Used 1996 Ford Escort Hatchback Consumer Reviews
My First Car...still going strong!
My Ford Escort is the first car I've ever owned. I loved the style and now I love the car! I bought it brand new in 1996, and finally got a tune-up (2001)! I'm not that nice to it, but the only problems I've had were after 4 -6 years of Michigan driving, and 4 or 5 trips to Atlanta, GA. She now has almost 100,000 miles. The mileage is great, the ride is great; she's reliable, especially considering what I haven't done. Routine stuff? Nope, haven't done them. Sometimes I do the oil. She's a beaut!
no regrets
I bought my Escort brand new over 10 years ago. It had a whopping 76 miles on it. After the initial nit picking during the warranty period, it has done well. It still gets over 30 mpg. I have replaced the struts, heater core, radiator, and the timing belt (twice). All these repairs happened after the warranty and I did the work myself. Parts are cheap for this car. I have never balked at its reliability during its now 172,000 miles. This car has seen a lot of my life, it's almost sentimental. My main regret is that I got the sunset red (pink) color. It was cool at the time, but not so now.
This is a hidden gem!
This gem is fun todrive, very economical (38mpg in hwy450mi one tank). Costs nothing to maintain, other than the oil changes etc., and it is reliable and practical (it easily fits my bicycle). The manual I own is peppy and accelerates with the 5th from 55 to 80 very quickly. It can go (tested recently) over 110 mph! I have driven this baby accross the US (it has 140K) for 6 years, and it NEVER left me stranded. I love this car so much, that even though I am buying a brand new sports car, I will keep it, because even a price as high as $4000 is little for it. You found a 96-Escort? Buy it and do not think about it. A REAL bargain!
Overall Good Car
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.
the best
this car are the best on gas,cheap parts easy to fix i love my ford escort i dont need i new car