade it in after two years, but it just kept getting better and so I kept it until I had to move cross country and could not take the car. The Festiva once BEAT a Grand National to work, mostly due to it's light weight and ability to maintain speed through the corners. Even driven hard the car gave amazing gas mileage and people were constantly stunned by the interior room.

Faults:

Nothing major, just general maintenance. Exhaust and brakes are its only weak point, they have gone more often than they probably should.

Oil has been changed at least every 5k miles.

General Comments:

Overall this is a great car, and the United States is generally lacking in no-frills, reliable, utilitarian cars. If you are looking for a flashy car, keep looking.

It's not a great performer, but it is without a doubt the most reliable car I've ever owned.

Everything is manual: brakes, steering, windows, transmission; which means if something goes wrong, you have a decent chance of fixing it yourself.

I highly recommend the Ford Festiva.

Faults:

Muffler, brakes, tire spindles -- all at the expected time for a car this old and this well-used.

General Comments:

This car is wonderful. It is so comfortable to drive, and it has never let me down (except when I forgot to fill the tank :>). I wish they were still making them, because this one won't last forever... heck, maybe it will!

Faults:

Rear wheel bearings replaced a couple times (possibly due to hidden accident damage). Brakes and muffler replaced at reasonable mileage. Otherwise just regular service (including changing timing belt at 60K and 120K miles).

General Comments:

160K miles on this car so far, expect to get at least 15K more. It's just beginning to show the age/mileage. Still runs like a top. Clutch/throwout bearing making some noises (prob. need replacement soon). I certainly could NOT have asked for a better ownership experience than this <$10K car has provided.