Faults:

Both bottom arms broke within 8 months of each other.

Gear-box needed replacing just after M.O.T. passed.

Floor corroded.

Tracking needs to be constantly renewed.

Drinks petrol for what it is IE.32Miles to the gallon!

Hub needed replacing.

Engine mount needed replacing.

Smells of petrol fumes when heater's on inside the car.

Tyres go bald on one edge very quickly due to tracking.

Both C.V. joints clicking and grinding when turning corners.

Both back bearings wore out. One of which melted itself to the wheel hub and took 3 days to cut off.

Starting still proves a challenge even though a new battery was fitted.

Tappets are very noisy.

General Comments:

This car was bought with a 12 month M.O.T. and was in mint condition upon purchase.

I would like to say something positive about Ford Orion's, however this car thankfully is my last one out of 5 other Orion's and when a list of things go wrong like I have mentioned; I can honestly put my hand on my heart and say there is nothing good at all about Ford Orion's.

Faults:

Exhaust went after a few months of me purchasing the vehicle.

General Comments:

Very quick car (it's actually an XR3i engine in an Orion shell) 130bhp, 0-60mph in 8.1seconds top speed of 127mph (manufacturers figures).

Generally all round reliable and comfortable, other reviews I have read stated cold starting problems. This is not the case, starts first time every time.

Due to the Group 13 insurance rating, I would suggest an immobiliser is fitted to help lower the premium.

Faults:

Heated front screen only works on driver's side.

Had to replace the Cat at 86000 miles - can prove quite expensive!

General Comments:

With an exhaust, K&N filter and performance chip, this is one fast Ford!

Would strongly recommend one to anyone after a swift saloon!

Faults:

Gearbox bearings failed so main shaft damaged, a common fault, second hand gearbox fitted.

Standard gear knob wears quickly, replaced with metal item.

Fluid leaks were hoses join tanks for various fluids, check band clips regularly.

General Comments:

Zetec engine is great, still running strong after 135,000 with minimal cam wear.

Handling is good with light and responsive Power Assisted Steering.

Wind noise is a problem at higher speeds.

Seats and interior are practical and comfortable with a good stereo.

Reliability great, only failed one time as listed above, otherwise solid.

Faults:

The car has trouble starting quite regularly, battery has been changed, but this doesn't seem to help.

When the car idols it quite often stalls because the revs are to low and being a largish car it has trouble pulling away, this may be the injection system however.

The power steering whines and groans.

General Comments:

All in all the car is fantastic in my opinion, apart from the rather high insurance group in relation to the car's performance and acceleration.

Very quick off the mark.

Handling is excellent, although I have wider than standard tyres on it. Sticks to the road like glue.

Faults:

Steering rack failed.

Air Leak on Carb.

Worn out camshaft @115000.

Discs and pads.

General Comments:

The car performs well considering it only has a 1600 engine + performance cam, though it does require reving hard.

I find the gearing is rather long and reduces acceleration, though is ideally suited to high speed cruising with good economy. 90mph @ 3200rpm & on a run returns 35+ mpg.

I find the driving position and pedal layout superb.

I have modified the vehicle to create a good handling sports saloon.