1989 Ford Escort LX review from North America

Timing chain failed twice.

Piston ring failed and car started consuming oil very rapidly.

Oxygen sensor failed once per year due to the exhaust being polluted by the oil.

Car would die out of nowhere relentlessly, especially in cold weather. I could be cruising at 30 mph, but the minute I took my foot off of the gas it would die. This was while moving at 30 miles per hour. To keep it running I would be at stop lights pushing the pedal down some so that it didn't sporadically die.

This car has to be one of the most poorly made cars on the road. The interior is acceptable and it is moderately comfortable, but the car itself is not at all dependable.

The timing chain seems to periodically wear out. It had to be replaced twice. One of the piston rings failed and the car ate huge amounts of oil. Every other week I would have to add a quart.

As for performance, this car was remarkably slow. I could floor it and people would pass me by giving me looks that questioned why I was moving so slowly.

The speakers deteriorated and eventually rotted out, unbelievably. I replaced them before the car stopped running at 74000 miles and was towed away to a charitable organization.