1993 Ford Orion LXi 1.6 Zetec from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A high performance, high value transit van
Faults:
The only things that go on Escorts and Orion`s between H and P plate are the fuse boxes, this one has been alright.
The passenger electric window gearbox has self destructed twice which has caused me to rebuild it. Twice.
General Comments:
The Orion variant is a better option that the standard Escort. I payed £1100 for a 1993, L reg 1.6i, the equivalent Escort was £1500. Because they are bigger nobody wants them, I don`t care. For less money you get bigger brakes, slightly stiffer suspension and anti-roll bars and slightly wider tyres. You also get a boot that will fit a double bed in it, great for moving out.
The 1600 zetec is an untunable and undestructable lump. At 100,000 miles it needs no major work and although it is not nippy it will still crank up a motorway at 130MPH. It will also out corner kids in Citroen Saxos on roundabouts because of the extra wheelbase. When it slides you can catch it.
To put it mildly I will buy another one when I smash this one up. Enough said.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th October, 2002
10th Jan 2001, 16:33
The Ford Orion diesel is terminally slow, which makes for noisy acceleration to reach normal traffic speeds. The lack of power steering makes parking difficult, but gives good feedback in slippy conditions. This car desperately needs a turbo for that extra 30 BHP to make it a little less frustrating to drive.
The gear change and clutch are ,however, excellent. I have driven many cars, mostly recent models and few have matched the Orion for positive feeling clutch and gear change mechanics. This allows for good engine braking and makes the best of the minute amount of power available.