1995 Ford Aspire from North America
Summary:
A great little car for zipping around town
Faults:
Hard to get started during rain or after a hard rain. It barely starts and has little power until it warms up to normal temperature. Then it runs normally. Solution is to replace spark plug wires with a new set from an auto parts store - $12 set did the job. Cleaning distributor cap and rotor did not solve the problem. Changing spark plugs did not solve the problem. Changing spark plug wires is all that was needed to solve a very difficult to diagnose problem. No dealer can afford the time to determine the actual cause, and instead will replace everything.
Second problem - radiator started dripping anti-freeze at 66,000 miles. Solution is to replace the radiator yourself. There is quite a bit of room to work so it is not a difficult job as on some cars. New radiator cost $160 at auto parts store. You need a 10MM box wrench and a pliers to loosen the hose clamps. Hoses came off very easily. Hardest part is loosening lower two fan attach bolts with box wrench. Take off fan, then hoses, then remove and replace in reverse order. New radiator takes a different cap.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th May, 2003
30th Jun 2003, 09:25
After reading your review, I have to agree with you. I, too, am a proud owner of a '97 Ford Aspire. I would've liked to see a picture of your car now because I had the same ideas for mine. I have a CD player now and I'm in the process of getting my windows tinted. Eventually, I want to get rims. Anyway, great job on the review!
-Becky.