Faults:

The worst problem I've had was a fault in the electronic pickup module in the distributer. It made the car turn off while driving down a high speed roadway. A so-called safety feature.

The only other problem that is currently affecting it is rust, there are a few small spots on the front and above the tires. The car was rust-proofed from 1989-1995.

General Comments:

This car is very efficient just so long as you maintain it properly, and drive normally. (i.e. Not like everyone else on the road)

Faults:

I haven't had to do any major repairs, but keep in mind that this car has very low miles, for its year.

General Comments:

When I first got this car, didn't expect much from a four cylinder. But the first time I popped the clutch and my head was pinned to the seat, my opinion was changed forever. This in one fast car. If that surprises you, we have something in common.

It handles pretty well, but its not a Ferrari.

I get almost 30 mpg. That's right. At current prices, 18 dollars of premium gas gets me 300 miles of a combination of highway and city driving. Not too shabby.

The interior of the car is done quite well. All of your controls are easily within reach. Oh, and for this year Ford put in a little panel that tells you if one of your lights goes out. It has LED lights and looks very cool.

Unfortunately, this car still has its original paint job, and by this time, it doesn't look very good without some serious elbow grease. Other that the sun-cracked dash it's the only thing that hasn't stood the test of time. Fortunately, both of those are fixable. I have a paint job in mind, and they still sell dash covers for this car.

To sum it up, a great car that is a lot of performance for not a lot of money.

Faults:

The clutch had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This car walks all over other cars, being a teenage driver you would think it wouldn't last, the clutch (the original I might add) lasted almost a year of tire smoking action before she gave out. Don't get me wrong I don't beat it hard I just like the occasional smell of burning rubber! other than that absolutely nothing has gone wrong with the car, she still runs smooth, idles smooth, and sucks you back in the seat at takeoff. Not to mention the body is practically rust free and dent free. I was a little skeptical at first being and escort with a 4 cylinder, but the only other first car I would want is a Mustang. Honestly I really love this car and hope to keep it in my life a long time.

Faults:

The exhaust system needed replacing, although it was still on its original exhaust after almost 89000 miles.

There was a slight problem with the brake light switch which was easily and cheaply fixed.

General Comments:

For a large car, it is severely quick and handles quite well.

The cabin is roomy and comfortable and has a decent level of soundproofing.

The Ghia has a pretty good stereo system as standard, as it has a built-in amplifier.

Faults:

Other than the fact that it burned oil, and smoked out anyone behind me, the only real problem I had was when my headlights had condensation inside them, and both low beams and one high beam burnt out. Then on the highway, the timing belt broke. The engine was really maltreated, and whoever the previous owner was didn't take good care of it. Other than that, I loved the car, I was sad to see it go.

General Comments:

I got good gas mileage out of it, but the three speed automatic was kind of hesitant with the shifting. The Passing gear didn't do much, the only response I got was the sound of the engine trying to push the car a little faster, but no speed was gained. I just bought another 1989 Escort which is a 5 Speed and I hope it is better. When I tested it, it seemed to work fine, and it was quite responsive. Shifting is smooth, it almost felt like an automatic shifting between gears. Ever since I owned my first one, the automatic, I've been in love with this model Escort, the older ones. I would recommend this car to any skeptics who think they are not reliable. it's a sharp little vehicle and I wish everyone could have the joy of driving one at least once in their life!