1989 Ford Escort LX 1.9 Liter 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Slow, unreliable, and poorly constructed are what this car is

Faults:

Timing chain failed twice.

Piston ring failed and car started consuming oil very rapidly.

Oxygen sensor failed once per year due to the exhaust being polluted by the oil.

Car would die out of nowhere relentlessly, especially in cold weather. I could be cruising at 30 mph, but the minute I took my foot off of the gas it would die. This was while moving at 30 miles per hour. To keep it running I would be at stop lights pushing the pedal down some so that it didn't sporadically die.

General Comments:

This car has to be one of the most poorly made cars on the road. The interior is acceptable and it is moderately comfortable, but the car itself is not at all dependable.

The timing chain seems to periodically wear out. It had to be replaced twice. One of the piston rings failed and the car ate huge amounts of oil. Every other week I would have to add a quart.

As for performance, this car was remarkably slow. I could floor it and people would pass me by giving me looks that questioned why I was moving so slowly.

The speakers deteriorated and eventually rotted out, unbelievably. I replaced them before the car stopped running at 74000 miles and was towed away to a charitable organization.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd November, 2003

27th Sep 2005, 20:24

Um OK man first if you would take car of your car it would be still running I got one that has 91k on it and it runs beautfully. there is no timing chain on the 1.9 and if you would have changed your oil once in a while you would not have burnt up a piston ring.

1989 Ford Escort GT from North America

Summary:

High Performance Bargain

Faults:

The air conditioner went out a year after I got it (1996), but I never bothered replacing it.

Usual wear and tear on breaks and tires.

My clutch and timing belt went out at one point, but I have no idea of the mileage (it didn't seem unreasonable).

General Comments:

I absolutely love my 1989 Escort GT! For only paying $3,200 for it- I certainly got my money's worth. Although it has seen it's fair share of accidents and better days, this thing keeps running! I don't even remember the last time something happened to it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2003

27th Oct 2004, 15:03

I got a 1989 ford escort gt about 6 months ago and I absolutely love it. the car has only broken down a couple of times, but it was the same thing because I fixed it wrong. it has about 98000 miles on it and it desperatley needs a new clutch. other than that the work that I've don't to it makes me love it every day even more. fasst little car huh?

1989 Ford Escort POPULAR 1297CC from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Cheap to run and reliable

Faults:

Rust under the sills and back wheel arches.

Replaced back wheel bearings (wear and tear) 112,000 miles.

New thermostat

New alternator at 99,000 miles.

General Comments:

Starting to encounter the usual wear and tear now , considering the cars age.

Generally a very reliable car.

2000 mile trip around Scotland (from London) without a hitch.

4000 mile trip from London to Spain (via France) is when the wheel bearings and thermostat were replaced, but no other problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th August, 2003

1989 Ford Escort L D 1.6 diseel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A good cheap run around, and easy to make it look and sound like a RS turbo

Faults:

Seats worn.

Annoying rattles when driving.

Fuses blow often.

General Comments:

Handles really well on my new alloys and tyres, 205/15/50.

Good seats, but now worn.

Does 600 miles to a tank, which is very good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2003

2nd Jul 2003, 10:46

Please tell me how you make a 1.6 Diesel sound like an RS Turbo?

19th Mar 2006, 08:30

MMMMMMM...

There is NO WAY you can make a 1.6 old Ford diesel motor sound like an RS Turbo unless you attached very loud speakers to the outside, recorded the sound of an RS Turbo and played it on repeat at very high volume. Author must have been drunk ;-)