One to Watch: The Ford Puma

Although only in production for five short years, it didn’t take long for the original Ford Puma to earn a reputation among enthusiasts for its sweet-revving engines and finely balanced handling. But since production ended just over 20 years ago, the Puma has remained largely undiscovered by the modern-classic market. With usable examples still available for relatively little outlay, we think the Puma is definitely one to watch. 

Credit - The Ford Motor Company  

Based on the fourth-generation 1995-02 Ford Fiesta, the Puma began production in June 1997. While the origins of its underpinnings might not seem like something to shout about, the reality was the opposite. The Fiesta was one of the finest handling cars in its sector, but to ensure the Puma really did have the agility of its namesake, Ford refined the platform with a host of suspension tweaks. 

At launch, buyers could choose only one engine: the 123 bhp 1.7-litre unit co-developed with Yamaha. This was a version of the Fiesta’s Zetec SE powerplant, but delivered greater performance and was durable to boot thanks to the likes of variable inlet cam timing (VCT) and forged rods. 

By 1998, there was also the option of a smaller 1.4-litre engine. While it has a cheaper road tax bill, some enthusiasts consider it a little underpowered - Ford replaced it with a 1.6-litre Sigma engine just two years later. 

Ford liked a special edition during this period, and the Puma was no exception. All were handsomely specified for the time, usually with leather seats, passenger airbags, a CD player and air conditioning. The Millennium edition featured eye-searing Zinc Yellow paintwork, followed a year later by the Black edition in Panther Black. Ford threw even more extras at the Thunder edition, which was available either in Moondust Silver or Magnum Grey.  

Credit - The Ford Motor Company  

When Fiesta Mark IV production ended in 2002, the Puma’s future hung in the balance. In the end, Ford didn’t see the value in developing a Puma replacement based on the Fiesta Mark V. The last units rolled off the line in 2002. 

Fast forward to 2023, and the Puma is a rare sight on our roads. Its penchant for rust and previous rock bottom values have seen many consigned to the crusher, but it’s well worth putting in the time to seek out a tidy survivor. 

Once you’ve found one though, you’ll also have to put the time in when it comes to checking it over. The rear arches, sills, floorpan and front inner arches are all prone to rust and putting it right can be expensive and complex. For example, while complete replacement sills are available, rear arch repair sections are scarce. One trick that some owners have used is to adapt Peugeot 206 front wheel arches. 

The 1.7 is a great engine if maintained regularly, but suffers badly if it isn’t. The Zetec-SE doesn’t like running low on oil and it’s vital that the right grade is used, while also ensuring that cambelt changes have been performed at 80,000 miles or five years. Listen for noise from the cambelt tensioner too, as that’s known to be quite weak. It’s not unusual for it to blow its core plugs, with coolant around the spark plugs being a sign, or to develop running issues due to faulty exhaust oxygen and lambda sensors.   

Credit - The Ford Motor Company 

 As well as different ratios to the Fiesta, the IB5 gearbox also had an electronic torque limiter that helped protect it, but it’s still worth listening for any rumbling that indicates collapsed bearings. Importantly, ensure the gearshift is slick as it’s an acclaimed trait of the Puma.  

Other common faults are worn bushes in the front end, inoperative heaters and, where fitted, the air conditioning system. The interior’s a typical ‘90s Ford plastic-fest and it’s often scuffed and scraped due to people hauling themselves in and out, but one particular thing to check is whether the front carpet is damp. A rusty floorpan and blocked air conditioning outlet pipe are possible causes, but the Puma can also suffer from water leaking through the bulkhead. 

If a Puma checks out though, you’ll have an absolute peach of a fast(ish) Ford for not a lot. Prices are on the up, but it’s still possible to pick one up for the right side of £2,000 and, as an added bonus, many parts remain cheap. 

It might not have the pace or kudos of an RS, Cosworth or even an XR, but there’s no denying that it’s one of the most fun Fords ever. What’s more, we’d go as far to say it’s one of the best cars of the ‘90s full stop.  

Ford is evolving into a manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs), bidding a fond farewell to old favourites like the Fiesta. What are your fondest moments in blue oval history?