History of the Ford Fiesta

27/03/2023
All seven generations of the Ford Fiesta parked up in one photograph

The Ford Fiesta has been a beloved car for over four decades, providing drivers with a compact and reliable vehicle that has become a staple on the roads of many countries around the world. However, as of June 2023, Ford will end production of this iconic model.
 
With the end of an era fast approaching, it's worth taking a look back at the history of the Ford Fiesta and the impact it has had on the automotive industry. From its inception in the 1970s to its evolution over the years, the Fiesta has remained a popular choice for drivers seeking affordability, efficiency and practicality. Join us as we discuss the various generations of the trusty Ford Fiesta over the years.

 

Ford Fiesta MK1

Ford Fiesta Mk1 (1976 to 1983)

The Mk1 Ford Fiesta was first introduced in 1976, and it quickly gained popularity among consumers due to its compact size, fuel efficiency and affordability. It was designed to be a small car that could easily navigate through city streets and tight parking spaces, making it the perfect vehicle for many people.
 
The Mk1 Fiesta was available in a range of models, including the popular Ghia and Sport versions, and it was offered with a variety of engine options to suit different driving needs. The Fiesta's success in Europe paved the way for its introduction to other markets, such as North America and Asia, where it also gained a following.

 

 

Ford Fiesta Mk2 (1983 to 1989)

The Mk2 Ford Fiesta was launched in 1983, building on the success of the original model. It featured a more modern and streamlined design, with a sleeker body and smoother lines. The Mk2 Fiesta also offered more interior space and improved handling, making it an even more comfortable and practical car for daily use.
 
One of the key highlights of the Mk2 Fiesta was the introduction of the XR2 model, which featured a sporty look and feel and a powerful 1.6-litre engine. This version of the Fiesta became a cult classic among car enthusiasts and helped cement the car's reputation as a fun and exciting vehicle to drive. Overall, the Mk2 Fiesta continued to build on the strengths of its predecessor and helped to establish the Fiesta as a leading player in the small car sector.

 

 

Ford Fiesta MK3

Ford Fiesta Mk3 (1989 to 1997)

The Mk3 Ford Fiesta, also known as the Fiesta III, was a significant model in the history of this iconic car. First introduced in 1989, it marked a departure from the previous models with a more modern and aerodynamic design. The Mk3 also offered improved handling and a more refined ride, thanks to its new suspension system.

Additionally, the interior of the Mk3 was upgraded with improved materials and features such as power windows and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. The Mk3 Ford Fiesta was a popular choice among drivers during its production run from 1989 to 1997, and it helped cement the Fiesta's reputation as a reliable and versatile car that could appeal to a wide range of drivers.

 

 

Ford Fiesta MK4

 

Ford Fiesta Mk4 (1995-2002)

The Mk4 Ford Fiesta that was produced between 1995 and 2002. It was the fourth generation of the popular Fiesta model and featured a range of updates and improvements over its predecessor, including new engines, improved suspension, and a more modern exterior design. The Mk3 Fiesta was still produced until 1997 after the introduction of the Mk4 in 1995, and the former was marketed as the 'Fiesta Classic' during this transitional time.
 
The Mk4 Fiesta was available in a variety of trim levels, from the basic "Finesse" model to the sporty "Si" and "Zetec S" versions. It was a popular car in its day, known for its nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and affordability, and it remains a popular choice for those looking for a small and reliable car on a budget.

 

 

 

Ford Fiesta MK5

Ford Fiesta Mk5 (2002-2008)

The Mk5 version of the Ford Fiesta was available in both 3-door and 5-door body styles, and customers could choose from a range of engines, including a 1-litre petrol option to a 2-litre diesel engine.
 
Despite its traditional styling, the Mk5 Fiesta is still popular among drivers, especially young drivers, due to its reliability and affordability. It was a significant contributor to the Fiesta's success and helped cement its place as one of the most popular cars in the world.

 

 

 

Ford Fiesta MK6

Ford Fiesta Mk6 (2008-2016)

Following the success of the Mk5 Fiesta, Ford introduced the Mk6 in 2008. This version featured a more modern and sleek design, with a longer and wider body style. It also offered improved fuel efficiency and a range of new features, including a keyless entry system and Bluetooth connectivity.
 
The Mk6 Fiesta was available in both petrol and diesel engines, with a 1.25-litre petrol engine being the most popular choice among customers. Despite facing tough competition from other small cars, the Mk6 Fiesta managed to hold its own through its blend of style, performance, and affordability. Overall, the Mk6 Fiesta proved to be another successful addition to the Fiesta line-up and a favourite among car enthusiasts.

 

 

Ford Fiesta 7th Generation ST in Mean Green

Ford Fiesta Mk7 (2016-2023)

The Mk7 Fiesta introduced new variants in addition to the standard Fiesta, in the form of the adventurous and rugged Active and refined and stylish Vignale. Those drivers seeking a sportier ride can choose the returning ST model from the Ford Performance range, harbouring an impressive EcoBoost powertrain and aerodynamic exterior design.

Ford announced that in June 2023, they will be ending the production of the Fiesta in favour of manufacturing more electric vehicles in their plants. Ford will continue to provide the United Kingdom and beyond with innovative and revolutionary cars that are practical and versatile.

 

Ford in the Future

The Fiesta has been a popular choice among car buyers due to its compact size, fuel economy, and affordability. However, as the automotive industry continues to shift towards electric vehicles and larger SUVs, Ford has decided to end production of the Fiesta in order to focus on their different models. While this marks the end of an era for the Fiesta, Ford has promised to continue innovating and producing cutting-edge cars that meet the needs of today's drivers. With that in mind, we can look forward to what the future holds for Ford and the new models that they will bring to the market.