1989 Ford Orion Ghia 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Top performance and reliability for little money! bargain!

Faults:

Burst top hose.

Burst other main hose.

Broken alternator bracket.

Exhaust started to hang low in mid section.

General Comments:

Its such a fun car to drive, it accelerates quickly and goes like stink.

My previous car was a 2ltr sierra and compared to this it was a 1.0ltr fiesta.

Its handling could be better, but that is possible the only thing I would change - lack of power steering! but expected for a car of this size with no pas!

Brakes are very responsive and for a 13year old car it has very little rust! only a patch in left rear wheel arch!

So far a top speed of 140 - but the clock stops there!!!

Very reliable only broke down fully once and that was a flat battery! other times were the hoses which only cost 10.00 in total to replace.

Has been fitted with ice (in car entertainment) only prob with it on the installation side is that the under rear parcel shelve cannot be cut to fit speakers. so another parcel shelve had to be made to sit on top!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd November, 2002

30th Sep 2003, 06:03

You sound just like me when I had one as a younger man for my first company car. It was brand new and I loved the performance (I also got 140 out of mine down a big hill in a straight line - very scary). I agree that the handling is stodgy due to soft suspension and lack of power steering would not be tolerated these days, but I liked it without.

Funnily enough, I also tried putting a big sound system in mine and had to jigsaw the rear parcel shelf to fitthe speakers (Company Car!!!)

I loved it, but managed to blow it up due to excessive thrashing.

1989 Ford Orion LX 2.0 cosworth turbo from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I should have worked for Ford Motorsport!

Faults:

The head gasket exploded shortly after I bought the car so I decided to make it into a little project. I replaced the little 1.4 engine with a 2.0 t Cosworth engine as well as replacing the whole front end running gear.

The body work has held well with only minute rust at the wheel arches, but that will be sorted by a respray in a few months time.

General Comments:

The car is now a rocket. Along with the engine transplant I have fitted strut brace forward and aft as well as ripping out the rear seats, welding the rear doors shut and sticking in a 16 point high tensile roll cage. (just to keep the car together).

My estimation now is that 0-60 is about 5.5 seconds and I've never dared to push it above 140mph, but it will do it. It is a Beast.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2002

30th Oct 2002, 20:04

I have read your review and find it interesting. However one thing intrigues me, How do you get a Turbo cosworth engine into an engine bay that size? I am a mechanic and there is no way you can fit that motor into that engine bay. Please tell me more.

1989 Ford Orion LX 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A bargain, if you have money to spend on security!

Faults:

Had new battery fitted and the engine doesn't want to start anymore.

Very susceptible to be broken into. Broken into six times in two months.

General Comments:

Car is well know for low security.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th October, 2002

1989 Ford Orion Ghia 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Don't buy a thrashed one

Faults:

Thermostat, 2 new tires, few Spark plugs & leads.

General Comments:

Good Points. The 1.6i Ghia is pretty quick and can handle high motorway speeds no problem. The seats are great I'd have them in my living room as they are softer than my sofa. (not all seat might be the same) Cheap to run and repair. Huge boot. Fancy electric's.

Bad Points. Get an alarm and other security as it's a very nick-able car. Turning circle is a joke. Insurance can be high if you are young. Not the best looking car.

Don't be put off too much by tatty ones as mint Orion's are rare.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th September, 2002