Faults:

Power steering wrong when I got it. Ignored it until I was filling up the power steering reservoir twice a day then replaced a $40 line.

Rear view mirror fell of randomly while I was stopped.

Reverse is on the fritz.

Emergency brake doesn't work anymore.

Gas mileage is bad for a 4 cylinder. I get no power and I mean NO power... and I still just get about 24-26 miles per gallon.

General Comments:

My first car was a V8, then a V6 now with this a 4 cylinderI can't keep dropping. This car gets the worst mileage out of the three and is so underpowered compared to the others I want to cry. On the up side it is reliable and is a great point A-B car. Just don't expect to win a race, get looks (the good ones anyway), or be able to pass...safely.

Faults:

CV Joints went at 97,00

Many rattles.

General Comments:

This car is extremely comfortable, I love cruising around in it listening to music. The only thing I really don't like about it is that its completely gutless which is weird for a standard. Good gas mileage as well about 500 km to a tank.

Faults:

Tie rods, ball joints, misc. front end parts replaced.

Clutch blown at 165,000.

Transmission Blew at 165,000.

Engine blew at 187,000.

General Comments:

I have had really good luck with my topaz. Most of the problems I have had has been my own fault. When I replaced the clutch I blew the transmission. I have fixed all the problems myself. I have made some upgrades to the suspension so the car handles well, even though it did when I first became owner of the car. I have blown the motor twice, but I abuse this car all the time and it still runs. I do believe that Ford was low cost the budget when they made this car. the parts are cheap and not well designed. I love the way the seat feels.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

The car is great for teens. It's reliable, but won't allow them to street race.

I'm a commuter and it does me fine.

The car needs very little fixing if treated poorly, it is exceptionally good when treated well.

Gas mileage is a problem. It does not have enough mileage for a person focused on gas economy, but it's not horrible.

For some reason the car guzzles gas idling more than other cars I have driven: My parents 1998 Dodge Caravan and 2003 Maxima SE, and a 2000 Ford Focus SE.

The cars preformance can be a downside. It makes you nervous on freeways, especially while merging.

In conclusion, if you baby this car you will love it. Give it TLC, keep up it's maintenance and it will thank you like a loyal pet. The car will supply you (or your kid) with comfort, economy, and reliabilty for half the price as an imported vehicle.

Faults:

Lack of power when purchased due to badly arcing distributor rotor.

Ball joints went out they had to be changed several times due to being improperly installed at Goodyear tire and service.

Firewall came loose twice problem has since stopped.

Engine idles rough while in gear when stopped for an extended period of time.

Passenger window control frame cracked.

Gear shift a little stiff.

Front shock broke while cornering.

General Comments:

This is a great car if it is your first one. Especially parents of teenagers. this is not a sports car so you don't have to worry about them speeding all around town.

It is a very reliable car as well, half the problems are user made.

If you want reliability this is a good car.