1995 Ford Escort LX from North America - Comments

We had to replace the outer tie-rod arm when we purchased the car.

At about 95,000 miles the timing belt needed to be replaced, which is good since they usually go at about 75,000.

The transmission has been twitchy for the last 2 years, a lot of times not wanting to shift out of first gear. Also it occasionally wants to downshift on it's own terms.

The automatic seatbelt on the driver's side does not work anymore, but still passed state inspection so it's not a big deal.

The outer tie-rod on the passenger side needed replacing this year.

I also have the infamous check engine light on which are probably plugs and wires.

My wife absolutely loves this car, me on the other hand; I feel it's too small. My previous car is a 1980 Buick LeSabre, so it was a big size jump.

I am open for ideas on the transmission problem, my wife says it's no big deal. I can't stand it, I feel like I'm going to blow the engine because the RPM's skyrocket when it downshifts.

Great on gas I will admit that, and I like hatchbacks. Like most of the reviews this car does lack power, but that's why they call it economical.

Hi,

If they are like the 90's with the transmission kick down rod then check the plastic bushing in the rod. The plastic bushings go and create slop which caused my wifes car to shift late. Just a thought. :-)

Hi. I had the same problem with my 1995 Escort wagon. It would just "slip" out of gear at any speed. It turned out to be the speed control sensor which plugs into the transmission. It was so bad it came out in four pieces!! About $150.00 fix at a local repair shop. I am not familiar with transmissions or I would have done it myself. Also, look into the speedometer cable. Mine is bad and I think that may also have had something to do with it. You will know if it is bad or not because the speedometer will "jump around" at any speed, or it will make a "grinding" noise that comes from the speedometer. Hope this helps!! Good luck.