Faults:

Engine went at 144,600 kms, due to a broken head bolt.

183,000kms, the timing belt went.

General Comments:

Put 195/50/15 tires on, takes the corners like there's nothing there.

K&N air filter, noticeable power difference.

Running a straight pipe, 2.5", no mufflers, with a dual 3" stainless steel tip, another noticeable power difference, plus a great sound.

Plus, I have it accessorized to the nuts, it's a great looking car if you spend some money on it.

Faults:

Just the usual Escort stuff for this model and year.

Indicator stalk wouldn't return - swapped by place where I bought it.

Blower/heater doesn't work - being fixed as we speak (3/7/00) - fuse box needs replacing, dealer only part, unless you get to a scrappies for one. Main dealers want up to £280 to supply and fit, independent garage £206, Motor Electrical garage £100 (fitter had a spare). Hmm, big price difference, but you can tell it's a dealer part!

General Comments:

Good solid car - learned this in a bump last year.

Cheap to run, cheap to insure, OK drive. Lacking in street cred, but who cares - at least it's a car - and I know it'll start first time, every time in the morning.

Faults:

Couldn't open the fuel tank, because of a defective lock.

Once the clutch cable broke. Sometimes all warning lights are flashing, when cornering a bit too hard.

General Comments:

What a great performer and so much fun to drive. When you can find one and afford it, get it, you won't regret a single penny spent on this boy racer's delight. And what other hi-performance sports car can take up to 5 passengers? What other sports car can be driven easily in the Swiss Alps during the hardest winter and leave all off-road cars behind?

Faults:

Alarm switch and central locking on drivers side does not work. Every time that I get in or out of the car I have to walk round to the passenger side and lock/unlock the door to prevent the alarm going off. The dealer has looked at this problem 4 times and I think I have more of a clue than he does !! Nothing wrong apparently !

Back screen wiper switch is eratic, switches on and off at will.

When driving along with dip head lights on, main beem comes on on its own, 6 times to dealer. Same response. Crap is what I say.

General Comments:

I love this car like I would love a big spike up my bum.

Faults:

Needed a new exhaust but apart from that it's been fantastic over the 3 years I've owned it.

General Comments:

A nice car with better build quality than usually found from Ford, good performance, decent mpg and fantastic grip and handling..

If you want low down grunt, don't buy an early model, get the later models with smaller turbos on.. £200 spent on a chip for the ECU makes a world of difference.

Faults:

Lots of electrical faults resulting in the fuse box needing replacement, that alone at a cost of £300. Doesn't like the cold and wet much, lots of difficulty starting. Good enough as a runabout.

General Comments:

I was involved in an accident in this car at 30 mph and it crumpled. I wouldn't like to see what would happen to the occupants of one of these vehicles if it was to crash at higher speeds.

The other car involved had only minor problems.

Faults:

It cuts out when it is cold sometimes and then won't start again?!?

General Comments:

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Faults:

Leak in power steering reservoir. Dealer replaced rack under warranty.

Front anti-roll bar snapped after 55k miles. (I wasn't rallying - honest!)

General Comments:

While the engine in pre-1995 Escorts is nothing spectacular, good handling and efficient dealer service hold my interest. My advice to anyone considering buying an Escort is to buy post-1994. I'll probably get one myself!

Faults:

After only 32,000 miles engine needed new valves ect £800 cost Ford stated that it was due to the unleaded fuel and would except no liability.

General Comments:

I personally would never buy another Ford and would urge others not to.

Ford seems to be a bit too big for its boots as far as customers are concerned.