1994 Ford Escort LX 1.8 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good design with very poor engineering

Faults:

Anti-roll bar bushes required replacement every 20k.

Rear near side wheel bearing disintegrated at 30k.

Driver side rear quarter panel rusted through, replaced under warranty.

38k cam-belt pully disintegrated.

Water leaked into boot & passenger wheel well.

Driver's electric window motor packed up, remote central locking failed on passenger door.

Probably more I've forgotten about.

General Comments:

Nearly always fails MOT due to very high emmissions.

Badly put together car.

Fast & pulls well for a diesel motor.

Comfy ride & practical for a family of 4.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th July, 2000

1994 Ford Escort LX 1.9L inline 4 from North America

Faults:

Normal wear and tear. My dad locked his keys in it one time and broke the lock trying to get them out. Other than that, nothing.

General Comments:

This is a great car. Performance and gas mileage are excellent. Very comfortable to ride in and drive. I ran into an air conditioning unit once and all the car got was one little insignificant dent. We bought this car new in 1994 and it has run flawlessly for 6 years. It will be a very long time before we buy a new car. In all likelihood this car will last forever with almost no upkeep.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th May, 2000

1994 Ford Escort Cosworth Lux 4x4 2.0 large turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A truly legendary road-going rally car

Faults:

Rear CV joints, exhaust, engine management system, HT leads, steering ball cup.

General Comments:

A superb car to own and drive, but bear in mind that they guzzle fuel (20-25 mpg usual), and I had loads of grief with the ECU leading to non-starts, misfires etc. I think I was unlucky with mine, because few others had any of these problems. The performance is good, the handling is phenomenal, once you've learnt to drive it properly - they tend to tramline a bit, but with the right technique they corner like they're on rails.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st March, 2000

1994 Ford Escort LX 1.8 diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

The car was actually screwed together very well although there was mismatching trim on a door panel. The only time it let me down was when the dealer cleaned the fuel lines and did not reassemble them properly. And towards the end of my sentence with it it took about 20 engine turns to start.

General Comments:

A complete heap of crap. This car should never have been unleashed on an innocent public. The driving position was appalling because the steering wheel was too far from the driver. There was not enough performance to pull the car away from the lights without it stalling and it would always slow down on hills. Incredibly, for a car with 185/60 tyres and a diesel engine there was no power steering. The steering was 5 turns lock to lock. It would not do 95mph but had a spoiler. AVOID these things. A Lada is a better car. The 1.6i petrol is quite fun.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd August, 1999

12th Feb 2001, 05:53

I whole heartedly agree chummy!!!

9th Mar 2001, 11:51

Mate I couldn't agree more... except to add my gear box packed up after 54,000 miles... what???

15th Mar 2001, 03:37

I got my Escort LX 5 months ago. I have spent over a grand getting up and running properly. All the brakes were worn out, discs and drums, hand brake cable replaced, the boot leaked like mad (the spare wheel housing filled up), the lower suspension arms replaced along with the steering rack, track rod ends gone, four perished tyres, there was a major oil leek - it was pouring out of the oil pressure switch and rocker cover gasket. Never mind hey, it is OK now but I have just fitted a spoiler and I bet that leaks. I will never buy a Ford again!

1994 Ford Escort XR3i 16V 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Alternator at 40,000 miles.

Starter motor went at 50,000 miles.

Front wheel bearings went at 60,000 miles.

General Comments:

If you can avoid the 105 bhp models (as mine is) because it's just too slow at all rev ranges, it just doesn't drive like a hot hatch should. They look best when lowered and with RS2000 side skirts & kit, otherwise a very standard looking car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 14th March, 1999

1994 Ford Escort LX 1.6 16V petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Some dashboard lights have failed (a common problem).

Sun visor clip broke.

Rear-wash-wipe pipe split.

General Comments:

Engine and ride rough but generally good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th December, 1998

1994 Ford Escort LX 1.9 4 cyl. from North America

Faults:

Nothing at all.

General Comments:

Although not a comfortable car to ride in and drive, it gets good gas milage and is a very reliable car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 1998

1994 Ford Escort Si 1.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Bought the car two years ago. We have now driven 34K and in that time:-

Drivers door lock wouldn't unlock (replaced).

Exhaust rattle during reving.

Intermittently fails to start (once all day). Dealer said it may be the KNOW 16V ENGINE VALVE PROBLEM and quoted around 400 (uk) and was not sure if Ford would contribute to the cost.

General Comments:

Comfortable car but am not very happy with the engine problem situation.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 10th November, 1998

1994 Ford Escort LX 1.6i 16v petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Knocking from power steering when new, slight wind noise from passenger side when above 50mph.

General Comments:

Suprisingly good performance from 1.6i 16v Zetec engine, good economy / equipment levels and nothing has fallen off or broken.

Good Ford stereo is matched to poor quality speakers that sound like they have been pulled off of a 20 year old 'Alba' portable radio.

Quite pleased.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th December, 1997