Faults:

Worst was the handbrake cables corroded so badly at the attachment points they fell off and dragged under the vehicle! Thankfully happened locally so a quick tow to my local garage for a cheap fix, no big deal, but could have been worse!

Lots of rust here and there.

Random electrical faults.

Suspension, brakes, wear and tear.

Flat battery, faulty alternator, both replaced.

General Comments:

Pretty famous in the UK amongst van enthusiasts, the Escort van was a popular enough sight, especially in the 1990's as works vans. I bought mine used in 2004, and despite some problems, it was a solid enough van that took me up and down the UK reliably.

1.8 non-turbo diesel was very slow, especially when the van was loaded. Probably took nearly 20 seconds to get to 60 mph. It only had 55 bhp I believe. There was a later and improved 75 bhp version so I heard, but the standard old 1.8 diesel was most common. Noisy and slow, but a reliable unit that could average 40 - 50 mpg, very economical for its time. Keep up the oil changes and it won't give too much trouble.

The van was OK to drive, a bit noisy at higher speeds, but the seats were comfortable enough for long motorway cruising.

1999 "S reg" mine was red, ex Royal Mail I believe. There was grey ones about that were used by BT (British Telecom) and in the 1980s my dad had a yellow one of these vans. Quite nostalgic to look at them.

Mine was scrapped at 15 years old, but it did have a high mileage, and I did enjoy most of my time with it; always have a soft spot for these vans. Closest you can get nowadays is a Transit Connect which I believe replaced this van.

Faults:

Replaced over the years:

Timing belt, alternator, starter, front struts, ball joint, a few batteries, both bumpers, hood and trunk.

General Comments:

Bought this car 10 years ago as a starter for my daughter back in L.A.

She got in a pretty bad accident after few months and the insurance company fixed the bumpers, hood and trunk. We moved to Denver Colorado after two years and she kept driving it for another three years till her husband was rear ended on I-25 and the car was totaled. I replaced myself the rear bumper and trunk, got it painted and gave it to my younger daughter who had just started driving at that time. After few months she burned the tranny and I decided to get back the car, fix it and keep it for myself.

Last summer I replaced the original front shocks, ball joint tie rods ends, fix the leaking oil pan, water pump, head cover gasket, and probably I spent around 350-400 on parts doing the labor myself. Despite all these problems, the car always started and never got my kids or me stranded.

Not the cutest or most comfy, but reliable and easy to work on at low expenses.

Faults:

Trunk lock cylinder was a bit loose, sun visors and headliner starting to go.

General Comments:

I bought this car a month ago and sold it soon afterwards. I had previously owned a 2000 ZX2 with the double overhead cam engine and automatic; it had 35k. It had a bad vibration at idle that the dealer refused to fix... even though it was under warranty... and this single overhead cam had it to a lesser degree. Both cars were automatic. I thought the ZX2 rode a bit bouncy and rubbery... and this sedan rode exactly the same. Both cars were noisy on the road, with engine drone despite the low RPM and overdrive. Both did handle well... but the sedan seemed just as good as the ZX2... took curves with no lean to speak of.

The sun visors and headliner were starting to go I think... and the trunk lock cylinder seemed a bit loose in its hole... was not sure how to tighten it up. The one I just bought and sold... the 1999 LX sedan had given the previous owner a time with the shifter not working... he had it done twice. I had no issues with it.

The bouncy ride, droning engine, and tinny sounding driver's door closing were my only real dislikes. I own a 2000 Cavalier with 204k and liked it better than the Escort... so I sold a super clean low mileage car and kept the high mileage car because it rode better, was quieter, and for me was more comfortable. I guess I have to stay away from Escorts, because my tush says it does not like the ride!