1996 Ford Aspire Base review from North America

The car had been searched by the police or DEA and the inside was pulled all apart. The rear seat was hollowed out for???. A trip to a local junk yard and $250.00 got me a whole new interior (seems as though gray was the standard color) including an almost new rear and passenger seat and a jack and handle. I replaced the timing belt myself (wasn't sure how many miles it had on it, better to be safe) It had three different used tires on it, so it got new tires and a front end alignment. When I got it the thermostat was bad and the car wouldn't heat up properly causing idle problems. It's easy to replace though.

Somewhat under powered, but it's a sprightly and fun car to drive, handles the snow well. Body is prone to dents (thin steel) but appears to be very rust resistant. Very good gas mileage, 40 mpg, but it has a small gas tank so you have to fill up just as often as a larger car. Easy to work on, and parts are easy to find at junk yards, at least where I live. Very good heater, but since the engine is so small I would not recommend air conditioning or an automatic transmission.