1991 Ford Sierra Quartz 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A large tank!

Faults:

Unknown suspension problem (bangs).

Exhaust problem (very expensive).

Steering joint split.

Electric window died.

Alarm system arms and disarms on its own accord, and locks me out!

Interior boot release mechanism gave in.

Squeaky brakes.

Clutch on its way out.

Headlight problems.

Paintwork peeling.

Steering wheel position adjuster moves when locked.

All in 1000 miles!

General Comments:

Bit shakey on the motorway.

RWD odd in the wet.

Insurance too expensive.

Dodgy layout of controls.

Lots of boot space.

Comfortable when fully laden.

Very awkward to park (no power steering).

Feels heavy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd August, 2001

1991 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9 V6 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I waited to find a good one, well worth it

Faults:

Thermostat needs renewing.

One wheel bearing has started to squeak slightly.

A slight knocking noise is coming from the cam, indicating some wear to the cam.

General Comments:

Good petrol consumption on motorways.

Eats petrol round town.

Very comfortable even at 140mph with four passengers and a boot full of luggage.

The EFI cackle can sound offputting.

Standard 14 inch wheels and tires are too bouncy, would benefit with larger wheels and lower profile tires.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th May, 2001

1991 Ford Sierra LX 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Not bad, watch out for high mileage though

Faults:

Piston rings replaced.

New engine required at 130000.

Water matrix.

Oil sump plug.

Oil leak from engine.

General Comments:

After replacement engine was fitted not much of a problem with the car, good little worker.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th March, 2001

1991 Ford Sierra LX 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Pleased with car considering the age

Faults:

My alternator packed in and drained my battery.

You cannot enter the car on the driver's side as the lock is faulty.

The passenger side electric window is faulty.

General Comments:

The car is slow off the mark, but when in 5th gear it cruises comfortably at 70mph.

Very comfortable drive.

Power assisted steering would be handy for parking.

Passes MOT with no great expense.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2001

1991 Ford Sierra Sapphire LX 1.8 CVH petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Hate it at the moment, can't find an engine

Faults:

My first MOT on the car I had to have new front brake discs and pads, and a bit of welding on the sill, also front compliance bushes.

Nothing on my most recent MOT, but my tyres and headlight adjusted, but when I got home smoke was everywhere. On removing my head, I found a hole and crack in my number 4 piston. Still looking for a second hand engine, hard to find a good one.

General Comments:

Very nice car for the price.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2001

29th Jan 2001, 10:05

At this age and mileage, would it not make more sense to buy another car??

4th Aug 2001, 17:32

I've just bought a 1.8 LX estate 1991. Engine appears to be a bit smokey, but I gather this could be the valve stem seals. Engine has done 70,000 and is in good condition.

1991 Ford Sierra LX 1.8 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Reliable but boring

Faults:

Brake discs warped and needed changing twice!

Gearbox has started getting a bit noisy recently.

Alternator started draining the battery when the engine was switched off. Strangely it still charged when the engine was running.

General Comments:

Quite good performance for a diesel, with impressive low down torque.

An excellent motorway car, the faster you go the quieter it gets! 40 mpg even at high speeds.

The engine will probably go on for ever. Doesn't use a drop of oil even after 120,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2001

1991 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Better than any Ford you can buy now

Faults:

New gearbox at 100k.

Front discs warp every 6 months.

Door locks stick.

Everything else fine. Servicing costs and parts relatively cheap considering the size and performance of the car.

Rust beginning to set in on the wheel arches.

General Comments:

Nice to drive.

Faster than most boy racers and not so flash.

No show, lots of go.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th November, 2000

24th Mar 2009, 11:06

I agree. Sierra XR4x4s are cheap and quick. Best car Ford ever made.

3rd Jul 2009, 09:43

I own a 2.9 xr4x4 and it's one of the best cars I've ever owned. It's a toy mainly for weekends and shows etc, but it does get used occasionally thru the week. On long runs it does 29mpg; that's good for an old car with 140,000 on the clock, it's a lot better than all the euro boxes on the road. It's got character, its 20 years old but can still show newer cars up off the lights and round the bends.

My last Sierra was written off by a 7.5 tonne lorry hitting me at 50mph. I got out without a scratch. I wouldn't like to bet on what would have happened in a newer car; back then cars were built properly to last.

20th Nov 2009, 20:16

I have to take issue with the last comment - Built to last? Sierras? You are having a laugh, right? Don't get me wrong, I love them and still own one - but the Sierra was the very personification of the throw-away reps car. Built with an estimated design life of 8 years or so, it's fair to say that virtually all of the Dagenham built cars had been cubed by age 10 due to advanced underbody rust. It was also one of the first cars to feature huge plastic wrap around bumpers - a cost and weight saving exercise, there is just empty space behind the plastic.

Have look at the sierra crash test video on youtube to see how substantial Sierras aren't.