Faults:

Nothing major. When the car is idling, the revs tend to dip and then rise, but it doesn't actually cut out.

The indicator bulb has blown twice - dodgy connection to blame.

An odd rattle from the exhaust system on full throttle seems to have died down.

General Comments:

As this is my first car and I'm only 17, its great that the Escort is simple and straightforward to drive, and also very cheap to maintain.

It looks good in metallic black with factory spoiler.

This one is very well equipped with electric windows, sunroof, central locking, electric driver's seat, power steering, drivers airbag and so on.

The handling isn't exactly the most sporting, but it is safe and predictable.

The 1.6 engine is surprisingly nippy and it cruises along nicely.

Despite the dodgy image, and the widely publicised excellence of the Focus, as a good value, cost effective car, the Escort impresses.

Faults:

All external lights/indicators/dash lights failed 2 days after I got the car. Steering column switches had to be replaced - covered by the dealers warranty.

Both front brake discs replaced at 60,000 miles during a main dealer service.

New catalytic converter at 70,000 miles (UK£150).

New rear exhaust section at 75,000 miles (UK£60).

Very heavy front tyre ware, I have had to replace the front tyres every 12 months.

An undiagnosed whining from the steering column is getting worse, suspect it may need replacing soon.

The metallic paint has started peeling in a few small places - but not majorly noticeable. This is not covered by the Ford 6 year paint/rust warranty for some reason.

General Comments:

This car has been surprisingly reliable for such an old design, and not as sluggish as the price and the 1.4 engine would suggest.

Overall the handling is very good, although over-steer happens easily.

Like all Ford's the controls and switches are very clear and usable.

One niggling design fault is the ease at which the car can be broken into. Just pull at the top of the rear doors and they bend open far too easily - I have had the car broken into twice in this fashion.

Overall the car has been very reliable with only mileage related faults, but I think it is now getting to the end of its life.

Faults:

The only fault has been the door open warning light staying on when the doors are in fact shut.

General Comments:

The 1.8 engine is fast and responsive. the ride is comfortable. The interior is fairly spacious and light (has sun-roof).

I've had the car for over 5 years now, travelled 59,000 miles and only needed new tyres and windscreen wiper blades.

My wife has a year old Ford Focus, but I prefer the Escort.

Faults:

Front suspension bushes on driver's side.

General Comments:

Pretty quick from stationary, awesome after 3,500 revs.

Add an induction kit and it's even better!

Excellent handling, firm, but sporty ride with positive steering that gives good feedback.

Fantastic front seats, side bolsters grab you round corners.

Excellent driving position.

Brilliant gear change (typical Ford) smooth and precise.

Build quality very good. However paint does chip easily.

Faults:

The car suffered a very irregular idle. This meant 4 return trips to the dealer who had it checked out and different parts replaced each time it went in. He gave up eventually and had the car sent to a real Ford dealership who traced the fault to a faulty breather valve.

Electrics were another problem, although a minor problem.

The rear wiper started when it felt like it and just wouldn't stop unless we pulled the fuse. The relay was replaced and then it stopped working altogether.

After cleaning the contacts between the rear sill and the tailgate spring loaded connectors, the wiper has been fine.

General Comments:

We bought the car because it looked the part with alloy wheels and tailgate spoiler. And it was black which looked classy. A test drive proved fine, so we parted with our cash.

Our first criticism to the dealer was that the alarm and central locking didn't work. His reply was "It has no alarm OR central locking"

On a 1997 car! No alarm!

A call to the main Ford dealer confirmed this.

Lots of other things too. No rev counter. There is a display which is supposed to show which doors are left open, but that isn't functional on the Chicane.

So, a comfortable car, it looks the part, it's comfortable, quiet and has reasonable performance from it's 1.6 litre Zetec engine. Don't expect much though, it won't deliver.

Fuel economy is supposed to be around 35 miles per gallon. The car has just been through a full Ford dealer engine setup, and it returns nothing like 35 miles per gallon.

Probably around 22 around town and 29 on a run. £400 spent and it now has an alarm and remote central locking.