i own 98 escort ghia people say they are badly engineered i find it a reliable motor wots your opinion.?

Answer 1

When that generation of Escort was first introduced (about 1990) it was badly engineered, particularly in the areas of ride, handling and refinement. In fact, Ford recalled all 1.4-litre cars from dealers before the car was launched to add an anti-roll bar to the front suspension after serious press criticism of the car's cornering behaviour.
However, the introduction of the 16v Zetec engines improved performance and refinement, and a complete re-engineering of the suspension in 1995 improved the ride and handling to the point where it could compete with the class leaders. Two facelifts improved the styling, and the second facelift brought a decent interior too. However some build-quality issues remained (a company I worked for bought one only to find the engine mounts were not properly bolted to the car, so the whole powertrain could have fallen out at any moment).
In late 1998 the Focus was introduced. Production of the Escort stopped at Saarlouis in Germany (where the Focus was produced instead), but the Halewood, Merseyside plant kept producing the Escort and Escort van in low volumes for a couple of years. During this period, control of the Halewood factory was transferred to Jaguar, in preparation for the start of X-Type production, and the Escort was used to introduce Jaguar quality procedures to the workforce. By the time production of the Escort ended, build quality had improved to the point where it was one of the best-built cars in Europe.

Answer 2

Does exactly what it says on the tin, can't go wrong. I had an 82 Ford Cortina then 2 Escorts then 2 Mondeos then a Focus. The Cortina broke down once (after 120,000 miles). Other than that I have never broken down (touch wood). Cheap parts, cheap insurance, and reliability, what more do you want?

Answer 3

I used to work with Fords for years and thought they were ok.
Then I got a job with Toyota and I realised that there's far better engineered cars out there (also some far worse) so Ford's pretty much the middle of the road.
If you drove a different vehicle for the same period of time you'd notice a difference.

Answer 4

I've had 2 Ghia's a Focus and now a Mondeo. It's just a better trim level and I think they are worth that little extra too. I'm now on my fourth Ford so no worries there. Keep on drivin!

Answer 5

i also have 1998 ford escort.

i honestly think that the are the most reliable cars going.

if it breaks down, you go scrappy and get a part for dead cheap. its cheap on insurance and they look really great if you decide to put a kit on it. also, if you end up in a bad smash, you havent lost much money. and can buy another one with the cash back on insurance.

Answer 6

they look ok but the engines are a little on the crap side i had a escort gti 98 that dropped to bits in the end

Answer 7

1995 on escorts were perfectly ok, thats the same engine they put in the mondeo and its bombproof. Nothing wrong with it.

Answer 8

Good cars and cheap parts,The engines can be a little iffy as they are an old designed block.

Answer 9

You have one of the late ones, when quality was infinitely better. Not exciting, but I'd agree with you, solid & reliable.

Answer 10

Hey, as they say: It's First On Race Day.
Just look at the name I wear - Mr. Fordman.
That should tell all. =]