Faults:

The ignition key lock was sticking since we bought the car used. Finally this year it finally froze up. I replaced the igition switch $40 first because I could get to it easily. However the problem was definitely the key lock. This required pulling the steering wheel which broke on removal. I ended up getting a whole steering column from junk yard $45. Head leaked coolant at 90k and finally blew at 100k. A head bolt was broke off and causing the problem. Head wasnt warped, and repair easy. We still had over heating problems and the real cause was some kind of relay controlling the electric fan. Brake pedal has always had too much pedal travel.

General Comments:

This car rides very nice and handles well. It sits very low to the ground. Being a wagon it has come in handy many times hauling everything. For me the controls on the steering column are to close to the wheel and I'm forever turning something on when I round a corner.

Faults:

Knock on wood, I have never had anything go wrong with this car.

General Comments:

I have been extremely impressed with this little car.

I have driven it from the east coast to the west coast without a glitch or a worry.

For about two years, my daily commute was about 125 miles round trip.

It has kept me safe, warm and happy for over 5 years and I am thrilled with its reliability.

I do, however, have a front speaker that is not working properly, but it's been that way since I purchased the car.

I plan to replace the speaker soon.

My family and I enjoy this car very much and will drive it until the wheels fall off (which may never happen).

It's a little car with a huge heart!

Faults:

Well, I knew it needed some work when I bought it, so I suppose it's not fair to gripe about the $1200cdn I put for rear struts, coils, and front brakes - but that's what I've done so far. Very easy car to work on, if that's your thing.

General Comments:

Wow - what a blast to drive. I simply cannot believe how fast this car goes with that tiny 88hp engine. The transmission feels as though it has a very high final drive ratio; first gear is very short, and the car takes off like lightning (thanks to its ~2300lb curb weight). Of course, I am coming from an automatic 2.3L tempo, so... :)

Handling is light and precise, and I suspect there are some reasonable gains available above 4,000rpm with some basic intake and exhaust modifications (seems to lose power quite quickly).

Top speed is a little weak however (~150 km/h), when the low hp comes into play.

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong in the car, is something in the ignition. Everytime I open the door, It starts doing that annoying beep it does when the lights are on. It was annoying at first, but I really don't hear it anymore.

General Comments:

I actually do get a lot of comments on this car. I'm always being told its really cute, or some people tell me how "fast" they are. I don't think its too fast, but it can go.

Despite what other people have said, this car does have a lot of pep. I can easily get on the freeway and be up to 60 mph before I merge into the lane without even pushing the engine.

I raced a Honda Accord once, and I left that honda in my dust!

The engine does lose a lot of power when I turn on the A/C, so I usually drive with the windows down.

The car is very good on gas, and a good car to take on long distance trips. Its got a surprisingly good sized trunk that I can fit all my luggage in, and then some. And believe me, I'm not a light packer.

Personally, I think the Escort is the best car out there, even though its not the biggest, fastest or sportiest, it still rocks yo.