1988 Ford Escort GT 1.9 HO

Summary:

A great car for a low price

Faults:

Headlight housings leak.

Head gasket work.

Paint.

Exhaust rusted though.

General Comments:

The car shocked me, I didn't think it would be as fast as it is. I'm very pleased with the performance that I got for the price that I paid. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th November, 2000

16th Feb 2001, 21:40

I would have to agree about this Escort. I just bought an 88 Escort GT for 500 dollars. The fuel pump needed to be replaced and the passenger headlight retains water. I need to fix a few things on it but it goes.

11th Aug 2001, 21:11

I own a 1988 Ford Escort GT. And boy do I love it. I've had to fix the water pump and reconnect a vacuum hose but other than that it's a great car and it had over 150K miles. It's extremely easy to drive (even when your drag racing down the street) and it's very comfortable. Also it has a lot of get-up-and-go for a 4cyl car. I love it and would buy another if this one had to go.

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1988 Ford Escort LX 1.9 L

Summary:

A solid reliable car

Faults:

Water pump, struts, brakes, alternator, CV joints (both sides), timing belt (twice). That is basically it. Those are basic things that would go bad on any car with as many miles on it.

My only complaint is the timing belt went twice (90,000 expected, then at 115,000). That kinda bothered me. I like timing chains but what can you do?

General Comments:

It is fun to drive, has lots of pickup for 90 HP!

Pretty trouble free.

Some rust problems.

Gets great gas mileage.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd August, 2000

9th Oct 2003, 20:39

Well, the timing belt is rated for 60,000 miles, so getting 90,000 assuming it was original is pretty good.

I'm curious to know if your failed belt was OEM or aftermarket. I have had a couple of unexpected failures - at 53K and 42K - with cheap aftermarket belts. Now it's only original equipment manufactured belts for me!

Also, too much tension on a belt such that it makes a slight whine will destroy it quickly, as will lots of high RPMs.

In reply to 9th Oct 2003, 20:39

17th Oct 2018, 17:49

My Orion 1.6i had the same problem with the belts. The water pump bearings were gone, hence putting more strain on the belt. Once the water pump was done, the belt was fine.

1988 Ford Escort GL

Summary:

I love my car

Faults:

The sensors for the emission system went out at about 150,000 miles and that was the first and only time the car broke down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2000