1998 Ford Escort GTi 1.8 16v

Summary:

Definitely a head-turner!!

Faults:

The bush on the passenger side wishbone went at 98000 miles. this caused the tracking to be off, but was inexpensive.

The section of the exhaust between the cat and the back-box had black blow on it and had to be replaced at 98000 miles.

Handbrake needed readjusting at 98000 miles (the travel was a bit too long)

General Comments:

I have had no major or expensive problems with the escort Gti.

Its very reliable and relatively cheap to run, nearly every part in the workings of the car are original, that's how often they break down!

I'm 19 at the moment and this car is perfect for me, its practical and fast, what more could I want?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th October, 2006

1998 Ford Escort GTi 1.6

Summary:

Good, but could be better

Faults:

2 new wish bones.

2 back bearings.

1 drive.

Engine not idling right.

Engine racing.

General Comments:

I had the same make and model car before this one, and never had as many problems.

The head gasket went, but that was just a straight fix.

But with this one, it just seems to be one thing after another.

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

Review Date: 26th July, 2006

18th Aug 2006, 16:26

I've had wishbones replaced, and had the ISCV (idle speed control valve) cleaned out with carb cleaner, as this can cause dodgy idleness. You've had the car for about 7 or 8 years, what are you expecting? Your list of 'complaints' is very very short considering the length of time! Do you expect your escort to be zero-maintenance? Your list of issues are replacement parts required every few years, and they're not exactly expensive either, being a Ford. I feel you're perhaps new to car-buying and maintenance, so I'll let you off :-)

22nd Aug 2006, 15:57

I had to replace a wishbone just after 50k I think there was a problem with this.

26th Feb 2007, 02:26

This is normal practice for a car that has covered 50k!!

1998 Ford Escort Ghia 1.6

Summary:

A comfortable, reliable and cheap to maintain car that still looks good in 2005

Faults:

Lower suspension arm bushes wore out around 30k miles.

Rear wheel bearing races began to break up at 39k miles.

General Comments:

Don't spend money on trying to get power from the 1.6 engine, it doesn't work.

This car has had a new engine fitted at 44k miles, a 1.8 zetec 130PS unit. this has transformed the car from a reasonable, but underpowered car into a car to put a grin on your face.

The Escort Mk6 is a much better car than its predecessor the Mk5, and drives well, parts supply is plentiful and cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th April, 2005

1998 Ford Escort Si 1.8 Zetec

Summary:

Generally a very good car, if a little dull

Faults:

OK, first of all I only paid £1500 for the car so there were bound to be a few teething problems:

Needed new brake disc's & pads for the MOT.

Suspension bushes needed replacing, also for the MOT.

The immobilizer has just started to play up, meaning the car just fails to start sometimes - Costly to fix so I haven't done so yet.

General Comments:

This car is very quick for a 1.8 and handles well. It leaves all small 'hot hatches' standing, will do 60mph in 2nd!

However the brakes are totally inadequate and under heavy braking the wheels will lock-up or even light braking in wet conditions.

The cabin has a sporty feel and is well put together with plenty of room, but the seats are very uncomfortable on anything, but the shortest of trips. - Anyone who has driven the car has commented on this.

Poor fuel economy, can just squeeze 260miles out of a tank (£40) and that's driving sensibly.

On the positive side the car is a low insurance group (8) and has the same engine/performance as the group 13 GTI.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th March, 2005

9th Feb 2007, 08:39

I wrote the original review. I just wanted to say I still stand by my comments regarding the comfort of the seats on long trips.

I eventually had to get rid of the escort as more and more things started to go wrong; The Suspension bushes or other suspension components started to break down again very quickly after being replaced.

Also annoying ECU faults would make driving the car any distance very stressful, as you would always be wondering if the car would even start up again to get you home on the return trip.

I believed maybe I had got a bad car, but research on-line leads me to believe that a lot of escorts and mondeos of this age suffer these kind of issues.

However, if you are after a sporty little car that is very fast and only group 8 insurance, but with the ability to be highly practical as well as fun; go for it!

My current car is a Volvo 850glt, a huge improvement on the comfort levels offered in the escort. But even with its 2.5 10v engine it can only manage 0-60 in the same time as the escort, whilst guzzling down the go-go juice at a whopping 20MPG.

Part of me wishes I had stuck with that escort, I miss it.