1995 Ford Escort LX Wagon 1.9 Liter from North America

Summary:

Nice design, but expensive problems to fix

Faults:

At around 92,000 miles, the transmission had to be rebuilt.

Wiring for the left speaker seems to not work, and you sometimes have to hit the radio deck if it seems to turn off randomly during your trip. It usually turns back on if you hit it the right way.

The back left passenger door doesn't unlock, thus it won't open at all.

The switch for the hazard lights broke off, so I can't use them at all when the car is dying on the road.

The trunk door won't unlock with the key. It's good that this is a wagon cause you have to reach from the back seat to unlock the door.

The dashboard light went out and I haven't had the money to get it checked anywhere, so it might just be a bulb.

Also, there was a slight oil leak that was fixed.

Again, at 107,800 miles, the transmission seems to slip depending on the weather outside. If it's cold and rainy or just very cool outside, the car has no issues, but if the car is in the heat for too long the transmission won't shift into 3rd or 4th gear at all.

And last of all, the heater blows out air even if it's off, so I have to usually let it run of the coolest setting that isn't the A/C because it uses less energy that way.

Most of these issues might have been because the car had an abusive owner and it might have been in an accident, but I am not sure as to what happened with my car with its previous owner.

General Comments:

On good days, the acceleration is awesome. the only problem is gaining speed on hills (and highways), and that's because of the low horsepower engine. But once it reaches your speed, it goes pretty fast.

This car is easy to drive and park, especially in the city.

The seats are comfortable and can adjust well to your liking.

I like the way it was designed. I just didn't appreciate the cigarette lighter so close to the gear box, so it is very hard having my ipod plugged in and trying to shift, so it's a good thing it's an automatic.

All in all, I love the car, and I would recommend it as a first car or one to use for local use unless you have one that has high mileage on it.

Too bad it's an economy car, because if it wasn't it would be a nice vehicle to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 13th October, 2006

1995 Ford Escort Encore 1.4 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Wouldn't have one if someone gave it to me

Faults:

When first brought the car suddenly got a loud tapping and the engine seized up! Required a new engine.

Boot leaked could keep gold fish in the spare wheel bay.

Sold it sharply due to loud tapping coming back.

General Comments:

This car is seriously slow and handles like a pram. You definatly need a good stereo to drown out all the knocks and creeks.

Had 5 spoke alloys on it and still looked dull.

No extras on vehicle at all only thing it did was make a noise when left your lights on.

Very poor mpg was a 1.4 and only managed about 27 to the gallon!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th July, 2006

1995 Ford Escort sport LX from North America

Summary:

The most economical, easy to repair and fun to drive vehicle in it's price range

Faults:

Seat belt slide stopped working recently.

Last summer the air conditioner went out.

The car is starting to rust and the exterior trim on doors is peeling off.

This car does not like the wind or very bumpy roads.

In Jule of 05' I had the cars first tune up. It kept stalling so I took it in and the problem was something vacuum oriented?!

General Comments:

Great on gas.

Always starts.

Easy to maneuver.

Very quiet car!.

The hatchback is great!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th June, 2006