Ford Fiesta (2000 – 2002) Review

Ford Fiesta (2000 – 2002) At A Glance

3/5

+1995 Fiesta faclifted. Retained much improved handling and decent engines.

-Same rust prone body as previous two Fiestas. Bigger front seats leave less back seat room. Avoid pushrod 1.3.

Facelift of 1995 Fiesta.

Model History

January 0001

New face to old favourite. Still 3,828mm long x 1,634mm wide.

104 bhp Zetec S 1.6 is fun and makes this a good substitute for the old Peugeot 205GTi. Drives as well as the previous version, with really sharp handling. 74bhp turbodiesel from October 2000.

Reasonable Three-Star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.

BMW, Toyota and Ford jointly suffered the fewest breakdowns attended by German ADAC during 2001. Ford had 7th lowest average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 65.51 v/s lowest 31.93) Rated average for breakdowns and fewest problems and faults in 2003 Which survey. Ford 4th top top of Reliability Index for 2004 combining very low average cost of repair of £207.58 with average 32.16 failures per 100 Warranty Direct policies.

What to watch out for

01-01-0001:

See 1995-1999 Fiesta.

Since 1995 handling improvements, front suspension bushes have been prone to wear so if the front suspension clonks this is probably why.

Look for corrosion behind weatherstrip over drip rail on the A pillar inside the front door aperture.

The pins that hold the foot pedals in place may fall out, leaving the driver unable to brake or declutch. Apparent clutch failure may be due to nothing more than a spring washer on the shaft behind the clutch pedal coming loose. This pushes on. Ford dealers usually have the part in stock and it's a quick fix.

Several reports that the 1.25 engine has become much coarser in this version, apparently due to changes to meet the latest emissions regulations.

On Endura 1.3 pushrod engines Spark plugs may either have corroded into the head or been over tightened (taper fit) which means head removal to drill them out. On the ancient 1.3 Endura E pushrod engine a faulty speed sensor may result in over-revving when dipping the clutch.

Further brake failures have occurred and front discs don't seem to last for long.

Rated one of the most expensive superminis to run in 2003 Which survey.

Possible heater problem with 1.25 Flights.

Problem with clutch release bearing and pressure plate on 02s. Replacement parts modified.

What does the Ford Fiesta (2000 – 2002) cost?