The Festiva is a "walking fish" ?!?!?!

[fastivaca]

Interesting comments about Festiva's and their "design flaw" in this article...

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20081203/FREE/812039991

Enjoy!

[gdawgs]

What?? If you are blowing out bearings every 10,000 miles over an 85,000 mile period, then you should realize that's something's not right. Most likely caused by assembling it incorrectly every time(over-torquing).

On my first Festiva, I put on over 150,000 miles on it before I replaced the rear bearings. And they weren't even that bad yet. I just did it because I had it apart to do the brakes.

[leapin]

hmmm....bearings...you're doing it wrong if they are getting changed that often.

[anomoly40]

*sigh* I guess we'll have to write the guy. I've never had to replace my bearings in the 30,000 miles i've put on mine.

[Gforcefd]

Write to him and invite him to join the forum, so when he has problems with his son's car we can give him more valid information.

logan

[ejp2fast]

another guy that does a write-up and acts like he knows something about festy's....

[Evan80]

Wow, that's all I gotta say to that. Hopefully he comes on here and gets the real scoop on these econobeasts.

[FB71]

I had to leave a comment....


FB71 wrote:
Mr Wilson,

I , as has 'fastivaca', would like to invite you to join and browse the online community that is www.fordfestiva.com . We are a small group of enthusiasts, only about 6800, who enjoy owning and operating these little gems of the roadway. I can appreciate your scrutiny of the Festiva when compared with a modern Korean automobile, but feel your reference to it as a 'walking fish' was a bit harsh.

These cars were quite refined as compared to it's piers of the day, offered excellent value, and near bullit-proof durability. Many of our member shed a tear when one is permanently removed from circulation. As for it's safety, one of members was rear ended at a stoplight by a 2004 Explorer travelling 35 mph. The Festiva was able to be driven away (albeit with significant body damage), and the occupant was unhurt. The owner of that car is a friend of mine, and I saw the vehicle only ours after the collision. For it's size, it's a rather safe car.

I do feel qualified to comment on the vehicle's durability and sturdiness, as I am a former Ford Senior Master Technician, a former Ford Service Training Instructor, and currently a professor of Automotive Technologies at a local community college in Baltimore, MD. My screen name is FB71, and you are cordially invited to logon and talk with our members.

Sincerely,

Jim DeAngelis

[fastivaca]

^^^ Well said Jim!

[FB71]

my second post...

FB71 wrote:
oh, and if you bump into Jay Leno, please invite him to logon as well. We would love to discuss his ShoGun Festiva!
12/4/2008 2:56 PM EST

[Bathtub Tom]

I can sympathise, I had to replace mine, but only because the the RH rear had a LH thread. Should have RTFB!

I wonder if he's related to this Kevin Wilson:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=N5xQV0tKuc8

[Evan80]

Way to put in the Jay Leno comment there FB71!!! That'll get him curious as all get out.

[lessersivad]

My post...

Well I couldn't leave well enough alone.................


lessersivad wrote:
larrylonero wrote:
"That we put kids in crappy, little, old cars like this is a significant part of their horrendous death rate on the roads. If you care about the kid, get him into a car with modern occupant protection, at least".
Well I would have to disagree. A significant part of the horrendous death rate on the roads is that people don't know how to drive and have a false sense of security because the have abs, air bags, traction control and so on. I drive a Festiva and so does my daughter. I have taken the time and made the effort to teach both her and my son how to put a car into a skid and to pull it out of a skid. I have porposely made them drive thru standing water at a higher than recommended speed so they know first hand what hydroplaning is. I have made them back up at higher speeds to see if they can maintain control and both were able to achieve at least 30 m.p.h. without losing control. It's not a matter of how safe the vehicle supposedly is, it's the driver that's allegedly in control. I still maintain that seat belts, ABS, airbags, traction control and so on should be taken off of vehicles and let the thinning begin.

[stevewl1164]

People just don't understand the fun the Festiva is. They do not know how roomy it is. They do not know how good on gas it is. They do not CARE. They feel superior in the new safety-laden high-tech cars we have available today. If gas goes back to four or five bucks a gallon maybe they will think small again. Thosw who do are getting Honda Fits that do not get as good a mileage because of all the great new safety features, options they must have, which are now standard...power windows and locks, cruise etc. All that adds weight and requires a stronger engine. I doubt anyone would ever settle for the Festiva if it was brought back with new safety features and had the same level of equipment they had new. The twelve inch tires would never have a chance nowadays. The new Fiesta is coming in soon but is already loaded with goodies and a weighty sedan model. The hatch should be available here too. I wish the Festiva in it's original form would come back.

[Futurefesty90]

well look at that goofy retard, he dont know anything.