1996 Ford Escort LX- wagon review from North America

Brakes have been the biggest problem. Had major work done on them about every 10,000 miles after 70,000.

I just replaced master cylinder and booster (around $350) at 100,000mi. the car brakes still aren't right and they really haven't been.

One seat belt in the back stopped working at about 60,000 miles. The fold down seat in the back that opens into a flatter bed--the latch on that broke at 60,000 miles also.

The alignment has been worked on several times, but can't really be totally fixed without having to put an extra $350 into a replacement part.

Gas mileage is inconsistent.

More recently the car I think is about to totally die. It likes to die when I'm in traffic or waiting for stop lights. It's like like lurching even though it isn't moving. If I put it in park it calms down (embarrassing while sitting in traffic) but it does fine when I am just driving straight on the highway with no stopping. We'll see what the blue beast racks up this visit to the car fix shop.

It died on my brother twice b/c of battery, but once was car fix shops mistake.

Died getting off the highway at about 60,000 miles. I think that was some type of belt, and my parent's paid for that one so I don't know the cost.

It just seems to have a monthly visit to the car doctor--and I have gotten 2nd opinions, gone to different places, compared prices, etc.

We were to 2nd owners and paid 5500 for about 50,000 miles.

Now I'll be lucky if I can get 1,000 for it.

The hatchback style has been great for extra room and moving!

Pretty high gas mileage when on freeway (most of the time).