Faults:

The only things that go on Escorts and Orion`s between H and P plate are the fuse boxes, this one has been alright.

The passenger electric window gearbox has self destructed twice which has caused me to rebuild it. Twice.

General Comments:

The Orion variant is a better option that the standard Escort. I payed £1100 for a 1993, L reg 1.6i, the equivalent Escort was £1500. Because they are bigger nobody wants them, I don`t care. For less money you get bigger brakes, slightly stiffer suspension and anti-roll bars and slightly wider tyres. You also get a boot that will fit a double bed in it, great for moving out.

The 1600 zetec is an untunable and undestructable lump. At 100,000 miles it needs no major work and although it is not nippy it will still crank up a motorway at 130MPH. It will also out corner kids in Citroen Saxos on roundabouts because of the extra wheelbase. When it slides you can catch it.

To put it mildly I will buy another one when I smash this one up. Enough said.

Faults:

Starter motor failed at 100,000 miles.

Head gasket blew at 105,000 miles.

Starter motor (a cheap re-manufactured part fitted by a non-franchise garage) failed again at 110,000 miles.

Catalytic convertor failed at 112,000 miles.

Suspension dampers started leaking somewhere between 112,000 and 115,000 miles.

General Comments:

Although the Orion is not performance orientated, it is quick enough to be entertaining, with positive handling.

The interior is dominated by the plastic dashboard, but everything else is appealing. The seats lack side support.

Reliability was pretty good considering the mileage, and the problems encountered were more dealer related than vehicle. Some items, such as the catalytic converter, have an average lifespan of 80-100,000 miles, and suspension components wear out with use. Overall, reliability was no worse than for other high-mileage vehicles.

Faults:

New gear-box required at 50,000 miles.

Original fuse-box had 8 repairs done. Replacement has been fitted (2nd hand) which also has now had one repair and since been bypassed to get the interior fan to work.

New clutch at 65,000 miles.

Factory fitted rear speakers no longer work from the radio (also factory fitted) - had to splice into the front speaker circuit - they now work.

Seat-belt height adjuster (driver's side) is broken.

Fuel pump relay, lambda sensor, water temperature sensor have all needed replacing at 50,000 miles.

Starter motor replaced at 60,000.

General Comments:

Good points:

When the car is actually working properly, it is fantastic to drive - performance, road holding etc are excellent.

It's just a shame that it is not working properly more more often.

Faults:

Brake fluid level sensor kept flickering.

Indicator stalk.

General Comments:

All round a good reliable car, loads of room with a nice interior, great economy (55+mpg), reasonable performance, good looking thing (must have a spoiler), drives solid.

Faults:

Battery fizzed causing battery acid to eat the bodywork, result - water in passenger footwell (suppose it could be an 'optional' footspa).

Random failure of the headlights.

Fuel gauge accurate to +/- half a tank.

General bad electrics.

General Comments:

Heavy steering and sluggish performance around town. 0 - 60 measured in minutes as long as you do not go up hill.

Superb fuel economy.

Never fails to start in all weathers.

Engine still solid at 103,000 miles.

Faults:

Cut out a couple of times then would not start for a short while (would not fire). Indicators stopped working when left on for a long time.

General Comments:

Great looking car, the engine sounds great when booted and it's still standard. The girlfriend loves it.