1982 Ford Escort GL review from North America
"A Blue Blooded FORD"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Clutch cable would mysteriously fall off the self adjusting pedal.
Heater core failure.
Dead at 75,000 miles.
General comments?
A very good handling car and good traction in the snow.
The engine was weak. Harsh sounding, especially when pushed. The manual transmission growled like a junkyard dog. The all vinyl interior and simplistic dashboard made a Datsun 310 seem plush by comparison. Overall, the car had a high noise level making the stereo inaudible unless it was blasted to the point of distortion.
At $6,500, it was more expensive than other compacts of the day. Many of these early Escorts died in carburetor fires before they were recalled by Ford. Ours died of "Old Age", right after the payment book ended.
Recommended Reviews:
  | 1983 - Escort L 1.6 gasoline carburettor A practical reliable car |
| The best car I have ever owned |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1982 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1986 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.6 Liter 4 speed Manual |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 3/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 3/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 15 miles |
| Most recent distance | 75000 miles |
| Previous car | Chevrolet Malibu |
| Date of Entry | 23rd June, 2003 |