1990 Ford Orion Ghia 1.6i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Underrated low cost performer!

Faults:

Fuel relay fault at 90,000 miles. Fortunately only cost £50 to fix.

General Comments:

This car has the same engine as an XR3i - a 105bhp 1.6 injection unit, and it certainly feels like it!

I have seen the speedometer at 125mph redlining in 5th and I'm sure it would do more if I wasn't concerned about the engine.

The insurance group is very low though for some reason, =) it cost me only £1400 to insure it at 18, compared to quotes in the region of £3000 for an XR3i!

The interior is really quite nice, comfortable seats, clear dashboard and a trip computer that calculates fuel economy and range etc.

Fuel economy is actually reasonably good if you drive like a granny, I can get 35mpg out of it, although this regularly deteriorates to 18mpg when the right foot gets a bit heavy!!!

This car is definitley faster than most hot hatches, and they are cheaper to buy and insure! Looks and sounds mean when lowered, 15's, and a back-box are all on. Sorted.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2002

1990 Ford Orion GL 1.6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A reliable spacious motor car

Faults:

The bonnet release does not work properly and needs replacing.

General Comments:

Excellent car.

It cost me only £300 used and is easily worth £500.

There is some rust on the rear arches and a few spots over the body, but the paintwork is good and the car is highly polished.

I have had no engine trouble with the car and it really goes well.

My previous car was a golf GTI and the Orion may not match it on speed, but beats it hands down on comfort and reliability.

I am looking forward to reconditioning the car to its former glory and adding new additions like alloys and spots.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2002

1990 Ford Orion Ghia 1.6 EFi from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Mini luxury and enough performance at a silly low price!

Faults:

Anti Lock Braking sensors needed replacing.

Fan switch failed.

General Comments:

These car's are great value for money.

Since I bought the car it's never broke down or failed to start first time.

It's cheap to maintain.

It is a luxury XR3i.

Go and buy one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2002

1990 Ford Orion L 1.3 OHV petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A dependable old run around with the ability to go long distances if necessary

Faults:

Although a minor problem, most of the interior trim now squeaks or rattles over every bump in the road.

Rust became bad around the rear wheel-arches and drivers side rear door, however this is easy to fix using filler, sand-paper and lots of patience.

Engine runs badly when cold, it seems very lumpy and down on power although this disappears after a few miles.

Although it has no oil leaks, the motor does need constant topping up with oil.

General Comments:

I bought this car as a cheap work-horse.

It has a full service history (dealer stamped) and fairly low mileage.

As a 1.3 engine seems quite small in such a big car I was pleasantly surprised with the performance. Although it's no speed machine, it's brisk and and nippy round town and can tackle open roads if necessary. However, the engine when pushed, does become loud and coarse and although the tyres are new, the car does understeer tremendously, especially in the wet.

I'm impressed with the space in the front, as I'm 6'6" I need lots of legroom, however taller passengers have complained in the back.

Now its had a good polish and clean, I'm sure it'll keep going for years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th January, 2002

20th Jan 2002, 00:40

Aye well its a Ford, COLD BLOODED!

Let her warm up a bit before you take off, a minute or two, does the trick nicely :)

9th Feb 2003, 06:22

I have a 1.3 orion HCS OHV with the same problem.

The hcs is a pain in the backside ignition system.

Although I do have an oil leak coming from the crank shaft oil seal, but have replaced that oil seal and still not fixed.

9th May 2003, 07:49

"Although a minor problem, most of the interior trim now squeaks or rattles over every bump in the road."

A typical Ford really :)

Orions, Escorts, Mondeos, Fiestas, Galaxys etc etc they all creak and rattle from some place or another from as little as 10'000miles on wards.

I have to say, I really wish ford would get problems like that sorted now days - Ever been in a volkswagon? Or for that matter any German car - barely an audible squeak from their interiors.

However, Fords, I still love them.

I also own an Orion, 1.4 CVH LX mk2. Quite creaky and rattly + also eating a little oil as well. Cold starts are the same as well - it can be a bit lethargic until heated up. It has 97000 miles on the clock and the body work is actually in pretty good condition - the worst of the rust being on the bottom of the front passenger door. Its not bad, if a little noisy, on the motorway and will happily cruise at 70mph all day... or until out of petrol :)