1991 Ford Sierra GLX 2.0 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A comfortable ride for a family
Faults:
As it is a twin overhead cam, the previous owner hadn't had it serviced before I bought it so within a week of buying it the cam chain smashed and caused a lot of damage to the engine.
Other than that, since then just a starter motor gone.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd September, 2000
9th Sep 2002, 11:53
The Double-OverHead Cam (DOHC) engine used in the later Sierra's suffers from this complaint something chronic. The chain is generally thought to last about 100k miles, after which you are in "god's good hands".
Keeping the oil changed frequently with the CORRECT grade (about 10w-40) will lengthen its life, but make sure the chain is changed every 100k at the very least.
They also suffer from cracked cylinder heads, and are prone to overheating and blowing head gaskets - often this is all linked!
Other than the minor niggles, they will return up to 40 MPG if driven carefully, yet are satisfyingly responsive. Mine is a '91 Ghia with a 2.0 EFi in it, and it's done 150k on the original engine. I'm replacing the head gasket at the moment, but this is by choice rather than anything else.
Jim Christie, Secretary, Ford Sierra Owners Club.
18th Sep 2003, 16:09
Purchased 2.0i (dohc) from sister inlaw at 104000 miles as cam chain had gone, causing the usual top end damage.
Now runs very well, but not happy with rear end wander on wet or uneven road surface conditions.
K reg march 93.now showing 115000 miles.
13th Aug 2007, 12:04
I have had my 2.0GLX for about 9 years. The comments about head gasket and cam chains are true. Appears to be a design weakness here. My 'fors' are: good fuel consumption, excellent low end torque and drivability. 'Againsts' are: poor steering geometry (leading to regular replacement of rubber bushes and poor front tyre wear. Poor handling. Engine life short compared to rivals, including the Cortina which it replaced! Hydraulic tappets become noisy. Overall: reliable until the explosion. It has been a good car despite the various weaknesses!
5th Sep 2001, 11:11
The cam chain also broke on my twin cam Sierra at 47000 miles, causing damage to the head and block, resulting in replacing the engine at a cost of £1600 in 1997.Other than this disaster the car has been faultless in the 5 years I have owned it.