Faults:

Rust resulted in large portions of the car having to be welded, including: sills, front crossmember, battery tray and rear valance.

Engine would sometimes refuse to start when warm, never fixed.

Original gearbox had failed and been replaced with a 4 speed unit from a Fiesta!

Hints that the head gasket may have been about to go.

General Comments:

Reasonably light and responsive and so felt quite quick, especially as my first car.

It didn't handle very well mind, especially with the very cheap tyres I fitted to it!

It was already old and quite tired when I got it, but the interior was OK and it generally got me from A-B without too much fuss, so it was OK.

It was a car I had always wanted, ever since seeing it new at the 1984 motorshow at the NEC, but then by 1996 it wasn't quite as special anymore!

I don't regret buying it though, at least it wasn't the typical small engined low-spec supermini most people end up with. I even had central locking, a digital clock and 4 speakers! Such luxury!

Most of the chrome trim was even still attached to the car... :)

Faults:

Transmission had to be replaced twice.

Front wiring harness for ignition and lights had to be replaced once.

Had to replace neoprene timing belts 4 times over 77K miles.

Carbureted engine would not work correctly if tuned by independent repair shop. Tried several.

After last transmission replacement, faulty hose blew from transmission cooler and spewed transmission fluid onto maniold, causing fire and wiring damage.

Subsequently sold car for value of tires.

General Comments:

I sold the car the year the repair costs exceeded it's book value.

When new it ran very nicely, and was very economical to drive.

After each passing year, it became more expensive to maintain, and required more frequent service.

Faults:

Replaced engine.

Replaced power steering.

Springs broke in passenger seat.

Dash cracked.

Alternator replaced.

Starter replaced.

Door handles replaced.

Etc.

General Comments:

I named my little Escort Rags, after the dog that was always trying to commit suicide on Spin City because as much as my car just wants to die, we won't let it.

Rags has been a first great car. It's almost a miracle if you consider that we found it in a tree grove before we brought it back from the dead. It's been through 4 used engines in the 3 years I've had it. Winter mornings are a little rough when I'm trying to start it, but only if I don't remember to plug it into the house to keep it warm. I love it when it's working, but I hate it with a passion when it's not. When Rags and I are out on the road, I like to pretend I'm a NASCAR driver, but it's perfectly safe because we're not going nearly as fast. I would definately recommend this as a first car for a teenage driver, but only if his or her parent is a good mechanic. If I would've had to pay for every problem Rags had, well, I'd be in debtor's prison.

Faults:

Radiator Hose split.

Horn Burned out.

General Comments:

I bought this car when I was 16 for $500.I named my escort Blueberry.

The Escort is not a fast car, but it is a car you can depend on. When I got it the dashboard was cracked and the interior reaked of oil. The exterior had tree sap all over it. I Had to sand the tree sap off and then add 3 layers of wax.

The suspension was horrible when I got it. The escort is very easy to work on. When I had to replace the suspension it only took me two hours.

She is a beast to start in the mornings, and might stall, if you're not careful.

I've taken many trips in Blueberry and I have to say If you want a cheap dependable car go for the escort.