Faults:

New springs front and rear at 48K.

Three emission control sensors at 48K.

New tie rod ends at 48K. Check Engine light was on when I bought it. Original tires going bald. Engine surged when a/c or defroster was on (cured by emission sensors).

General Comments:

I love my Escort! This is my first car I received as a birthday present. When we bought the car we knew the check engine light was on. The car idled at only 450rpm when it warmed up, but it never stalled. It would idle erratic with the a/c or defroster on (emission sensors). It also made a clunking noise when making a sharp left (later found to have 3 broken springs). My uncle is a Ford mechanic and fixed it all at wholesale prices. Engine has good pep during full throttle standing starts even with the automatic. A/C severely robs engine of power with the auto trans. I am 6ft 3" and the interior has plenty of head room and has well laid out controls. The 14" wheels with the sport package give the car impressive handling and good stability in turns. I get almost 30mpg with the frugal 1.9L Overall, the Escort is a reliable and economical first car. I would recommend it to any teenager or long distance commuter.

Faults:

I have had this car for about 2 months. I drive it about 100 kilometres a day and have no troubles.

General Comments:

This is really good for its value. its really quick. I have raced cars that I thought was considerably faster than I was, but I have raced them and won by a fair margin. I really love this car and in the future I'm going to swap the engine with a mazda 323 gtx turbo engine which produces about 190 hp stock. this car will fly once it has that.

Faults:

The motorized seatbelt on the driver's side broke.

Speedometer becomes erratic at about 55 mph.

Acceleration is anemic when air conditioner is on.

Automatic transmission jolts between 1/2 and 2/3 when the gas is pushed too hard.

Brakes squeal.

General Comments:

As you can see, the above problems are a bit irritating, but are nothing serious.

The car gets excellent gas mileage.

Very reliable little car. I would definitely own a Ford again in the future.

Faults:

Radiator developed a leak around 60,000 miles. I had it replaced and haven't had any more problems.

Driver's side automatic seatbelt broke in the forward position. My dad and I got one from a junkyard stuck in the back position so I at least have a seatbelt even if I have to pull it over my head.

Clip for the lap belt on the driver's side broke.

I got the timing belt and water pump replaced at 90,000 just as a precaution.

General Comments:

I love this car. I've taken it on long trips with no problems. I do have to make sure I watch my speed on long trips or I easily go 20 to 30 miles over the speed limit.

It has great city gas mileage.

It does lose a lot of power when I use the air conditioning.

I love how much space the hatchback gives me. It's amazing what you can pack into this car.