1996 Ford Escort LX

Summary:

A nightmare on wheels

Faults:

The car did not come with any hazard lights.

The alignment of the car will not stay fixed.

Rear window defroster is slow to react.

Trunk does not open easily, and there is no lever to pop the trunk.

The speedometer would wave wildly at speeds above 45mph.

The "Check Engine" and "Check Coolant" lights are always on.

The seat belt stuck on driver's side.

When idle and applying the brakes, the car rattles and vibrates.

Gas Gauger would waver like the speedometer.

General Comments:

The car was adequate as a first vehicle for new drivers.

The car handles well in city or highway traffic. However, it has trouble going up hills.

The car was very economical in regards to gas mileage.

The interior of the car was very comfortable for a two door.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2003

27th Sep 2007, 23:49

Wow I really don't think you know what you are talking about... it didn't come with hazard lights? what sort of in bred monkey did you buy it from?

1996 Ford Escort LX 1.9 SOHC

Summary:

A small sporty box

Faults:

First, I had a clutch put in it.

Second, My timing belt snapped.

Then, The air conditioner hoses blew off.

Recently, I had another clutch put in it because my brother drove it and burnt the clutch clear to the rivets.

Along with that, the flywheel was shot.

General Comments:

Good gas mileage.

Car is quick and handles nice, but could be more stable in the turns. The car caould take bump a lot easier also.

Great interior. Maybe 3-4 burn holes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2003

1996 Ford Escort LX 1.9L

Summary:

Great small car

Faults:

Timing belt at 100,000km.

Alternator at 120,000km.

Automatic transmission shifter cable replaced at 160,000.

General Comments:

Good looking car.

Very reliable.

Has air conditioning & compact disc player, but no cruise control for some reason.

Seats are bad for long distance driving.

I think it should get better fuel economy for a 4-cylinder.

Not a very "peppy" motor.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2002

1996 Ford Escort LX 1.9

Summary:

A reliable little car for frugal folks

Faults:

The radiator has developed a few holes, so I replaced it with a brand new one. The previous owner had the same problem and had the holes plugged.

The speedometer seems to become erratic when the car is traveling over 55 MPH. There is a sound coming from the dash similar to an electric wire shorting out.

The service engine light comes on all the time.

The seats are uncomfortable for long trips.

General Comments:

The Escort is great on gas.

Even though it is a low horsepower car, it has some get up and go when you punch the accelerator.

Nice standard stereo system included.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th April, 2002

25th Dec 2003, 05:19

The Ford Escort I have bought recently cos me £1600 - Nice bodywork, but leaks on Engine seal and Transmission Gearbox I'm also getting Leaks from the Hose pipes tor-wards the radiator- For a N- REG 1995 Model this was totally unexpected whose mileage is 92000, I would have thought it would still go on for miles yet with out the leaks. The interior however, the drivers side seat is loose, the passenger side central locking does not work even the cigarette lighter does not work. The Sunroof does not even wind up and the Indicator stick does not even automatically stop when you just have taken a left-right turn. : (

1996 Ford Escort GT 1.8L DOHC

Summary:

Quick, easy to own, and cheap to run

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Very quick, very economical, good comfort for the size, so far I have dusted Toyotas, Hondas, Chevys, Dodges, and even a turbo Eagle Talon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th March, 2001

1996 Ford Escort LX Sport 1.9 liter 4 cylinder

Summary:

Real efficient, fast off the line

Faults:

I think my heater coil is going... but that happens on all Fords after so many miles.

Hail damage... but all the cars except for the Volvo got it too.

General Comments:

Well it looks pretty good and it's pretty fast off the line, for a 4 cylinder.

I put in it, two 10" Pioneer subs, a Jensen amp and a Pioneer in the dash. I got the sports package which included the aluminum alloy wheels, and the spoiler. It looks pretty tight.

One thing I don't like is top speed - it's only about 115.

Overall it's pretty slick and it's best use is in town pulling fast corners.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th December, 2000

9th Feb 2001, 02:46

True, just put a K&N in mine, know where I could find a turbo for a '96 1.9L?

3rd Sep 2002, 20:40

I have a 96 myself. i put 4 maaudio 12's in the back and built a custom interior. i love the car,but the engine and transmission setup is horrible.I've blown 2 engines and 3 trannies. pitiful isn't it.

27th Jan 2003, 08:57

I love my 96 escort. If you treat it like a 4 cylinder and not a corvette then it will last for over 200,000 miles easy.

31st Jul 2003, 17:47

I have a 1995 Ford Escort GT. I love the car expect for one thing: when I bought the car (back in 07/2000) it had a few engine problems. Now I have it in the shop. My mechanic tells me that the Head was cracked when I first bought it and now every piston exploaded and caused irreplacable damage. When it was working it was a pretty hot little L4 engine. 0-60 around 7 seconds.

Oh by the way; Garrett makes turbochargers for Escorts. It's the GT20 model. I hope that helps. :)

23rd Jan 2005, 16:34

I Have A 96 escort and I really love it. I also own a 91 and both are very reliable cars. All I can say is don't beat on it and change the oil every 3000 miles and the car will last over 200,000 miles easy! Great cars!

26th May 2006, 14:26

I blew my 1.9L Escort engine when it had 85K miles. It was injected and in good shape before it happened. A Turbocharger will cost you big bucks and you will probably end up with a blown motor pretty fast with that kind of added power.