1994 Ford Escort LX review from North America

The plastic covering on the electronic seat belt came off. It is broken, and doesn't move the way it should.

The front bumper has taken heavy damage and needs to be replaced.

The speedometer needle stays steady until the car reaches about 50 mph, then flips erratically at faster speeds.

There are dents on the rear of the car, near the hatch, on the right side.

The heater failed at about 195,000 miles.

The starter failed at around 200,000 miles.

I got the car for my 17th birthday, from my dad. He had bought it without consulting me at all, so I was unable to look over the car before getting it.

The damaged bumper and dents were on the car when I received it. The previous owners weren't honest about the history of the car. They claimed it had never been in an accident and tried to cover up a gaping hole in the front bumper, near the license plate. They used aluminum tape, and painted it white. My dad failed to notice this. The dents on the back are covered over as well.

Still, with all the problems the car has had, I'm very happy with it. I'm not surprised the starter went out, because it's an older car. The engine is still in good condition, and it runs smoothly. It shifts smoothly as well, and it gets excellent gas mileage. The stereo system works, and has good sound. It handles well, and has good acceleration and braking.

The only serious problems I've had with the car are the starter and heater. The seat belt still latches properly, and it worked correctly when I had to hit the brakes suddenly, which sent me flying forward.

I feel that the car has a pretty good track record, considering it is ten years old, and I put a lot of miles on it (I have a 200-mile round trip daily commute).

All in all, it's a good, sturdy, dependable car, and I love it!

I feel that if I continue to take good care of it (oil changes, tune-ups, etc.), the car will last for many more years.