Faults:

It has needed 3 new clutches due to clutch judder.

It has had a new n/s lower arm.

It needed a new gearbox because the diff bearing had gone so they changed it all under warranty.

It has had a fault with the power steering pump leaking.

General Comments:

Generally it has been a very good car.

I like cruising in the car because it's the body kit that makes the car.

I will possibly be modifying the car later on in the year when the warranty runs out, the first thing will be a good Magnex exhaust system.

I will be keeping the car for quite some time.

Faults:

Nothing serious, the rear parcel shelf had a habit of popping out on its own but my Ford dealer fixed it (eventually)!

General Comments:

Definitely the best car I've had so far. My particular car has more extras than normal: electric sunroof, air con, remote central locking and CD autochanger so I'm pretty happy!

Suspension setup is excellent - holds the road well, and the steering & gear change are good. Could be a bit quicker though!

Faults:

New gear selector.

General Comments:

Good all round car with good handling. Big step up from my last car so I feel the benefits more.

Insurance was shockingly high.

Faults:

Nothing!

Actually there was a really annoying whistling from the air vent(?) when new but it went away!!

General Comments:

A fantastic car for the money. Great looks, great drive (sticks to the road like...), air con...

My only gripe is with performance. I had a 2.0 Sierra prior to this car and although the Escort is faster(?) it really needs to be pushed. I was actually quite disappointed when test driving the car (where you feel guilty going much over 4K revs :-> ).

The car does kick in after 4.5 K in most gears though (The benefit of 16V I presume).

If anyone can tell me a bit more history about the car I would appreciate it (I know it's got a different exhaust to the Si and the suspension/steering MUST be better... Anyone know the full facts?... craigp@email.com if you do

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

GTI has value for money, all the gadgets, still very quick and loads of space in the back.

Looks to die for.

Faults:

Persistant clutch judder, third clutch now in 22,000 miles (all thankfully replaced under warranty).

General Comments:

Excellent value, superbly equipped car for the price, best car I've ever had.

Faults:

Have had to replace the steering rack after 13,200 miles done under warranty. Apart from that only headlamp bulb's and windscreen wipers.

General Comments:

Generally a troublefree car to own and drive, only a few niggles.

1) Engine rev's excessivly at low speed when the clutch is depressed.

2)The handling could be a bit better.

3)The stereo is not powerful enough for my taste.

The car is responsive, being a 16v Zetec engine, most of the grunt is between 3800 and 5200 revs, but there is enough low down torque to keep me happy. The manufacturer publishes 0-60 in 9.2 sec, I have done it in 8.0 sec.