1997 Ford Escort Ghia X review from UK and Ireland

Full exhaust system required (including catalytic converter).

Failed MOT on emissions, serious hard driving and engine flush seemed to clear this.

Headlights turned off when I was driving down a dark road - common fault with these due to a dodgy connection on the indicator stalk unit (bought a complete new unit from Ebay for £30.) Very dangerous!!

My fault - drove over a fallen tree branch at 50/60mph and ripped a rather large hole in the back bumper.

Gets very hot when sat in traffic (apparently this is normal with Escorts, but keep an eye on the temperature gauge!)

A very common sight on the roads, but very comfortable in top spec Ghia X form, with all mod cons and nice wood-effect dashboard.

Drives smoothly, soft suspension setup means that you don't ever feel like you're going quickly, and also means you really don't get much feedback on usually fun country roads. Steering feedback is virtually zero. Having said that, it's fantastically comfy and good on long trips (I took mine to the south coast of France no problem).

Very practical - I could get tonnes of stuff in the back as the seats fold fully flat.

The main reason I got rid of the car is that, although nicer inside, mechanically the Escort is many leagues below the Japanese cars I usually buy, and it really doesn't feel like it will last the distance. Also feels very dated in every aspect, and is not exactly a stylish option.

But as a cheap to buy, cheap to run, practical family car, it makes sense.