1989 Ford Orion Classic 1.3 HCS from UK and Ireland

Summary:

No frills cheap and cheerful motoring

Faults:

Clutch self adjusting ratchet.

Starter motor.

Exhaust.

General Comments:

This car is basically an "L" but was re-badged as a Classic because it has a rear spoiler. The reason this was done was because the new shape Orion's were about to be introduced and therefore Ford had to get rid of the old crap by giving it a fancy name (Classic).

This car is what I call a plodder - it just keeps on plodding. It is extremely slow, esspecially trying to climb a hill, and is a bit of a bone-shaker.

The only good thing about this car is that it's easy to maintain and parts are cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th October, 2000

1989 Ford Orion GL 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Good runner, low motoring costs.. recommended

Faults:

Engine breather pipes blocked, causing constant stalling.

Massive loss of compression in one cylinder, eventually leading to replacment of the engine....... ouch!

General Comments:

Noisey, rattly gearbox.

Rust.

Starting quite badly as car reached its tenth birthday!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2000

1989 Ford Orion 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Ego booster!!!!!!!

Faults:

Warped brake disc on the driver's side.

Passenger's window slower than the drivers.

Indicator reset worn out.

Minor body rust, new arches fitted.

General Comments:

Excellent car to drive, lazy drivers dream. Luxury when compared to my last car (Escort), with, of course, the added style!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th August, 2000

1989 Ford Orion Ghia 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Nothing major, only the odd new tyre and brake disc.

General Comments:

It's not a bad car, the 1.6 injection is pretty quick and smooth to drive but parking is a pain as it's like parking a tank. Also any parts are dirty cheap.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2000

1989 Ford Orion Ghia I 1.6I from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Alternator.

Starter motor.

Exhaust.

Fuel relay.

Wheel cylinder.

Brakes.

Fuel filter.

General Comments:

A very reliable car with just consumables going wrong, plenty of room and a decent boot. Performance OK and good for long distance (all over Scotland/Devon/Cornwall etc) and never let me down. Service the car myself so dirt cheap to run.

Never failed MOT and two spots of rust on rear wings, not bad for a car 11 years old.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd March, 2000

1989 Ford Orion 1600E 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Overheating. Although I don't understand how the engine survived. At first I thought the gauge was faulty as I had previously removed it to install white dials. On motorway jouneys the needle went all the way past the red line. After changing the thermostat thing back to normal and the roads are more enjoyable as I can give it some welly. Rear doors sometimes do not open with the central locking and occasionally the boot has jammed shut. Passenger side elecy window starting to slow. Arches all round generally rusted but this has been sorted as well as rust under rear window.

General Comments:

Love the leather. Would never have a car without it. Not so sure still about the wood even after owning the car for just over a year. Occasionally get asked what it is (1600E) and can they have a look. I'm considering changing the wheels to a more modern look. Also replaced the gear knob for a MOMO which has a more solid connection and makes for more enjoyable driving. Also may replace chrome trim along the outer door panels as they are beginning to fade. Other than that and the odd Ghia driver who thinks his/her car is top of the range I couldn't ask for more. Well a little extra power would be handy!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th August, 1999

11th Jan 2001, 18:19

I also have a 1600e Orion, I have owned it for about 18 months now and apart from a bit of a problem with the cam (which was my fault anyway) it has been a faultless car. When the cam died I replaced it with a Kent race cam and followers. Wow, what a difference.

The only thing I would love to find out is how many of these rare beasts were made, and how many are left on the road today? If anybody can help me with this, can they email me at - mini.crazy@btinternet.co.uk

Thanks,

Shaun.c

12th Sep 2001, 14:01

Totally right, I have had mine about 12 months now, had to change a few things - fuel pump, brakes etc, but well worth it.

Now just finish modding it - lowered 60mm and a set of 15" wheels on it, looks great.

9th Aug 2014, 23:55

Hi, just thought I would put in some input to say I also have an Orion 1600e. I have had the car for about 2 years, as I was only 13 at the time and I still cannot drive it as I'm 15, but it was a great gift from my dad who has owned the car for about 10 years, so I have grown up with it. The E is a lovely car and is a real head turner, and when people say they've got an Orion Ghia, I always love to say I've got an E. It is totally original and I would love to know how many are left, and if there is a code of some kind to tell you what production number it is?