Faults:

I wrote a Citroen off with it, causing substantial front end damage, however I still used it for a few thousand miles.

As a result of the damage, the bonnet wouldn't catch, resulting in it flying up at 80mph breaking the windscreen and roof.

The interior trim is difficult to refit. (Side moldings by seat belts).

I managed to rip the exhaust off, thankfully only the middle section.

It had a bit of rust on the back arches.

General Comments:

My Escort was the base model, it didn't even have a cigarette lighter.

It got an awful beating from me, but bounced back each time.

It was looked after by and old man, so when I got it, the car was as new, minus a bit of rust.

I loved it's handling, although it under-steered, you knew exactly what it was going to do when you threw it into a corner.

General Comments:

Only just bought this car so this is a basic new owner observation.

The car has very low mileage for its year and comes with quite a complete history. It was sold between family members.

It has been very well maintained and used only for a quarter mile trip to work and home.

The car feels a bit heavier than I expected, but adequate power steering. Brakes are fine. Engine although originally sluggish has started to come alive and become fun to drive.

I find it has a very high torque and can be driven from walking speed in 3rd gear without complaint which suits my lazy driving style. left turns in 3rd gear are effortless.

Although the car is very new I think that its definitely a monday morning car as opposed to one that was made on friday afternoon. No faults other than a spot of rust at the seat of the rear wiper.

The jury's still out on the engine type. I read that if its 1.6i 16v then it must be a Zetec engine, but is not badged zetec. I do know Ford changed from Zetec to Zeta (or the other way round) and at this year there was confusion.

Faults:

Fuse box, it's had two fitted in three years.

Central locking does not work.

Alarm has never worked, (however I think this was NOT fitted by Ford.)

Oxygen sensor.

General Comments:

Despite being a 1600cc car, it is incredibly underpowered, many owners of car understand that the vehicle after about 100k miles looses its acceleration, and becomes a very sluggish beast, the 1.4 version without the EFi (?) preforms better apparently.

The brakes where pathetic (that's with new disc's, pads and shoes,) anybody else had this?

Once you've got it moving, you then can't stop it.

Gear box had started to become quite "sloppy" too, with difficulty downshifting gears.

But worst of all!

The rust, everywhere! I bought it with some, in three years it became a complete rust bucket, (wheel arches, sills and doors.)

On the positive side, the engine was very quiet, and was generally quite comfortable.

The cabin is quite stylish, and my one had quite smart alloy wheels.

Faults:

Has had new exhaust. previous owner said it has one nearly every two years. common fault with 16 valve cars.

Rear demister had broken so needed the wire re soldered on.

General Comments:

Nothing has really gone wrong. get an anoying squeal from the brakes every so often. yet another escort fault.

In absolutely mint condition. Never seen another escort java though.

Thought it would have been quicker off the mark for a 1.6i though.

Cars even got dual airbags elec windows and alarm. all standard when the previous owner brought it. Which surprised me for an escort.