1990 Ford Escort GT review from North America
"A great little car with some spice to it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Bad tie rod end was replaced at 65000 miles.
Struts needed to be replaced at 65000 miles. (dealer said "they were approaching the end of their useful life" and I noticed them creaking and squealing as the car bounced with a thud over small bumps)
Spark plugs (tune-up) at 63500 miles (routine)
Breaks needed to be tightened (original owner added new brake pads) 63,500 miles.
Original owner replaced timing belt at approximately 45000 miles (routine)
Headlights and taillights go out occasionally, and I put a new flasher into the turn signals.
Muffler rusted out. (62,000)
Warning LED comes on when braking although no one finds a problem with the brake lights or flashers anymore.
Had to replace worn wiper blades.
(Body work with two accidents, too -- neither my fault -- a deer the first and a guy pulled out in front the second... I digress)
Air Conditioner needs a clutch (will be replaced with updated non-CFC emitting A/C system)
Tires replaced several times.
- Michelin Roadhandler Sport (wore out due to misalignment and bad tie-rod end)
- Michelin MX4 Rainforce just mounted after alignment and tie rod ends and struts were replaced.
General comments?
This has been my first car, and I am very pleased with it considering its age.
It is very responsive - especially after it was tuned up.
With Michelin MX4 Rainforce tires, it holds the road amazingly well. With new front struts and tie rod ends as well as an alignment, the car is amazingly well-footed and is easy to maneuver at almost any speed.
The seats are soft and comfortable, yet the design of the car is narrow leaving limited elbow room for passengers.
ONLY 3 passengers in addition to the driver!
Great hatchback is good for hauling anything. The rear seats fold down flat for additional space.
1.9L HO 4-cylinder is surprizingly quick. When passengers are also in the car, however, the car becomes somewhat lagging in performance, which is understandable. Manual 5-speed provides more than adequate acceleration.
Rack and pinion power-assisted steering is precise.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9L High Output 4 cylinder ga Manual |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 59000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 65000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 11th April, 2002 |