1990 Ford Escort XR3i from UK and Ireland - Comments

Fuel pump failure at 55,000 miles

Replacement hood at 60,000 miles.

The most immediate thing any driver will notice is the body flex and associated scuttle shake. This car really is quite bendy and so from the outset don't expect taut handling or a supple ride.

On the subject of handling, it appears to have 2 modes. On smooth surfaces the suspension feels tight and the car holds its line well into the corners and there is relatively little body roll. On uneven surfaces, the car is thrown off line easily and putting down the 108bhp is often hit-and miss through the non-lsd gearbox.

In both modes the steering is probably the weakest link. The rack is slow and yet very heavy at low speeds. 4.5 turns lock to lock is inappropriate for a supposedly sporting model and makes hard work of twisting b-roads.

The engine, though flexible, is hardly a sparkling performer and especially with the cabrio's extra weight, deserved a few extra horses to really establish itself as a good powerplant.

Comfort levels are relatively good however with supportive seats and fairly user friendly ergonomics for its time. Noise is a problem and with the top-up the wind rushes past the window seals and conversations are strained at motorway speeds. Top down is entirely different with less noise at low speeds and no movement in the hood mechanism to create extra decibel levels inside the cabin. Wind noise is markedly louder at 50-60mph and the roll bar only contributes to disturbing the flow of air and hence more whooshing noises.

So unfortunately I think ford missed the mark with the xr3i cabriolet from the very start. The chassis is just not good enough to provide the basis for a top-down sporting car. Really the entire set up would be better suited to comfort with softer springs and dampers, a torquier more relaxed engine and power steering with a quicker rack.

Generally though, I have never owned another car which attracts so much attention and starts conversations when I turn up for quotes on tyres and for MOT's. It looks as if that British love for the underdog has manifested itself in peoples perception of the xr3i cabriolet. Yes your fillings might fall out when you drive to work and people in golf diesels will overtake you, but I think theres a genuine affection for the 3i cabby which few cars can create. After all if corgi are prepared to make a die-cast model of one, maybe its established as a classic (even if the model is more comfortable!).

Thanks for the write-up. I'm looking at a tidy one now, but thought that it must have been a write-off rebuilt because of the jelly-like body shell and steering that is better than a session in the gym. So that's what they're supposed to be like then!

Very good summary and review. The XR3i cabriolet was one of few cars that I found really uncomfortable on the motorway. Anything seemed to upset it. A lot of money when new these are very cheap now, but watch for rust!

I had a mark 4 XR3i cabriolet last year {2002} and you are right about the noise, especially at higher speeds. I wouldn't say that the performance was bad, it was quite fast when you really put your foot down!! I do believe that the XR3i is good on petrol {and is a head turner}, but they are getting much older now and it is rare to see a good original one. Good all round summary though. Pea.

I have just bought a 1990 XR3i Cabrio and I have to admit that the noise is a bit annoying. I thought it was the tyres, but now I think different. Not too happy with the roll bar, but will buy a wind screen for that soon.

But all together I really love my little baby and it is, indeed, an original one with no extra trimmings, except sport seats in the front. But nothing has been done to change the body or interior so I'm quite chuffed. And it is in perfect condition for it's age. Of course a little rust here and there, but nothing major.

So there are still originals out there, you just have to find them.

I have just bought a 1990 cabriolet that has covered 90,000 miles, is totally original, and has a Ford service history that is up to date. A little wind noise perhaps, but so what! it is after all - a convertible. Tight steering, no scuttle shake,38 mpg, and fun - fun - fun. I may be 62 years old, but but I am reliving 1960s motoring with this head turner.

I bought my 1990 Escort XR3i convertible in 1991 so it was virtually new and have enjoyed trouble free motoring with it ever since. Unfortunately due to a trapped nerve in my neck I now have to part with it because of lack of power steering. Someone is going to get a bargain as everything is original and low mileage for the year. It will be sad to see it go. Anyone who is looking for one of these cars and has strong arm muscles, they are a joy to drive.