Faults:

My struts are little weak especially in the winter. the rear more than my front. I guess I have to replace those.

General Comments:

This is the best car I have ever owned for the amount of money I paid for it which is around 2000 cnadian.

I have 220 right now and have been running the car for about 3 years with no major repairs on it.

This car has no problem beating honda civics. actually it'll smoke them.

I honestly think the engine can go for another 3 years maybe more. I have never done and major repairs on it.

Plus it's a seriously quick car for its year. it'll beat my brothers cavalier that's for sure.

Faults:

Rusting of body in usual place: over rear wheels. Caused by salt used on roads during winter. I had bodywork on it at 112,000 ($1,000 Cd dollars) --the two back panels replaced.

"Check engine" light came on at 112,000 km. I had it checked at a Ford dealership, who said it was a burned out sensor. Was about $300 (Cd) to fix. Ouch. Next time I'll ignore it.

Front wheel bearing at 109,000 km, probably caused by a pothole.

General Comments:

I have the 5 speed, which works very well, but it won't win many races (Ford engine). But I usually observe the speed limit anyway and drive carefully to improve gas mileage. Not much power going up hills. I drove a Suzuki Swift once (same vintage) and it seemed peppier.

Gas mileage is great. Worse in cooler temperatures. I've averaged 39 mpg for 90%/10% city/highway driving--including driving in the Canadian winter with decent snow tires.

This car was previously owned by a family and came with all service records. It had been well maintained. I had it inspected before buying.

A new clutch had been installed at about 106,000 km, just before I bought it. ($1,000 Cd).

I paid $3,500 (Cd) for it in 2004. Air conditioning was broken and I haven't fixed it. One electric door lock was broken.

Roof rack and wagon are useful for hauling stuff.

I'll continue to own it until it starts to fall apart.

Faults:

New springs all around at 50k.

New tires at 50k (still had originals)

New outer tie rods at 50k.

Various emissions sensors at 50k.

Right sway bar currently snapped off.

Replaced a/c relay twice, once at 53k and once at 54500k.

Replaced Idle Air Control Valve at 54500k.

Had a hole rusted through the passenger floorboard, fixed with bondo.

Right side rear fender has light surface rust already.

Check engine light currently back on.

It has always idled really low, maybe 400-500rpms, but its never stalled.

General Comments:

For a first car I guess my escort isn't that bad. I bought it in the fall of 04' for $2500 thinking with only 50k miles on it from an elderly driver, it would hold up well. Since then it has been in and out of the shop for minor things every few months it seems. My uncle is a ford mechanic so repairs are dirt cheap otherwise I would have tried to sell my car a long time ago. The 1.9L is mediocre without the a/c on, darn slow with it on; I wish I had a manual trans. Gas mileage isn't great in city driving, only the high teens because you must constantly rev the engine out to get up to speed. On the highway it gets over 30mpg. Good news is, this car handles like its on rails. I've made a few 40mph turns without hitting the brakes even with the broken sway bar. Brakes themselves stop the car quick enough. Factory stereo is terrible, replaced it as well as the speakers and now its just fine. It does have a suprising amount of interior room for such a small car which isn't bad. Now I'm just waiting to get it on a diagnostics machine to see why my check engine light is on again.