1996 Ford Escort LX review from North America
"Turd on wheels"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine dropped a valve seat, causing catastrophic engine failure at 125k miles.
Transmission failure at 140k miles.
Repeated problems with front disc brakes.
Speedometer cluster is problematic.
Rear defogger switch is temperamental.
Near impossible to keep in alignment.
Intense vibration at high speeds, despite changing nearly all steering/suspension components.
Phantom trouble codes, despite replacement of faulty components.
General comments?
The car is very light for its size, making it especially easy to push while broken down.
The optional factory premium sound system is excellent, assuming the factory CD player wants to operate that day.
The car has a "death box" feel to it; despite having dual airbags, I always felt like a side impact would end me.
When the car was in perfect running order (not often) it was a fun, peppy ride.
I sunk enough money in maintenance into this pile to justify sending it to the scrapyard.
Anxiety over constant mechanical problems has led to a diminished mental state for myself.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9 litre Manual |
| Performance marks | 6/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 70000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 140000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Sunbird |
| Date of Entry | 30th November, 2007 |