1996 Ford Escort LX review from North America

Cracked exhaust manifold (cheap junkyard fix)

Oxygen sensor.

Replaced front tie rods. Common Escort problem it seems?

PCV Valve.

I may have a leak in my heater core.

Original rear struts are getting weak.

This is my first "big 3" American car, the last being a Pennsylvania built VW Rabbit...LOL. I have always owned used Japanese cars, and was somewhat worried about reliability when buying a domestic. So far (knock on wood) the car has been great aside from the problems stated above, which some are expected at this mileage. It has never broken down or failed to start. I bought the Escort because 1. you can pick them up for dirt cheap 2. basic, reliable engines 3. GREAT gas mileage 4. did I mention how cheap they are?.

Although the 88hp 1.9 CVH engine is doggy and noisy, it runs strong and I have been told by several mechanics that they run forever. I swear I see at least half a dozen escorts on the road everyday (far more than Cavaliers or even Neon's of this year). It's a hatchback that fits a TON of crap and has awesome seats (the LX model is much better than the Pony). Being an econo car, the best feature is it's gas mileage. I usually get 30+ in city, always 38-40 on the highway. Since they built so many of them, parts are cheap and easy to find at a junkyard.

I would STRONGLY suggest buying one of these cars if you can find one for $1,500 or less. Sure, it's not as refined or well-built as a used Japanese car, but in my opinion it's a great American econobox.