1994 Ford Aspire Base 1.3 from North America

Summary:

A great little car

Faults:

The only problem that I have had with this great little car is that the drivers rear speaker quit working.

On cold winter days, the key lock on either door turn stiffly. If I use slow even force, the key does not suffer.

General Comments:

I love this car. I would by another in a moment if another nice one comes along. I have read the stories of the problems others have, but I know the original owner of this car and it has went 39000 miles with no work other than a new set of tires, regular oil changes and a good cleaning every week or two. I like the simplicity of this car and intend to perform all of the needed service work <within reason>.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st February, 2003

1994 Ford Aspire from North America

Summary:

It gets me where I need to go

Faults:

I absolutely cannot complain about the Ford Aspire. Thus far, I have no major problems with it. Currently, the muffler needs to be replaced.

General Comments:

I've heard many opinions about the Ford Aspire and its unreliability, but it has been great transportation for me for a year. It sure beats riding the bus or walking at least.

I will agree that the acceleration is not the greatest. Cars pass me a dime a dozen, but eventually I either catch up to them or I don't. The important thing is that I get where I'm going. I have put several highway miles on it, but it hasn't failed me yet.

I've tried to trade this car in several times, but no one wants to give me much on it so I think it's worth keeping at this point until it falls apart. It will be excellent as a back-up car when I get a new car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 3rd January, 2003

1994 Ford Aspire Base from North America

Summary:

Great student car

Faults:

Mostly just problems with the struts. The back struts have been replaced twice and need to be replaced again. The front struts have been replaced once.

Battery has been replaced twice.

Front axle broke as I was driving home one day, front boots also needed to be replaced.

Brakes have been replaced once.

General Comments:

Puddle jumper, excellent on gas.

Always starts, even on the coldest days.

Parts are usually expensive to replace.

I find it's better for driving in the city, rather than on the highway. It seems to shake a lot with the higher speeds.

It's a light weight car that sometimes feels out of control because it seems to jump all over the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st December, 2002

1994 Ford Aspire 1.3 liter from North America

Summary:

Extremely reliable and inexpensive

Faults:

I owned the Aspire from 1994 to 2001. The only problem it has was the factory battery needed to be replaced after a few months (warranty covered that), the front brakes were replaced and the tires were replaced after a bad run in with some metal on the road. Other than that, it never had any problems whatsoever. I only bought another car because I have a bad left knee and the shifting got to be too much with a long commute.

General Comments:

The Aspire is small, quite underpowered and has really flimsy body metal. However, it gets great gas mileage and is as reliable as can be.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 30th December, 2002

1994 Ford Aspire Base 1.3L from North America

Summary:

Best bang for the buck... who needs a civic?

Faults:

Front Brakes were the first thing to go, I think I did them at 75000kms, and I just did them again at 185000kms.

The Front Crank seal went at 100,000kms, but I had it done at no extra cost when I did the timing belt. The crank seal might have been from over-revving the motor...63 what?

Battery went after 6 years.

Fuel Pump went at 180,000kms. This part was very pricey from the dealer, but I put a used one in for $150 CDN

I am sure that the only reason the fuel pump went is because I always drive it around with little or no gas in the tank.

Replaced both control arms (balljoints), the first one at 70,000kms and the second one at about 175000kms.

Drivers side window regulator has broken twice now since I have owned the car.

Just recently replaced both front wheel bearings, and one of the side in the rear (all at around 190,000kms)

Back brakes are still good.

Handbrake cable is stretched.

This car attracts many dents of all sorts.

General Comments:

I love this car. Many people see this car as a piece of crap, but they are wrong.

This car has lasted well beyond its expected life for me. It starts every day, runs the sames way (no bad days)

Many of the parts I have replaced have been as a result of abuse. Aside from this, the car is awesome, I couldn't ask for any more out of this little car.

This car is cheap on gas, it runs a 17.8 quarter mile, and it runs better and longer than most civics I have seen.

The motor may be powerless, but at least it doesn't smoke. I do the oil changes every 4000kms, since I have had it, and it burns less than half a litre between oil changes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th October, 2002

12th Oct 2004, 13:49

Your post about your Ford Aspire was very helpful. I just bought a 1994 junked out one from a guy down the street merely trying to get it off his property. Doesn't run because of the kill switch, battery's dead because he hasn't driven it in over a year, and the paints a little chipped. Took it to a mechanic and he agreed with all few things we said were damaged or inoperative. New battery, hopefully he's going to fix the kill switch tomorrow, but he mentioned his kid having an Aspire and him personally loving it because he only has to buy parts to fix it once every year or so. Maybe twice. Uses practically no gas, he says. His kid can drive to downtown and back on a few bucks. I've been a little discouraged because of my stupid friends trying to get me to buy a civic. I'm sorry, I don't have the money, nor care to spend it on a Honda. I'm glad you posted. It's encouraged me once more. Thanks.