1997 Ford Escort LX 2.0 4 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

This car does what it is designed to do very well

Faults:

Rear coil springs broke (common Escort problem).

Balancer pulley (belt pulley on crankshaft) broke.

Two tie rods needed replacing.

Rear hatch handle broke.

General Comments:

My Escort is a station wagon. It has excellent cargo capacity with the seats folded down.

Interior comfort is OK. Seats are OK, not great. Legroom for rear passengers is very limited.

Not a driver's car. Acceleration is adequate at best. Cornering is very poor, significant body roll. In fairness, it is not made to drive like a sports car.

Great gas mileage. 33 MPG highway with an automatic transmission.

Generally very reliable, except for a few chronic Escort problems: rear coil springs (fairly expensive to fix) and tie rods (not too bad). Balancer pulley giving out was an unwelcome surprise.

If you have specific questions about this car, email me at sluggo413 "at" yahoo.com and I will help out if I can.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th September, 2004

27th Jun 2005, 19:08

I would like to add that I own a 1997 Ford Escort wagon. I bought it new in Dec. of 1997. My car now has 82,457 miles on it and it still runs great. The only problem that I have found is that the rear coil springs will break. I am having mine replaced this week and I might add for the second time since I bought the car. I do not haul any real heavy things either. I do not know if it is a defect of some kind or what, but it is fairly expensive to fix. Other than this one problem, I have been well pleased with the car.

1997 Ford Escort Si 1.6 EFI (Unleaded) from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A superb bargain (a little dream)

Faults:

Water pump replaced at 113000. £60 fitted.

General Comments:

Excellent car, runs like a dream, comfy, and goes on forever, no matter what you throw at it.

I drive it hard, but just keeps on coming back for more. I can't believe it with over 114000 miles and no service history, it just keeps on going and going. I think the Japanese have a competitor with this Zetec engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th June, 2004

1997 Ford Escort CX 1.6 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A no frills, fairly economical and reliable runabout, if slightly underpowered

Faults:

The airbag warning light begins to flash when-ever the seats are moved.

The "intelligent" key occasionally fails to register with the ignition, activating the immobilizer and security locking the radio.

The outside edges of the rear tires wear quite badly.

General Comments:

I bought this car as a "shopping trolley", but have been pleasantly surprised by the way it has responded to the rigors of two hour daily return commute.

The interior is wearing well, and shows few signs of having travelled 180,000 kilometers.

The electrics play up from time to time, but being the entry level specification model there aren't that many electric accessories to play up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2004

23rd May 2005, 13:25

I have the same problem with the air bag light is this a mot failure?

8th Oct 2005, 15:20

The fault would be a WoF (NZ Warrant of fitness) failure, however it is an intermittent fault, caused by slightly 'crusty' connectors under the seat. So far, disconnecting, cleaning and reconnecting has resulted in the light staying off. And - the Escort now has 220,000 on the clock, and is due for replacement. running costs still good, although the front struts have worn, resulting in huge negative camber and excessive tyre wear.

1997 Ford Escort LX from North America

Summary:

Totally perfect, even for a 18 yr.old

Faults:

My Drivers side parking light went out and it was impossible to find in Alaska.

General Comments:

This car was the best vehicle, I have ever owned.

This car acted like a 6cyl. with it only being a 4 cyl..

It did however whine like a baby with a tooth-ache, going up mountains in Alaska.

The heat that came from the heater was unbelievable. It was perfect. It got hot fast and the car held the heat well (even with a opening in the window; for us smokers)

It handled great. It hugged turns. It even had wonderful stopping capability on ice. (without studded tires)

It did however freeze over three times in the winter. (after hitting -30; without proper winterizing) But that was my fault!

I miss this car soo much. I lost it after a friend totaled it. I never got it replaced. I wish I had.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2004