Everything started going wrong at about 32,000 miles.
It constantly needs new tires because the alignment always goes out of whack. You feel every single bump in the road and it's hard to keep control.
It has stalled everywhere from in the middle of intersections to cruising down the highway at 75 MPH.
I've had a tire literally fly off while I was driving 30 MPH, spinning me out of control.
Had to get a new computer installed because the old one would force the car to stall for no reason whatsoever while driving.
It couldn't handle driving in the rain. Even when cruising at 40 MPH, if it was raining the engine would try to die on me, making a very jerky driving experience.
I have been left abandoned by this vehicle on the side of the road about a dozen times. No exaggeration.
The door seals got all warped around 40,000 miles making it very drafty, especially in winter.
I am upset to see positive reviews of this car because no one, under any circumstances, should get near this automobile. I am surprised I made it out alive after 7 years of driving this thing.
I constantly had a knot in my stomach whenever I drove it, because at any moment something could go horribly wrong. I kept a deathgrip on the steering wheel, my knuckles always white with tension.
Obviously it has no pickup, but I don't care about that, and the one good thing I can say is that it got excellent gas mileage.
I have only seen two other cars on the road of this type in my seven years of driving. It's no wonder they're such a rarity.
This car was never anything, but a noisy and risky driving experience. I would not take a free brand new escort.
I will never drive a Ford again. No company that can produce a lemon like this should be taken seriously.
If for any reason you are looking to buy this car, even for $5, please do not. Your life will be at risk.
Actually the newer Escorts ('97-'02) are very reliable well-made cars for a decent price. We used them in our rental fleet and they never gave us trouble, even the ones over 100k miles (which we still rented out, which says something about these cars). Seriously, you should test-drive one. Give Ford another chance.
Great review, I couldn't stop laughing! I owned a 1990 escort so I know where you are coming from.
So... I own a 1990 Ford Escort Wagon LX. I have had some problems... but my car is at 265k right now and still running :D.
I've taken very good care of it for many years. Most cars don't last that long.. so I am proud of it for lasting so long.
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