Slowest reliable car in the world
Nothing.
Slowest car in the world. But, very reliable. Had a water pump and timing belt changed at 60K. Did great in snow because it had no torque. Always started. Handled like a boat on corners. Very cheap to maintain. Good on gas.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 26th September, 2020
Better than a Toyota!
As long as you take care of the car, you won't have any problems. Not one thing went wrong with the car since I bought it new.
I have always owned American cars, but as my family got bigger I need a second car, so in about 1994 I decided to buy a new Toyota Corolla in addition to the Escort.
As much as I loved the Toyota, I still love my Ford Escort even more. This is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned, so I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good small car. I no longer have the Toyota, but I still have the Escort.
The Toyota had a few problems though. I had to have the starter and the head gasket replaced. Eventually the master cylinder broke and I did not know what would happen next, so I sold it last year.
The Escort was not a comfortable as the Corolla, but it made up for that in other ways. It got better gas mileage, it was cheaper in the long run and it was more reliable.
Maybe I just got a bad car (which was not even that bad) out of a bunch of Toyotas, but my Escort will always have a special place in my garage.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th January, 2008
It is a great car to drive
The whole air conditioning had to be changed to a new system.
Had to be aligned a few times.
Rust will take over the car, but it is a Minnesota car and so it's normal I guess.
The car has never failed me. I'm the second owner and I only had a few minor problems.
It will always start no matter what, even in the cold Minnesota winters.
The car is not flashy and my friends say it looks and sounds like a go-kart, but then their cars broke down one by one and they never said anything about my car since.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th December, 2004
Economic reliable car that died too soon
Replace brakes every 40k miles.
Brake lines blew out from rust at about 110k miles (or 10 years)
Rust on hatchback lid.
Rust around right rear wheel well.
Appears dead at 115k miles -- won't start, as if transmission is not in park. Last week, same problem and it started after shoving the shift lever forward. Now transmission appears locked; suspect it could cost more to fix than car is worth now.
Something else broke in front suspension at about 70k miles; don't recall exactly what it was, but the mechanics needed a torch to cut it out and in the process they burned a hole in air conditioning line.
It handled great in the snow.
It ran so reliably I expected to get more service out of it; disappointed by the apparent sudden death.
I thought it handled well.
Was pleasantly surprised by top speeds on freeway -- pinned speedometer on occasions.
Comfortable even driving 20 hours straight (cross-country) ; could have been better with cruise-control.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th August, 2003
A rock solid, gas sipping engine, fitted into a rusty framework
My brother and I first learned to drive stick on this car and we raced the car hard. The tranny went at 240,000 and was replaced with a 2nd hand tranny.
The engine thermostat went at 200,000km.
Two timing belts and two water pumps were replaced.
Serious rust problem, even in the first year of owning the car. The dealer was of no use.
The ignition lock was replaced at 410,000km.
The wiper control module was replaced at 415,000km.
The rear left passenger door lock seized up and remained locked from about 360,000km.
Front CV joints and complete suspension overhaul at around 400,000km.
This is the best car I've ever owned. The performance of the 1.9 engine was weak and noisy when pushed, but the reliability of the engine was outstanding. No matter how hot or cold, the engine always started without drama, misfire, or hesitation. Thankfully, I experienced no electrical problems.
Poor handling, (major under-steer), made for nervous drives in bad weather.
The body of the car rusted out completely. Chunks of rust would fall off the car ever time I closed the trunk in the last year I owned the car.
I loved the seats and interior was great. Lots of leg room up front, and the trim held together well. The original tape deck still works, but the speakers were garbage.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 11th April, 2003
29th Jun 2008, 11:43
I currently own a 1992 Ford Escort LX Wagon with manual transmission. I bought it five years ago, and it has never left me on the side of the road one time. When I bought it for $800 USD, it had 68,000 miles on the odometer. It also had tow bars attached to the front, for hauling behind a recreational vehicle. I had those removed because they were too heavy for everyday driving. I think most of those odom miles were from being hauled, so it was not a true reflection of the miles on the actual engine.
Now, at 185,000 miles, it is still a reliable vehicle. I maintain it well, use only synthetic oil, and premium grade (91 octane) unleaded fuel. I have replaced the timing belt twice, as per the maintenance schedule calls for, have had the CV boots and half shafts replaced twice, have had the front and rear seals replaced, and the wheel bearings replaced on one side in the front.
It has more than paid for itself in reliability, fuel consumption savings, and getting me to where I need to go without fear of breaking down or being stranded.