Faults:

Car is a piece of crap.

First engine blew at 36,000 (3 years of ownership).

CV joints at 42,700 (5 years of ownership).

New engine runs hot a lot.

I have replaced every part of the cooling system.

New engine is using oil at 80,330 (this engine only has 44,000 at this time).

Car started idling rough at 92,000.

Transmission has started slipping ever since 95,000.

Engine is making a slight knocking noise since 99,000.

General Comments:

I hate this car, and when it won't go anymore, it is going to the junkyard!

Faults:

Most recently the alternator burned out.

Blower for heater quit working, but turned out to be a fuse.

General Comments:

Has been a very good and fun car to drive. Son drove it to Phoenix one year and Virginia the next. Daughter took it to college and wouldn't give it back.

It's very quick and responsive. Feels very sporty to drive.

Cup holders are lousy, but you get used to it.

Eleven years old and only two small rust spots. Still runs like a top.

Faults:

Ball joints were bad when purchased.

Horn inoperative when purchased.

Driver's side mirror cracked when purchased.

Emergency brake cable failed on purchase.

Dome light came unglued at 90,000 miles.

Alternator brushes worn at 98,000 miles.

Driver's seat back broke at 100,000 miles.

Right front wheel bearing replaced at 108,000 miles.

Front brakes and rotors replaced at 108,000 miles.

General Comments:

Car gets very good fuel mileage.

Car handles well.

Seats are horrible! (Base model)

Contrary to reports of Fords, the car has been easy to work on.

Car handles snow better than any FWD car I've driven.

Car has needed a moderate amount of repairs, but thankfully, it's all been relatively minor stuff not related to safety of operation.

Car has needed a moderate amount of repairs, but thankfully, all parts have been cheap.

Faults:

I have had this car for 2 months, and the alternator went within a week, and now the transmission is going.

Faults:

Check engine light.

Some hard to find "same day" parts from mechanic.

Cabin is nicely shaped, but made of cheap materials. Although the seat is comfy and supportive, they don't age well.

Needs 91 octane in this 4.00+/gal. world.

General Comments:

Fits my 6 ft, 200 lbs frame like a glove, with a perfect driving position. Like it was custom tailored just for me.

One of the best FWD handling cars I have driven.

Smooth, lively engine that begs to be taken to red-line.

V6 emits an awesome growl that says ".. this ain't your mom's Contour."

Depreciation, which makes it a cheap buy with plenty of thrills.

Faults:

I got the car for $620, and all I have had to do is replace the rear pads and rotors, and fix the horn.

The check engine light came on, but nothing is actually wrong with the car.

General Comments:

Good pick up

Smooth ride

Good handling

Fun to drive

The standard transmission clutches well

Faults:

The first thing to go wrong was the alternator. We had to replace it completely twice; once 50,000km into us owning it. Next time was 25,000 km after that.

The second things to go wrong were the front brakes, struts, rotors. This happened around 60,000 km of owning the vehicle. This is usually just wear and tear, but after that we had to replace all the parts again. Usually around intervals of 15,000 kms. Dealer was unable to correct this.

The third thing that went wrong was the alignment. I tried to get the car aligned 3 times in one month, but the car still insisted on pulling to the right.

The last thing that went wrong before we sold this car was the back suspension. The back left was correct after the first visit to the shop, but the right back broke 3 times in two months before my mechanic could fix it completely. I will say I didn't have a problem with the back end after that.

The last thing that had gone wrong with this car was the transmission. Which really surprised me because we babied the hell out of the car after the first initial problems. I really thing the previous owner was really hard on it. I don't want to blame everything on the car itself, so I'm hoping I was correct on my thinking.

General Comments:

Great ride, but a huge lemon. I do not suggest getting this car unless you have a lot of money to fork out for repairs.

I must admit though this car was very comfortable on the inside and it had some good looks.

If it wasn't for all the issues I had with this car, it would have been the one of best riding cars I've been in from the 90's.

The styling, in and out, really appealed to me.

All in all, I don't suggest anyone buying this car unless you're sure you're not going to have any problems with it.

Not also to mention it was quite fast, even for a 4 banger.