1999 Ford Escort SE Wagon review from North America

Nothing has gone wrong with this Escort.

This is a great little wagon.

I have read lots of negative feedback about the Escorts, but one has to put this car into proper perspective. We were looking at Toyota Corolla wagons as well prior to buying, but the Corollas were about $2-3,000 more for the same year with less options.

Domestic cars definately depreciate faster, but this means that you can buy one at a very good price used. It also has to be remembered that most Domestics are not rated as highly initially as the Imports - given this, the new or used buyer must be aware of the reasons behind the less favourable ratings ans accept this with less expectations in terms of overall performance.

I owned a 1992 Escort LX-E sedan a few years back, and it too, was a great little car.

Prior to purchasing this wagon, we owned a 1984 Volvo 240 wagon. About as solid of a car that you can buy. I was concerned that the 99 Escort would not measure up in thel laest. I thought that it would feel cheap and would be of poor build quality... not so!

The Escort is built very well indeed. A nice, comfortable interior, good quality materials with an excellent fit and finish. The ride is quite smooth, and the car handles quite well in the twisties.

The exterior lines are attractive and the body is well constructed. I admit that I do like Toyota vehicles (having owned a number of them over the years), so we test drove a 2005 Echo. Nice little car, but the doors sounds very thin and tinny when shut. The Escort on the other had, close with a solid and tight sounding thud.

Fuel economy is quite good as well. I see that the ratings on the internet state 41 MPG highway and 34 MPG city (Canadian gallon). I am achieving 36 MPG and 30 MPG. Not as high as the ratings, but then again, most cars do not achieve the rated economies. 30 and 36 MPG is pretty good in my opinion for a 2.0 liter automotic that is quite peppy and responsive.

We have only owned this car for a month and have only put 1,000 KM on the vehicle. But so far it is a pleasure to own and drive, and we are very pleased with this little Escort in every way.

I will write another review in one year's time.