1990 Ford Orion Ghia from UK and Ireland - Comments

I have experienced lots of annoying leaks which has resulted in the (expensive) replacement of several sealing strips. Other than that and the minor things like switch failures the car has proved mechanically durable with only regular service items being changed in 5000 miles of hard use.

Some worries over increasing engine noise may mean a new camshaft at 80k miles.

The idle is not as smooth as it should be and there is some hesitancy on acceleration which could require ultrasound cleaning of the injectors.

Although showing its age with slowly developing rust, this car is a joy to own. It moves quickly through all cars and is sharp from the lights. The comfort level is great, a car in this class could only really want an electic sunroof on top of the existing specification to make it perfect.

Don't expect it to to be the fastest Ford on the block but it's a lot swifter than it looks.

You are completely right, looks can be deceiving. I have an 88 1.6i Ghia and inside it's very comfy and under the hood there is a fair bit of power. A little bit of advice: you can almost double that power by putting an RS Turbo gear box on. I have and now it's seriously quick.

Changing the gearbox does not alter the power output of the engine in any way. The closer ratios on RST box may make it accelerate a bit better, but not much..

I have had an Orion ghia 1.6i 1989 model red for 5 years. Over them years I have just about replaced every part on the car, but I still love it, mine has an rs turbo gearbox fitted and a recond. engine, the gearbox makes a difference, but not much.

I ran a 1990 efi orion ghia injection for 7 years, had to keep painting the wheel arches because of some rust otherwise it was a cheap, solid, reliable and very comfy runabout. not to forget quick! (as long as you didn't give it a corner to go around.)

A sad day came and the orion was sold on to a new owner and I replaced it with a new fiesta zetec ghia, this too is a good car and does exactly what it is asked, but! it is not an orion ghia injection. (i should have just parked it in the garage for a revamp when time allowed)