Well when I first got it I had to get a new water pump. The fan didn't work an the passenger door doesn't open from outside. The front window leaks in the corner. And the air conditioner doesn't work through the vents. I got a cracked head and got it back like six months later. Then I had to get a new starter and radiator, a new fan and I have had some fuel pumps. I put three on in one year. But here lately it's been getting me back and forth to work and it's got a good stereo system in it. But it's been a rough journey In the last year. But it had 40 some odd thousand miles on it. Now it's got 80 something on it and rust pretty bad. But what can I say gets me from point A to point B running like a champ.
Best Features
The 5 speed tranny. And the system I put in it. Got good trunk space. I had 4 12" subs in it at one time. Seats are comfortable.
Worst Features
Smaller steering wheel. Better parts and performance. Auto doors and windows. And a good E-brake. Hard to stop it rolling down the hill when it's slipping out of gear.
Probably the most reliable part of this vehicle is that I can almost always rely on a warning light turning on while I'm driving it. The 3-speed automatic is very jerky and doesn't always want to shift out of first and it is terrible on gas mileage. I average 19 mpg, which is worse than some high end sports cars. The interior is falling apart, the plastic components on the exterior have fallen clean off the car on a couple occasions. Within the first month of ownership both power seat belts failed and the front end electrics failed. These cars are also notorious for their starter problems. This is the worst car I have ever owned, I really should have bought a Honda.
Best Features
Everyone can hear you coming from a mile away because it's a really noisy car.
Worst Features
More Research and Development, better construction, higher quality components, Overdrive for the automatic transmission, Remove the electronic and mechanical gremlins, better weight distribution.
This is probably one of the worst cars on the road. It's been full of maintenance problems and leaks. Currently the entire floor is rusting out (there are some big holes) yet the body has no rust, go figure.
Best Features
None, the gas mileage isn't even good (about 22mpg city).
Worst Features
Ford/merc engineers take a hint from Japanese auto makers please. Ended up buying a civic (which is the best car I've ever owned!)
My Topaz has been passed from about 3 family members and now has 125,000 miles and is still surprisingly going. That's just a simple, no frills, inexpensive way to commute.
Best Features
Comfortable, plenty of room if your tall. Cheap insurance
The passenger side hub/bearing failed
at 60,000 miles. Bought new one for $78
and had pressed on steering knuckle for
$25. Found ball joint bad and replaced
control/arm ball joint assembly. Cost
me $47 for part and did myself with
above. Had fuel injection regulator go
bad at 44,000 miles. Bought and
replaced one for cheap. Bought fuel
injection pressure gauge to diagnose
problem. Engine and trans seem okay.
Got the car from my aunt in December
2001 with 42,000 miles on it. Also had
to replace water pump.
Best Features
Cheap to buy. Put in nice CD player.
Body holding up very well. Sexy looking
vehicle. (no not really)
Worst Features
US engineers need to take a cue from
Toyota and approach the design and
quality of a Camry or Corolla. Quality
is a function of the engineering mainly
and not assembly.