1995 Ford Escort LX 16v

Summary:

This Car is the worst car I have ever owned

Faults:

Complete new exhaust system need to be fitted, including the Catalytic Converter.

Clutch started slipping at about 90000 miles.

Both Front Suspension Struts had to be changed three times due worn Ball Joints & Bushes.

Starting Ignition needed to be replaced due to ware!

Door Locks worn and sticking.

Door Keys & Ignition keys worn.

Both front Brake Calipers broke when new pads were fitted. Both Calipers need to be replaced.

Both real oil cylinders needed to be replaced.

Automatic Boot UN Lock Button would never work.

General Comments:

The general performance of the Car was extremely sluggish.

The usual rust on the body work you can expect from a Ford.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th May, 2005

8th Mar 2006, 18:29

That is so funny. I have a 1995 Ford Escort Hatch back, I can agree with you that this is the worst car!! Let's name a list of things that are wrong with mine: The driver's seat belt does not go back and fourth when you open door, trunk leaks so bad that this winter I went out to my car and there was ice hanging under my car. It takes me about 15 min. to defrost my front windshield because it leaks, the heater core is going out, all the key holes are worn and it makes it hard to start the car or open the door, I had to replace the alternator when I bought it, both of the rear struts need to be replaced A.S.A.P because it feels like the wheels are going to fly off... the list goes on! I hate this CAR!!!

23rd Mar 2006, 09:33

Well, I don't know where you got your cars from, but I have had 3 escorts and all of them have proved to be very reliable, comfortable and cheap cars to use and maintain. I find it difficult to believe that you are both being entirely honest with your reviews, and seriously doubt that your escorts are nearly half as bad as you say they are. I have allot of faith in most fords and this is backed up by years of driving lots of them. want a cheap reliable and user friendly car? buy a Ford Escort.

5th Apr 2007, 10:16

Hi yes guys ford escorts are cheap, but if you get a good one it will do well. we have had to replace lots of parts on ours and now the only thing left is the clutch that needs to be replaced. its very fast and have had 120mph out of it not even at top speed at 4500 revs. this is not a car for FAMILY!" so if your going to get one and you have a family don't get it unless you only have one kid cause its not comphy enough so don't lol. but if you're a person that likes doing up cars or you're a boy racer this is the car for you!

26th May 2011, 17:47

My driver's door lock was sticking, and the local Ford dealer told me it needed a new one (expensive), so I used WD40 on it, and after a week it worked fine. This was 2 years ago, and it's still working smoothly.

1995 Ford Escort saphire 1.6 16v

Summary:

Good for a second car its to powerful to be a first car

Faults:

Steering rack had to be replaced, but that was due to my driving no fault on car.

Brake pads.

General Comments:

This is a great car it has had few things wrong and I would highly recommend.

There good is performance when you need it and is a comfortable car.

Cabin is spacious with good room in the back.

Does seem to like the fuel though is a thirsty car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th April, 2005

1995 Ford Escort LX 1.6

Summary:

A lot of car for your money

Faults:

Exhaust was replaced when we bought the car, this fault was known when we bought it.

Water has leaked into the drivers door causing the central locking on this door not to work, repair would cost £130 so decided to leave it.

Drivers electric window packed up, the fault was simply caused by a bit of dirt in the switch contact.

Rear window heater some times does not work.

The discs, pads and bearings had to be replaced has the previous owner took the car to a garage that caused damage fitting breaks wrongly. This cost £280 to put right.

Cambelt and pulley was replaced which cost £160, this didn't need to be done, but was done in case the old one snapped.

Rear shock absorbers needed replacing at about 78,000 miles.

Lambda sensor needed replacing at 67,000 miles.

Exhaust needed replacing for last MOT.

Cat converter also needed replacing.

A bit of rust on the wheel arches, but this is cosmetic and not structural.

Rocker cover was replaced at one point. The cable on the drivers door handle also snapped.

Rear boot lock doesn't work so you have to use the cable release to open the tailgate.

There was a blockage in the cooling system which caused the sensor the electronic fan not to work. The system was bled and it has worked fine ever since.

In total about £1000 has been spent on servicing and repairs. Much of this is reflected in the fact the car is used mostly in the city, it rarely gets past 40mph.

General Comments:

The car has a nice interior which borrows Mondeo elements. Its much improved on the 1990 model.

The car has lots of standard equipment, electric windows, central locking, power steering, sunroof, height adjustable steering wheel, immobilisers, alarm etc.

The engine is willing on higher speeds, but can be a bit slow of the mark, the engine can some times be a tad jurkey perhaps due to the usual Zetec sticking valve problem. The car is great on motorways more than enough power for over taking. It can do 80-90mph without any hint of struggling.

However the car sounds like new, it mostly runs like new, the clutch shows no signs of wear and has never been replaced in the cars history.

Handling is not great, but the Zetec models have rear roll bars fitted which helps matter.

Overall for £1600 in 2002 we got a lot of car for the money and it was modern. A lot of things have gone wrong, but its mostly little things, the mechanics are still as good as new. Many of the problems are caused by city driving.

This car has always started first time and touch wood is extremely reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th April, 2005

15th Oct 2009, 15:37

I have a 1996 Ford Escort 1600 Mexico, cost £90, yes 90...have covered 2,600 miles in 6 weekends, drivers electric window motor broke, that's it in 3 months.. MOT due in December, will put it in November and do any repairs required. Cheap reliable car...