Faults:

Had to replace a fuel injector and I recently threw the timing belt. The timing belt was my fault - it was the original and it made it over 86,000 miles. The injector was also original, so I have really not had any problems with the car that were not either routine or my fault.

General Comments:

I hate the automatic seat belts. Not only do these belts have all the annoyances of other automatic seat belts, but they have a hair trigger. They lock up and will pin you against the seat seemingly if you hit even the tiniest of bumps or if you turn, accelerate or decelerate quickly (anything faster than granny driving being "quickly" in this case). This has caused me considerable frustration... it is difficult to turn and check your blind spot if the seat belt has you crazily glued to the seat (this happens to me a lot on exit ramps). Imagine if airbags had such a hair trigger!

I have had the same experience as another reviewer with the hydroplaning problems. Nothing serious really, and the front-wheel drive helps to minimize it even if you do hydroplane. As long as you drive to the conditions you should be fine. But if you are one of those that thinks rain, etc. shouldn't slow you down then this is not the car for you. Actually, people like that shouldn't be allowed to drive at all.

It is surprisingly roomy and it's even pretty comfortable unless you are going on long trips. The seats are kind of hard and nineteen hours of driving in one stretch will really make you want cushy expensive seats.

Overall, I am extraordinarily happy with my Escort GT. I have not maintained it as well as I perhaps should have and it keeps going. It is very economical, has superb power, it's small and has an almost zero turning radius. Makes driving in Houston almost bearable.

Faults:

- Parking brake locked up many times - no one could fix it right.

- Visor.

- Brake calliper.

- Spark plugs often.

- Injector flush often.

- Windows hard to roll down (use silicone spray for this!)

- Bad traction in the rain! Watch out for hydroplaning.

- Coolant chamber leak.

- Timing belt broke (although this lasted 120,000 mile.s)

- New audio speakers.

General Comments:

Overall,

This has been an awesome car. Everyone jokes about the "Ford Escort" but when they drive the car they realize how much power it really has! Great for rush hour traffic.

The styling still looks great today (why did they change it??). I've got electric blue and I still get comments from people - "That sure is a pretty car!" I've never had engine problems, most of the fixes have been routine.

Faults:

Timing belt broke.

Repaired wiper assembly due to age.

General Comments:

One of the best cars that I have owned, would buy another '91-'96 Escort if the need should be. Just did 548 miles on 13.1 gallons of gas.

Faults:

Transmission needed rebuilding.

Water pump.

General Comments:

Flooded twice up over the roof, involved in 8 major accidents most above $2,500. Engine runs great. Upgraded suspension will outrun and handle my Dad's new Taurus SHO.

Faults:

160k miles:

-alternator died.

-rear brake caliper broke.

-coolant overflow leak.

-bent rear trailing arm (minor bend).

-window seals have leak which can make the windows difficult to roll up from time to time.

General Comments:

The engine is a tank. This car has seen 7 grand (redline) very often. No engine problems. It's been in 6 major accidents - in excess of 2500 dollars in repairs each time (body work). Factory stereo was first to go. Did suspension work - car turns on a dime at 60mph.

Faults:

As soon as the extended warranty ran out, the compressor for the air conditioner broke...brake replacement and repair regularly...leak in coolant overflow reservoir...

General Comments:

Overall...great car for the cost...still running well at 130,000 miles...HORRIBLE stock radio...excellent mileage...