Ford Escort Hatchback 1990

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  • Economy

    Value

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Average compared to comparable cars.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Cost low until about 80K, when it started to get expensive - Gearbox (better gearbox in 1.8 and 94/95 onwards), Oxygen sensor, Mass air flow sensor. Tracking often slipped and wore tyres unevenly.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Quite nice to drive. Handled quite well over all - better than many similar cars I've driven.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Average small family hatch. Same power as most of the others, however not as much as you'd expect from a 16v. (Competition of the time is mostly 8v).

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    2 out of 5 2.0

    It was reliable until about 70K. Expensive blip until ~100K. 75K: New gearbox. 85K: New HEGO sensor. 95K: New MAF sensor.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    I like it. Looks a little dated now comparted to modern cars. I suppose the only problem is that everybody's got one.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Comfortable, nice firm seats with quite good adjustment. No adjustable lumbar support, but never needed it either.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Deadlocks (i.e. can't be unlocked from the inside), alarm, immobiliser.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Fairly average.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    No problems with engine itself, but problems with engine management sensors at 90-100K miles.

    Other

    Rear wiper/heater/foglight connector block contacts need cleaning regularly.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes