1991 Ford Escort LX review from North America
"A good car for the price if you take care of it"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Automatic transmission locked in 3rd gear. Dealer couldn't find problem and wanted to replace the transmission. I discovered it was the transmission computer - got a used one for $50.
Timing belt snapped around 180 000km. I should have been proactive and replaced it earlier. Good news - no valve damage.
Air conditioning stopped working - bad relay.
C/V joint boots crack regularly and axles need replacing when they get dirty.
Bad rust around rear wheel wells - even with regular wash/wax.
Throttle cable snapped at 300 000km. Things like this are expected at that age, I guess.
General comments?
The car has been relatively dependable if regular maintenance is kept up.
Most of the major problems have been electrical/computer related.
Not happy with the rust after about 8-10 years.
Excellent on ice and snow.
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1991 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.9L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 330000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 31st October, 2003 |