Faults:

Rear brake caliper seized, requiring replacement.

Driver's side window regulator broke, requiring replacement.

General Comments:

Out of the box, the 2nd generation Ford Escort GT is a very competent performer. For the enthusiast, it is best used to surprise unsuspecting import owners that an Escort can also be a fast car and worthy of respect.

For the utility-minded, the Escort also benefits from its hatchback design. While a hatchback is inherently less rigid than a fixed rear window, the added usability really shines. I have carried landscaping timbers, drywall, and fencing material in my 93 EGT. Try that with a Honda Civic...

Reliability is the shining point of the EGT. During my ownership of the EGT, my wife also drove a 1993 LX model. The two could not have been further apart. While the LX suffered from repeatedly heater core and electrical gremlins, the EGT displayed its Mazda heritage. In 3 years of ownership, and 54,000 miles, the only item I had to replace on the EGT was the right rear caliper, at a cost of $105 plus the pad material. This is a part sourced from the Mazda Miata so better check your local auto store to make sure it's in stock. Only took 2 days to locate, and then bolted on very easily.

Despite its dual-purpose (fun and utility), I repeated flogged the car, running it up to its 7000 rpm redline, never once misfiring or showing signs of complaint. In the handling department, the EGT handles great as stock, but can easily be upgraded with a variety of strut brands and springs. Custom work on the rear suspension also helps to dial out understeer, making the car more 'tail-happy' and generally increasing the fun quotient when pushing through corners.

Faults:

Timing belt broke at 149,500. Water pump seized and caused premature belt failure. Transmission self destructed, actually broke the case and rendered it un-rebuildable, at 145,000.

I have to replace the plugs about every 12,000km.

Front springs require replacement now (185,000k).

Car delivers excellent fuel economy even when driven hard.

Poor heater core, does not deliver much heat, I considered replacing the core, but due to a poor design, the entire dash must be removed and the air conditioning discharged/recharged to accomplish the heater core replacement!

Most recent woes, the number one cylinder dropped its valve seat, requires a replacement of the head as the seats are pressed into the aluminum block. It should be noted, I average 400 kilometres per day, the vehicle is used as a delivery vehicle.

General Comments:

A great car for someone who would use it as a daily commuter/grocery getter.

Faults:

So far, I've had no significant problems with this car.

It still has the original exhaust system! The temperature gauge stays in the middle except when stopped in heavy, highway traffic. Then, the gauge slowly creeps up, but the vehicle has never overheated.

I've had minor problems with the front suspension. That's about it.

Acceleration is sluggish, but what do you expect from a four cylinder engine?

General Comments:

The body has virtually remained rust free. The car still looks great.

The overall gas mileage of 29.7 miles to the gallon has remained constant for the last three years.

The transmission and electrical system have always been reliable. Even the cruise control still works great.

I plan on keeping this car for another two years (probably another 26,000 miles).