1996 Ford Escort Consumer Reviews Page 2

Hate Fords?

Written by: TAllen on 09/06/2005

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 2 Dr LX Hatchback

Review

I vowed never to own another Ford after owning a Tempo. HA! Bought this Escort because of its style and drive. Only had 100,000 miles when bought at 9 years old. The only major problem was I had to replace the harmonic balancer because it threw the timing off and made the car literally not want to move. Got it fixed and that 1.9L gets up and goes. Gets great gas mileage. And roomy for a small compact car. This was a good pick from someone who hates Fords. This one has helped change my mind although my wife still says CHEVY!

Favorite Features

Economic. Gas mileage and just enough room for me.

Suggested Improvements

Lose the auto seat belts and put real cup holders in it ... not ones just for looks.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I love my escort

Written by: Kelly on 08/11/2005

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 2 Dr STD Hatchback

Review

I really enjoy my escort. I bought it at 33,000 miles. I had no repairs for about a year and that was brakes. Its been a great car. I am outgrowing it. Its great for me, just not big enough for a family of 4.

Favorite Features

no major problems.

Suggested Improvements

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Born to Last

Written by: Need2know on 07/18/2005

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 2 Dr LX Hatchback

Review

My Escort has 129,00 miles and is still going strong. My friends wanted me to purchase a new car years ago, but I am glad I didn't. Beside normal maintenance (oil, belts, brakes, spark plugs), I replaced the water pump and radiator. Sure those last two repairs costs a few bucks, but it is a lot cheaper than a new car payment. The car has always started (even in the MN cold). The car has plenty of power, but I don't believe in going over 65 miles/hour. If you want a car to do 90 on the interstate, this car isn't for you; Small cars do not handle the road vibrations and noise at high speeds. My only real complaint is that the speedometer went out in year three.

Favorite Features

Lots of space in the back trunk with the back seats down.

Suggested Improvements

Move the parking brake from the middle console to the floor. It gets in the way.

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Overall Good Car

Written by: goodcar125 on 06/12/2005

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 2 Dr LX Hatchback

Review

I bought my '96 escort in 10/04 with 50,300 miles on it from an older man that couldn't drive it anymore. Reliability has been ok i guess. Needed 4 new springs and various emissions sensors when I bought it, but now it needs a new sway bar, a new blower motor and a/c repair. The 1.9L is peppy if you aren't trying to pass on the expressway; then it's dangerous but I have the auto which may explain that. I love how well it takes corners and how easy it is to zip in and out of tight places. It's also a beast in the snow minus the lack of ABS which you have to be careful about. Also, fuel economy rocks! I put 15 bucks in it and it lasts 2 weeks; it's so amazing with gas being as much as it is.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy for sure. Maneuverability.

Suggested Improvements

More power.

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Going and going and .......

Written by: sasam on 11/28/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Hatchback

Review

Bought it hoping to keep for a year, but after three it is still running without any problems, other than oil changes and basic maintenance.

Favorite Features

Reliability

Suggested Improvements

lower noise from engine.

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Dependable

Written by: jrossodi on 05/01/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 2 Dr STD Hatchback

Review

This car won't die. It has had a few minor expectable problems, such as brakes, tires, battery, etc. But the engine is tough, the mileage is great, an it has NEVER missed a start in it's 8 years of life. I am now looking for another one for my son, same year. I know what to expect from the Escort.

Favorite Features

Nice trunk space, comfortable seats, great gas mileage, reliable powertrain.

Suggested Improvements

Not the fastest thing on the road, ablsolutely terrible stereo, and not the best looking car either!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Spring's 'Scort

Written by: Spring on 03/28/2004

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 2 Dr STD Hatchback

Review

I just bought a used 1996 Escort. It was a steal and the mileage, 40,000! This simple and economic and RELIABLE car gets me places. I see a lot of elderly people driving around here in the 80's Civic hatchbacks and other subcompacts, so I'm guessing that this particular Escort was one of those "elderly cars," being operated within the warranty as long as possible. This one's gonna last me a long while, I know it. So, if there's a 96 Escort out there for sale, - don't be a fool - buy it. It's the last of its kind. Great mileage, decent looks, easy to maintain.

Favorite Features

A/C's got a push-in knob that looks like the 8-ball. Airflow choices are written, no cartoons to interpret. And they GLOW! Functional dashboard, easy to view and operate. Drink holders came with black plastic liner, no spilling.

Suggested Improvements

Are you kidding?! NO! Just keep the oil changed every three months, and use Mobil motor oil for the motor. I've owned several cars and this was the best purchase I've made on a car.

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Don't Want to Give It Up!!

Written by: The Rave on 12/29/2003

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I don't even want to sell this old car!! I've had it for 2 years, it had high mileage on it when I bought it, plus I put 1000 miles on it in one trip from NY to Ohio, and back. It never gave me any problems, always started right up, the AC and heat are phenomenal, and the gas mileage is great. I drove this car through two bad winters and it still never failed. I just graduated college and my father urged me to purchase a brand new car, but I'm afraid it won't be as reliable as this one!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Skeptical at first, but VERY happy

Written by: escort owner on 12/05/2003

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Wagon

Review

I bought this car, intending only to keep it for a few months. Well its 2.5 years later and i'm still driving it. I have over 160,000 miles on it and it still runs great. Only things i've replaced have been tires and the serpentine belt, regular oil changes and 1 tune up. This is a great college car, its cheap to buy, run, and maintain. The 5-speed has a lot of pickup after 1st gear, so its a nice ride. Good in the winter and rain, no complaints, i would recomend this car to anyone who doesn't mind driving an escort.

Favorite Features

would have to be the large trunk area, lets face it, its no ferrari.

Suggested Improvements

drink holders block the AC jack for you cell phone, and automatic seat belts need to go.

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96 Escort is a great car

Written by: d357r0y3r on 12/01/2003

Vehicle

1996 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Hatchback

Review

i've got a escort, and have had it for a while, and it is a great car. sure, it's not exactly a speed demon and it doesn't look that cool, but for someone that wants a practical, economical, and overall good car, this is a good choice. in all the time i've had it it's been very reliable, and other than routine tune-ups and some minor timing belt issues, it hasn't caused any problems. if you're looking for sheer power or speed, then the escort isn't for you, but if you're just looking for a good car that's good on milage and is reliable, this is a great option.

Favorite Features

comfortable car, i like how the trunk opens up and you can take out the piece to put things in the trunk from the back seat. not a slow car, either.

Suggested Improvements

not sure if some have this, but mine has manual windows...i wouldn't mind power windows. also, the back seat could use a little more leg room.

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