Faults:

New Radiator 2 days after I bought it

CV joints a few months later

Alternator and belts a few months after that

Linkage on the gears progressively became very very sloppy, often not allowing me to go into reverse or first gear.

Soon after the connecting rod on the engine blew, I replaced the engine

Then the tie rod about a month after the engine

Most recently the transmission went and the rear strut is in need of being replaced.

General Comments:

I realize that some ford escorts are really good and don't break down that often.. but man I definitely got a lemon.

Nevertheless, the seats are very comfortable and it is quite a fun, roomy little car.

Faults:

At around 92,000 miles, the transmission had to be rebuilt.

Wiring for the left speaker seems to not work, and you sometimes have to hit the radio deck if it seems to turn off randomly during your trip. It usually turns back on if you hit it the right way.

The back left passenger door doesn't unlock, thus it won't open at all.

The switch for the hazard lights broke off, so I can't use them at all when the car is dying on the road.

The trunk door won't unlock with the key. It's good that this is a wagon cause you have to reach from the back seat to unlock the door.

The dashboard light went out and I haven't had the money to get it checked anywhere, so it might just be a bulb.

Also, there was a slight oil leak that was fixed.

Again, at 107,800 miles, the transmission seems to slip depending on the weather outside. If it's cold and rainy or just very cool outside, the car has no issues, but if the car is in the heat for too long the transmission won't shift into 3rd or 4th gear at all.

And last of all, the heater blows out air even if it's off, so I have to usually let it run of the coolest setting that isn't the A/C because it uses less energy that way.

Most of these issues might have been because the car had an abusive owner and it might have been in an accident, but I am not sure as to what happened with my car with its previous owner.

General Comments:

On good days, the acceleration is awesome. the only problem is gaining speed on hills (and highways), and that's because of the low horsepower engine. But once it reaches your speed, it goes pretty fast.

This car is easy to drive and park, especially in the city.

The seats are comfortable and can adjust well to your liking.

I like the way it was designed. I just didn't appreciate the cigarette lighter so close to the gear box, so it is very hard having my ipod plugged in and trying to shift, so it's a good thing it's an automatic.

All in all, I love the car, and I would recommend it as a first car or one to use for local use unless you have one that has high mileage on it.

Too bad it's an economy car, because if it wasn't it would be a nice vehicle to drive.