Faults:

Well I have not had any problems with my festiva except for a alternator belt. It wasn't the cars fault, I just think that the last person to put one on didn't pull the alternator tight enough.

General Comments:

The car isn't a performer by any means. It doesn't handle good and it has next no acceleration.

BUT it is a very good daily driver. My worst gas mileage to date was 38mpg and that was having the foot to the floor in every gear. My best was 44 and that was cruising on the Highway for 120 miles one way.

The clutch requires absolutely no effort, you can just barely put any pressure into it and it goes to the floor. The shifts are very long though, but you always know what gear you are in.

I would definatly buy another.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I have a 91 with a 4-speed, and regarding the mpg... When I drive 55mph (I know, who can actually do this for long periods of time any more?) I have got up to 48mpg. I've driven my Festiva across country many times, and I can consistently get these numbers. I believe with a 5-speed it could do even better.

I did own a Metro XFI with a 3-cylinder, and it did get 58mpg on the freeway. The Festiva doesn't do quite as well due to the 4 cylinder engine, but if you keep your foot out of it, and drive strictly for mpg... they will do high-40's.

Great cars!

Faults:

Rear Brakes have developed a squeal after two years of town driving.

Seat covers have rips, but cover nicely with a seat cover.

General Comments:

Have never had any major problems with this car. It gets super high mileage on the freeway (between 38-42 mpg) and great in town. Fills tank with a twenty dollar bill even at current high gas costs at the pump.

Just ran this car to San Francisco and back from the Seattle area over Grant's Pass in Oregon and up and down every steep hill in Frisco. Round trip was over 1800 hundred miles. I used about one quart of oil during the whole trip. Never overheated on the steepest grades.

Cruises at 70 all day if you want to. Don't need first gear to get off to a start, since second is geared so low. Takes off after a slow start like a Jack Rabbit!

Faults:

A lot of little interior things were messed up with it. I don't think it was taken care of that well by the owners before me. Radio was junk, cloth was junk. The ceiling was still up! I had to change the alternator twice. Then found out it was just a wiring problem on my part. Heater was not very good AT ALL! Air conditioning was the same. I had to replace the things by the tire that make the tranny work? All I know is when it went out the car wouldn't go. NEVER ANY ENGINE PROBLEMS.

General Comments:

The most awsome car I have had. I paid 2000 for it. Everyone said I got ripped off. I proved then wrong. Tons of room for as small as it is. Gas mileage is well AAWWSSOOMMEE. And I would say it was the most reliable car out there. Aside from maybe Toyotas and Hondas. But the thing wasnt American I don't car if ford slapped a sticker on it. You can't buy that kind of quality in the states anymore. GREAT first car, great cheap car.

Faults:

I never had to take this car to the shop! She needed a new alternator after a minute, and she ate oil like it was going out of style. She started to shake when you got her up to 65mph, but after 70mph, she quit shaking. The heat never worked. My birthday and Christmas presents consisted of an alternator and tires for a year...

General Comments:

She was perfect. When I first got it, I cried because it was ugly, and I didn't know how to drive a stick. But I painted pink flowers on her, and learned to drive a stick, and I fell in love. I had to keep a case of oil in the back because she wanted it all the time, and sometimes overheated, but I could put that car through hell and she would come back for more. I taught several people how to drive a stick and she was up for the challenge every time. I loved her so much that when some idiot smashed into her while she was parked, I bought a new one! I got a 93, same color, but she was no good.