Faults:

Tie rod ends at 85,000.

CCRM (Makes the AC Work) at 65,000.

VCT Actuator. (Advances or retards the valve timing on the exhaust camshaft) at 91,000.

A piece of the dash refuses to stay on completely.

A small rubber spacer on the gas pedal cable broke into pieces, but I'm used to the free play now.

I have replaced the whole rear brake system and still the parking brake is weak.

General Comments:

This has been the best car I have ever known I almost got hit on a rainy day and floored the gas just to avoid the other car and ran the engine about 2,000 over red-line for awhile and thought that I had seriously hurt it, but it, but the engine has no noises or problems even 50,000 miles later.

I must admit. I drove it hard, quick shifting and drag racing, and the clutch is starting to wear out.

The only real negative thing I have to say about the car was when the VCT broke I had an estimate done on it and it was about a $3,000 job. Fortunately, I was able to fix it myself and was only out about $350 for the part. Ford told me that The recommended oil for the engine tends to clog the actuator over time. That's why the newer models run on 5w-20.

I also had a child and have had no problem with taking him around in it. I decided one day to get the free anchor bold put in for his car seat at the dealer. With manual in hand I was told I had to pay for the bolt and the installation. It wasn't until I talked to the guy who's name was on the front of the building that I got the part put in. (I ordered the part from a more local dealership, but they closed a day later)

I always change the oil when it gets dirty not at 3,000. I'm sure that helped. The engine is strong.

The overdrive in the transmission is a bit short it revs fast on the freeway.

The paint was great all around the car it still looks like new except the clear coat has peeled all the way around the front bumper.

It is a somewhat difficult car to work on when removal of a large amount of parts is necessary. There is a metal bypass hose in the way of removing the two lower radiator hoses and the exhaust has to be dropped to do anything that involves timing on the engine. Good luck finding the timing alignment kit too.

Faults:

Had to replace the rear coil springs when I bought the car, the design of the lower mounts did not allow for proper drainage and the springs rusted through on the second coil. The springs were very easy to replace.

Also replaced the emergency brake cables and a couple of lights. emergency brake still would occasionally drag (weird?!).

Previous owner replaced the clutch at 100,000 miles, started to slip a little again at 165,000 however I used it hard, and it never went out the whole time I had it! was going to replace this summer.

General Comments:

Car was very reliable, best car I ever owned!

Definitely not a sports car, but quite quick with the five speed, and gas mileage was between 36 and 37 mpg!!

Great economical, everyday driver!

Headroom was fairly decent, and interior was good for a car in it's class, but as with every ford I've spent much time in, the seats have no back support, and although well cushioned, are not great on long trips.

Everything worked great, and could use it hard without worrying about breaking it. (i would carry two mountain bikes inside the car, and use it as a work vehicle with regularity.