1990 Ford Sierra GLS 5 door 2.0 DOHC EFi

Summary:

Reliable and quick family motor

Faults:

Very few problems, only major expense was MAP (manifold absolute pressure) sensor blew causing the engine management system to go awry. Not a cheap part -> £150 from the main dealer and not the sort of thing you want from a breakers yard.

Other than that, just servicing. Engine needs a tune and the timing chain probably needs changing again (should be done every 50,000 on this engine).

General Comments:

Loads of low end grunt, gets harsh over 4,500 rpm, still a quick car.

Good levels of equipment and comfort.

Not as good as Pinto engined cars for modifying, but 170bhp is possible for under £1k.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2000

1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLX 1.8 CVH

Summary:

A good car for used prices

Faults:

Problems with the radiator fan motor.

General Comments:

A good comfortable drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2000

1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLSi 2.0

Summary:

Super car on a budget..

Faults:

This car has yet to actually leave me stranded and the engine itself has never been worked on!

However :-

Siezed rear callipers, a problem with all GLSi cars. Factory fitted alarm gave up the ghost when Maggie Thatcher still had the reigns!

Erratic idle speed, probably due the EFi Pot. OSR wheelarch beginning to show corrosion. Cigarette lighter hasn't worked for years.

Has a very healthy appetite for anti roll bar bushes (very cheap, but awkward to replace). This is over compensated for in very reasonable tyre wear.

Other spares do come at a bit of a premium.

General Comments:

115,000 miles on the same clutch, believe it or not ten whole years and 115,000 on the original exhaust (not common I grant you). A comfortable family cruiser, returning an average of 35 mpg!

Thankfully, never yet failed an MOT first time.

Clearly dated by design these days, but an excellent cheap option if you have the where with all on mechanics and are not in the slightest bit worried about keeping up with the Jones'.

Beware the dreaded tin worm!!!!!!

If you don't like spanners, buy a pinto engined model, almost every schoolboy mechanic cut his teeth on one of these and can strip an engine in his fag break.

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

Review Date: 14th August, 2000

1990 Ford Sierra GLSi 2.0 EFI

Faults:

EFI idle speed POT went wrong, one of the rear discs doesn't work on the handbrake. Needed to replace the throttle cable.

General Comments:

A nice car to own and drive. Not the fastest thing on four wheels but it aint that slow either.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2000

1st May 2003, 09:04

I have an identical problem with my 1990 2.0i Sierra, not a bad purchase for £20 but cannot figure why idle is so erratic. I've disconnected the throttle control valve, changed plugs and HT leads, but it's still erratic. Sometimes car is fine, other times the car will stall all the time if throttle is not depressed. Has anyone got any ideas on how to rectify this (apparently common) problem?

1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire GLS 2.0i DOHC EFI

Summary:

A good motorway cruiser

Faults:

Siezed rear disc callipers.

Rust on rear O/S W/arch.

Alarm system has not functioned since day 1.

General Comments:

A surprisingly quick car let down by a stodgy suspension setup! Considering the GLS is basically the cruising family man's fastback the car was no more refined than the standard LX models with the exception of all round discs and MT75 gearbox.

Reliability has been impeccable. Fuel consumption is much better than my previous Sierra LX 1.8 CVH.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd July, 2000

2nd Apr 2001, 04:59

I agree that the GLSi 2.0L DOHC Sapphire is quick, however throttle response leaves a little to be desired. This can be over-come with the fitting of a filter charger but the soggy suspension remains this models Achilles' heel causing sloppy handling, excessive yawing and poor sharp acceleration and braking. Otherwise a fabulous car, very comfortable and spacious although the standard interior lacks that finesse found in the higher spec models. The car can prove a little thirsty on those town trips but MPG increases dramatically on the motor way, where the car cruises powerfully but quietly.