1995 Ford Escort LX 1.9L
Summary:
Very reliable, affordable and an overall great car to own
Faults:
CV Joints replaced twice.
Electric seat belt cable broke on driver's side, motor clicks when door is ajar.
Had to replace head gasket at 190000 miles.
Timing belt shredded twice ~199000 miles and again at ~250000 miles.
A/C issues, repaired but some odd months later the compressor blew at ~260000 miles.
Have replaced popcorn bulbs in dash.
Have replaced headlights and taillights once each.
Seals/o rings need to be replaced, leaks/burns oil.
Have changed oil and other fluids approx. every 4-6k miles.
Cooling fan died, some electrical issue between fan and relay.
Spark plugs and cables replaced at 280000 miles.
Had to replace sway bar straps at 287000 miles.
About to replace the clutch at 287000 miles.
General Comments:
Great car and very reliable for as far and as long as I have driven it.
Gets ~33/34 mpg so it's great on gas.
Has a great turning radius.
Interior has held up all this time and is in good condition except for the carpet.
Very roomy in the back but no so much for the driver and front passenger.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 17th July, 2008
17th Jul 2008, 12:42
Few people really realize what great buys these tough and reliable little cars are. I'm a mechanic, and I have a handicapped friend that I have advised and assisted in several car purchases over the past 30 years. It is very important that he have a solid and reliable car.
I advised him to buy a new Escort in 1993 and the car performed flawlessly until it was totaled in an accident in 2001. He replaced it (against my advice) with a 2001 Dodge Neon. Although the Neon is still going strong with no problems at nearly 100,000 miles, I don't feel it has the quality and safety of the Escort.
The Escort is an economical and very reliable car, and can be bought for half the price of the over-rated imports that are far less reliable.