Segment:
Subcompact to compact car segment (depending on market and specific generation).
Competitors 1990S:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 323/Familia (direct mechanical relation), Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge Neon.
Value Proposition:
Affordable and reliable transportation, often appreciated for its practicality and fuel efficiency. This manual provides comprehensive DIY support.
Market Coverage:
Likely North American market (USA, Canada, Mexico) based on the 'Aspire' nameplate usage.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but typical for a comprehensive workshop manual).
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine Service/Repair, Transmission Service/Repair, Fuel Injection, Fuel System, Emission System, Cooling System, Engine Control System
Chassis And Body:
Brake System, Suspension, Steering, Chassis/Body, Differential/Drive, Axle, Heater/Air Conditioning, Interior, Restraint System
Electrical And Troubleshooting:
Electrical System, Wiring Diagram, Troubleshooting
Maintenance:
General Maintenance, Periodic Lubrication
Repair And Diagnostics:
Step-by-step repair procedures, detailed disassembly, component testing, diagnostic routines, troubleshooting guides.
Depth:
Complete factory service level, suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and experienced mechanics. Covers detailed rebuild procedures.
Engine Options Typical:
1.3L (4-cylinder), 1.5L (4-cylinder), 1.8L (4-cylinder). Specific engines varied by market and year, often sourced from Mazda. (e.g., B13, B15, BP variants).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 60-100 hp, depending on engine displacement and configuration.
Torque Range:
Approximately 75-100 lb-ft, depending on engine displacement and configuration.
Induction:
Fuel Injection (EFI - Electronic Fuel Injection) across most of the production run.
Body Styles:
Hatchback (3-door and 5-door), Sedan.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 96.5 inches (2450 mm) for later generations, but varied slightly with platform evolution.
Length:
Approximately 155-165 inches (3937-4191 mm), depending on body style and generation.
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2100-2400 lbs (950-1090 kg).
Crash Test Data:
Specific ratings vary by year and testing agency (e.g., NHTSA, IIHS). Early models may have less advanced safety features compared to later years.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) may have been optional on higher trims or later models.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags became standard or optional depending on the year and market regulations.
Seat Belts:
Front and rear seat belts. Height-adjustable front seat belts.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player or CD player, depending on trim level and year. Aftermarket head unit installation is common.
User Interface:
Analog gauges, manual climate controls, basic dashboard layout.
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels or later models.
Auxiliary Input:
Generally not standard on earlier models. Aftermarket solutions or specific factory options for CD players may include basic aux-in.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (8,000 to 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Refer to manual for exact schedule.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical component. Intervals vary, often around 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km). Refer to manual for specific engine and year.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual. Typically SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30, meeting API classifications like SJ or SL. Specific viscosity depends on ambient temperature.
Coolant Type:
Typically a 50/50 mix of ethylene glycol based coolant and distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Ford or compatible coolant specification.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 gear oil, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 recommended for manual transmissions. Capacity approximately 2.2-2.5 liters.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mercon V or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Capacity approximately 3.5-4.5 liters. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), suspension bushings and ball joints, exhaust system components, power window regulators, ignition coils and spark plugs.
Electrical Problems:
Intermittent electrical faults, especially related to grounds, wiring harnesses in engine bay, and body control modules on later models.
Engine Performance:
Carbon buildup on intake valves (especially with direct injection variants, though less common in early models), fuel injector clogging.
Ford History:
Ford Motor Company, a leading American automaker with a long history of producing affordable and practical vehicles.
Aspire Heritage:
The Ford Aspire (often a rebadged Mazda Familia/323 in many markets) was part of Ford's strategy to offer compact and subcompact vehicles. It saw a significant platform evolution throughout its run, initially based on Mazda engineering.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Mexico for the North American market, also produced in India and other regions.
