Faults:

Fuse box, it's had two fitted in three years.

Central locking does not work.

Alarm has never worked, (however I think this was NOT fitted by Ford.)

Oxygen sensor.

General Comments:

Despite being a 1600cc car, it is incredibly underpowered, many owners of car understand that the vehicle after about 100k miles looses its acceleration, and becomes a very sluggish beast, the 1.4 version without the EFi (?) preforms better apparently.

The brakes where pathetic (that's with new disc's, pads and shoes,) anybody else had this?

Once you've got it moving, you then can't stop it.

Gear box had started to become quite "sloppy" too, with difficulty downshifting gears.

But worst of all!

The rust, everywhere! I bought it with some, in three years it became a complete rust bucket, (wheel arches, sills and doors.)

On the positive side, the engine was very quiet, and was generally quite comfortable.

The cabin is quite stylish, and my one had quite smart alloy wheels.

Faults:

Constant Velocity Joints needed to be replaced since I first bought in August, but it is still dependable.

Fuel filter needed to be replaced.

A bit shaky if you don't keep up with the tire maintenance.

General Comments:

I have had no problems with acceleration.

I love the quiet idling.

A lot of room which is perfect for college students moving to and from their dorms, like me!

Keeps a good top speed of 120 miles per hour, not that I do that often.

Easy to fix.

Faults:

I had to have the exhaust manifold replaced at 115000, but I got one of a salvage for cheap, no problems after that.

Regular oil changes and the like.

My ball joints popped out at 10600 due to some pretty hard driving, but they actually popped back in on my way to the mechanic and he said that they looked fine and would be a waste of my money to replace. This is why I think this car has an immune system.

General Comments:

This car was a great car.

No matter what I put it through the engine just kept going.

Great gas mileage, even when I had it packed full for a cross country family trip.

I was hit by a 99 Blazer while stopped, he was going 45 mph, my car did not survive the crash, but only because of body damage and insurance, I actually drove it to the mechanic after the accident.

Faults:

The tires have had to be changed frequently due to tyrod problems.

I have had problems with the radiator and freeze plug on two occasions.

Muffler repaired twice in two years.

General Comments:

It is a very reliable car for the money and I would buy another Ford.

Faults:

This car has given me VERY few problems!

2002 - Had to have the A/C worked on. Cost me about $200.

Everything else has been routine maintenance. Changed tires, changed the battery once etc.

General Comments:

This is the second Escort that I have owned. I got my first Escort in 1988 and it was a used one (1984) and it was so reliable that I bought my second one brand new. Now, I will say that I am not hard on my vehicle and after almost 10 years it still has only 60K miles on it. However, I have still been amazed at just how few problems I have had with my Escorts.

This is a great first car for young drivers. It is reliable and runs well. For the price, it is a great value!

Now, I will say that this car doesn't have a whole lot of "get up and go". The interior is also cramped and my 6'2" husband finds it uncomfortable. The car is pretty basic and doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles to it. However, for a young driver with not a lot of cash, but the need for a reliable car, I highly recommend it.