1994 Ford Aspire Preview Test Drive
Aspire was Ford’s chunky new 1994 replacement for the 1987-1993 Festiva minicar. Offered in three-door form and five-door models, Aspire was likewise built in South-Korea due largely to its rebadged Kia design. Prices started at $8240.
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Do you have a full review?? i am the owner of a white 96 3-dr hatch 5-spd in excellent condition, even though it has 104k on it. Waiting for a full review 😀
i wish i did, perhaps my other source will!
I had a 94 Aspire SE a few years back. 2 door, super heavy non-assisted steering and automatic transmission. I swear in all my years driving that it was the slowest, noisiest car I’ve ever driven. 0-60 had to be near 20 seconds and the poor undersized, underpowered 1.3l engine revved hard to keep that thing moving on the highway. I think it was over 3500 rpm at 65. That car made my mom’s old Chevette feel fast! Even a 4 door hatchback automatic 3 cylinder Geo Metro was faster and turned easier. I did get a chance to test drive a 96 4 door Aspire with power steering and stickshift. Hand on heart, it felt like a totally different car. I actually almost bought that 96 Aspire, but then I remembered how overpriced certain parts were for it around here (27 bucks for air filter, something like 100 bucks for ONE front caliper, this was before I really knew about buying parts online) so I passed on it and bought a 92 Accord.
Hmm the Aspire SE only came with the 5-speed transmission. I bought a brand new Aspire SE and it didnt have any problem 0-60 was about 12 seconds and I cruised on the interstate at speeds 75-80 with no problem. I know for a fact the automatic wasnt offered because I went and looked at a dozen of them before I finally had someone tell me it wasnt optional on the SE. In fact the only issue I ever had with the car was the wing blocked to much of my rear vision for my taste. It was a great car and by no means was it or the Festiva ever have even supposed to have been fast they were for economy only and the SE version gave it a “looks” only sporty feel. Mine was a horrible color though it was an aqua green easter egg color. Ive also had many Geo Metro’s and the auto/3cylinder wasnt faster than the 5-speed Aspire..
Haha just sold a mint 1993 Geo metro 2dr hatchback with the 5-speed. 3100$ on ebay. Loved that thing, it had more personality than the Aspire. Both are more comfortable in the 45-60 mph range than freeway speeds. And the steering isn’t heavy on either car. They both weigh close to nothing…
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