Faults:

I've had a few small things go wrong with the car.

1) Passenger side CV joint was repaired.

2) Passenger side seat release broke, had that fixed.

General Comments:

Great small car, you can park it anywhere if you can get the steering wheel to turn - these cars didn't come with power steering so sometimes it's a chore to get the wheel turned.

I love it on the interstate, you can't hear a thing, it's so quiet.

The A/C is very cold, it's the best I've ever had in any of my cars and I've had a few. The only thing I don't like is that anything can dent these little cars, I dropped a wooden light weight rake against the drivers side fender and it's knocked a small dent. I was shocked that even a light wooden handle could knock such a dent, but it's a great car. I'd buy another one in a second if they still made them.

Faults:

Only a few problems with this car and they are, front brakes have to be replaced about every 6 or 7 months (that might be my fault), cheaply made door and ignition keys - I think I keep my local locksmith in business, I have to have a key made about every 2 months.

General Comments:

This is a simple car, reliable and frugal. This car is no racer. acceleration is awful in this car, it's very hard for me to merge onto freeways.

The last thing - Ford is the worst company I've ever bought a car from, they are the reason I said I would never buy from them again, the car has been very good to me and I should have known that this was not a true Ford, Kia makes this car, that's why it's not a total pile like most Ford are these days.

When I first got this car I had several small things go wrong with it and Ford didn't want to fix anything, it was a constant battle.

Faults:

Neither door lock will accept a key.

Hatch is stuck, and won't accept a key.

Foglights keep burning out.

Engine takes forever to suck in enough air to accelerate.

After an abrupt transition from high to low rpms, the engine feels like it's stalling.

Rusty chassis.

Seals worn, leaking.

Wind noise around the upper doors.

General Comments:

Fun to drive because of the incredible turning radius and size.

I took out the passenger seats and trim, added a performance exhaust and air filter, and cut a hole in the hood for an intake.

Fun car, but not fun enough for me.

Faults:

Front wheel bearings have been replaced three times on the left front - probably due to defective or non visible damage to the spindle from the previous owner.

General Comments:

Being a mechanic and having worked at a Mazda dealership in past years, I have nothing but praise for the tiny but competent engine. This car has surpassed my expectations as a second vehicle. I believe you get what you pay for in a car. Having spent a little and getting a lot value wise with this car I'm very pleased and would not hesitate to recommend this tiny gem to anyone. Remember folks, all cars cost some money to maintain and repair. Driving is a luxury and luxuries cost money!!!

Faults:

Nothing in particular.

I changed all 4 tires when I acquired it.

I got the car after it was restored from a wreck.

The passenger side air bag is gone, but the driver's side is still installed.

Acceleration is a problem, would not risk my life on an interstate cross section.

General Comments:

The car is remarkably roomy. It gave me bad gas mileage (28 mpg) until recently when I changed 4 spark plugs and an air filter. Now it is way above 30mpg (probably 32 or 33 mpg in town Tucson).

I like its style from the rear but not from the front (too mundane??)

So far has not caused me any trouble, maybe because I am not driving too much? (But my Subaru gave me a hard time even though I was not putting miles on it at all, I spent more than $2000 to repair the starter, crankshaft..... who said Japanese cars are bullet proof???)

If you are a poor student like me, do not drive too much, have no money for gas, don't expect to hit on a hot girls, huh? Maybe you should have an Aspire. I paid $1850 for this baby.