Ford Fiesta generations
A deep dive through the Ford Fiesta generations, from 1976 to 2023 (and beyond)
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Every street corner, every car park and each time you step outside, the chances of seeing a Ford Fiesta are very high.
It’s one of the backbone cars of Britain, alongside the Ford Transit. Since it arrived in 1976, Ford has made more than 22 million over seven generations, so it’s safe to say, they’re popular.
Ford discontinued it for good in 2023, or so we thought...
In 2025, Ford announced that it will be launching a small electric car (based on the Renault 5) in 2028, and rumours heavily suggest it could be the next Fiesta, but more on that below.
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Full list of Ford Fiesta generations
First-generation Ford Fiesta (1976-1983)
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Never in a million years would the Ford factory in Valencia, Spain have thought this plucky British hatchback would go on to become one of the best-selling cars of all time, but it all began back in 1976.
Available only as a three-door, the Fiesta was born. It launched with six trim levels on offer, with the coveted Ghia, which added alloy wheels, a sunroof, chrome finishes and even headrests for the front seats. How posh.
Just like the MINI it was going up against, it had a front-wheel drive set-up, which helped it to be great fun around corners.
Shame it didn’t come with much poke. Engine choices included 957cc, 1.1-litre and 1.3-litre petrols, all with a manual gearbox. Though the XR2 (launched in 1981) added much more power (83hp) and agility, it is still sought after today.
Second-generation Ford Fiesta (1983-1989)
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Next came the Mk2 Ford Fiesta, which was only available with three doors, but still based on the same shell as the outgoing model, just with different styling and a 50mm length extension.
This generation also added a diesel engine for the first time to compete with Vauxhall and Volkswagen, as well as a CVT automatic gearbox.
Ford also made an XR2 for this generation, which is still highly regarded today.
It was conscious to never make a truly hot 'RS' Fiesta because that would’ve competed with the Ford Escort at the time, but the XR2 was still no slouch.
Third-generation Ford Fiesta (1989-1995)
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For the first time, Ford sold the Fiesta as a five-door hatchback, opening the market up to families who were already buying five-door Renault Clios, Vauxhall Corsas and VW Polos.
As well as more cabin space, Ford improved the interior, thanks to the use of injection moulding for the seats to give them greater comfort and support.
Ford also added an integrated airbag into the steering wheel in 1994, which increased its overall safety rating.
Fourth-generation Ford Fiesta (1995-2002)
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Ford had big plans towards the end of the 20th century, and that’s when it launched the Mk4 Fiesta.
Not only was air-con introduced for the first time for UK buyers, but Ford also partnered with Yamaha to make more efficient and more emissions-friendly engines, which helped it blossom.
During its lifespan, the Ford Focus was introduced, which left a few buyers moving to the larger hatchback, but sales still remained strong for the Fiesta.
Fifth-generation Ford Fiesta (2002-2008)
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Now we’re getting into the era of modern Fiestas, and there are likely several Mk5s still in your town today.
Ford introduced anti-lock brakes as standard and more efficient diesel engines that were popular among company car buyers.
Sixth-generation Ford Fiesta (2008-2017)
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The sixth generation of Fiesta launched at the worst and best time. 2008 was a global recession, which meant people suddenly didn’t have a lot of money, but it also meant that small, cheap cars were more in demand than ever before.
Luckily for Ford, the new and improved Fiesta is the car that many gravitated towards, with an improved interior and more cabin space.
In fact, it was so popular that in 2014 it became the UK’s best-selling car with over four million sales since its launch.
Seventh-generation Ford Fiesta (2017-2023)
 "Ford Fiesta")
The latest generation of Ford Fiesta is the seventh generation, which launched in 2017 with hybrid engine tech and hands-free parking as an option.
This is the Fiesta most of us remember the most, not just because it was the last (for now), but because they’re still everywhere today.
It was also the first time Apple CarPlay and Android Auto had been seen in a Fiesta, adding to its appeal early on.
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Eighth-generation Ford Fiesta (2028-?)
 "Renault 5")
Ah, you thought we were done? Not yet.
In 2025, Ford teased that it was planning a small electric hatchback, and rumours heavily suggest that it'll use technology seen in the Renault 5.
It’s set to launch in 2028 and will be built by Renault in France, but will have Ford-specific handling and driving dynamics, making it, in theory, a Fiesta successor but with a fully electric powertrain.
What’s the best Ford Fiesta generation?
You could have a long debate about which Ford Fiesta generation is best, because there have been seven of them and they’ve all been well-loved by millions.
But, if we had to choose just one, we’d go with the latest seventh-generation.
It’s got all the mod cons you’d expect to find in an up-to-date car, it drives superbly and used Fiesta prices are really attractive at the moment.
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Explore used Ford Fiesta cars for sale
If you’re ready to pull the lever on your next car, take a look at our used Ford Fiesta cars for sale, in a wide range of specs and options.
Not sure if a Fiesta is for you? That’s quite all right. Instead, check out our range of used hatchbacks for sale to find your dream car today.