Faults:

Transmission went out about 1000 miles after I bought it. Sat for about a year, then a buddy helped me find a junk yard escort with 63k miles on it and we put its tranny in my wagon. I have heard these auto transmissions are soft, but I think this one was installed incorrectly.

Did some brake work on it myself. Normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

Overall I think this is a very reliable little car. Handles pretty well too. I find it rather comfortable to drive and the ergonomics are fine. I don't know what it is like for rear passengers, but it doesn't look roomy, my kids don't complain though.

If taken care of the 1.9L four banger will last long and sip fuel, but will not get you anywhere in a hurry. Unless it is running perfectly, the engine will rattle and vibrate, causing annoying sounds in the interior.

I like the look of my station wagon. It is not frumpy looking, for such a practical vehicle. If it were faster it would be very fun to drive.

Faults:

The only major problem with this car has been a timing problem. No other major problems have arisen that weren't just normal wear and tear.

General Comments:

I love this car. It has been a fun daily driver that gets good gas mileage yet is still fun to take out to the track and take a run or two.

With only a tire and spring upgrade the car's traction is massively impressive.

Other engine possibilities and modifications make this car a fun project for anyone interested in the challenge of making a "commuter car" into something a bit more fun. powered by Mazda's 1.8L Miata engine the GT model has a decent base to start with for custom turbo applications.

Lots of pep to this car, has never had trouble keeping up with a Civic or other competitors car.

Faults:

I have had the water pump, fuel pump, clutch, and rear springs replaced since I bought the car. The car has well over 180,000 miles on it has has been towed once, which was due to a mechanics error. (The mechanic paid for the tow) The tire wear is great, and almost every part has lasted longer than average, much of it is still from the factory.

General Comments:

After owning this car for 6 months, I bought a 2001 Dodge Neon for better reliability. After another 6 months, each car has cost about the same, and the Neon is now for sale. I find the escort has excellent visibility, and is much more fun to drive, not to mention the best use of inner space to outer dimentions I have ever seen. Also, this car get averages 42mpg highway, and solidly over 35mpg city.

Faults:

When I got this car almost everything was original. I put a new battery, spark plugs, air filter, driver side outer tie rod, brakes front and rear and serpentine belt. Nothing failed. The car never broke down. I just kept up on repairs to prevent such events.

General Comments:

This car is a fine economy car. I had a Toyota Tercel and the motor blew at 75,000. Ford Escorts book under 2,000 dollars.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the car as of now, but as with any car I am sure that something will.

General Comments:

This car is very fast, and me being a 16yr. old driver, this is very important. I really enjoy driving this car and hope to keep driving it for a while.