Faults:

Transmission had to be replaced twice.

Front wiring harness for ignition and lights had to be replaced once.

Had to replace neoprene timing belts 4 times over 77K miles.

Carbureted engine would not work correctly if tuned by independent repair shop. Tried several.

After last transmission replacement, faulty hose blew from transmission cooler and spewed transmission fluid onto maniold, causing fire and wiring damage.

Subsequently sold car for value of tires.

General Comments:

I sold the car the year the repair costs exceeded it's book value.

When new it ran very nicely, and was very economical to drive.

After each passing year, it became more expensive to maintain, and required more frequent service.

Faults:

Replaced engine.

Replaced power steering.

Springs broke in passenger seat.

Dash cracked.

Alternator replaced.

Starter replaced.

Door handles replaced.

Etc.

General Comments:

I named my little Escort Rags, after the dog that was always trying to commit suicide on Spin City because as much as my car just wants to die, we won't let it.

Rags has been a first great car. It's almost a miracle if you consider that we found it in a tree grove before we brought it back from the dead. It's been through 4 used engines in the 3 years I've had it. Winter mornings are a little rough when I'm trying to start it, but only if I don't remember to plug it into the house to keep it warm. I love it when it's working, but I hate it with a passion when it's not. When Rags and I are out on the road, I like to pretend I'm a NASCAR driver, but it's perfectly safe because we're not going nearly as fast. I would definately recommend this as a first car for a teenage driver, but only if his or her parent is a good mechanic. If I would've had to pay for every problem Rags had, well, I'd be in debtor's prison.

Faults:

Radiator Hose split.

Horn Burned out.

General Comments:

I bought this car when I was 16 for $500.I named my escort Blueberry.

The Escort is not a fast car, but it is a car you can depend on. When I got it the dashboard was cracked and the interior reaked of oil. The exterior had tree sap all over it. I Had to sand the tree sap off and then add 3 layers of wax.

The suspension was horrible when I got it. The escort is very easy to work on. When I had to replace the suspension it only took me two hours.

She is a beast to start in the mornings, and might stall, if you're not careful.

I've taken many trips in Blueberry and I have to say If you want a cheap dependable car go for the escort.

Faults:

-Fuel pump.

-Fuel filter

The fuel pump just went bad in an intersection one night.

-Cracked water pump.

-Replaced radiator

Every time I turned my car into a parking place or parked period, water and antifreeze would pour out from under the hood.

-Braked have been replaced twice.

-Been in one accident.

-Speedometer rolled over in 1999.

General Comments:

I am a 17-year-old Escort owner. I would recomend parents to buy this car for their speed seeking teenagers. In my opinion, it is by far the slowest car on the roads today. And it is also cheap.

It occasionally stalls. But come on, it's 13 years old!

The seats are very comfortable and I put in new speakers and a CD player to make the ride more enjoyable.

It's a semi reliable car, it's old, and it's in pretty good shape. The best I've seen around.

It gets me where I'm going, it's better than walking, and the best thing of all, I can go about 2 weeks on $10 (full tank) worth of gas.

Escorts are awesome! I hope to have a 1999 Ford Escort ZX2 someday.