1990 Ford Orion L from UK and Ireland - Comments

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.

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.

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 :)

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.

"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 :)