Escort Finesse 1.6 (1998-2000) (Ford Escort in general)

Member Name: Malcolm

Product:	Ford Escort in general
Date:	04/10/00 (213 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good all round performer

Disadvantages: Poor rear leg-room, average fuel consumption

I will be shortly taking delivery of my third Escort and my second Finesse. That alone indicates how I feel about the car.

The Escort apparently ceases production very soon so it will be the end of a legend (like the Mini).

It is not a to-die for car but is a consistent all-rounder. The model I am about to exchange has served me well over 2 years.

The luggage space is more than adequate for the weekly shop. It can easily store a folded down pram and pushchair at the same time (with the parcel shelf still on).

Fuel economy is average. On a full tank of 55 litres the gauge slips into the red at around 340 miles.

Performance is okay from the 1.6 litre engine. Although it takes more than 10 seconds to get to 60 it can cruise quite happily at 75/80mph. Top speed is 110mph though I have only got to 105mph before being told to slow down!! However, the engine was not too happy about being driven for too long at such a speed.

Leg room is good in the front but an adult/teenager of around six foot tall would find the back uncomfortable after a sizeable journey.

The biggest luxury is the air conditioning which comes as standard with this model. The one snag is that if it has been on for any length of time then when the car is parked a small puddle of water forms underneath the engine and you worry that the radiator or the oil has leaked.

In-car entertainment comes in the form of a radio and CD player. It delivers good sound quality (Ford's own brand) but don't expect a thumpin' good hi-fi.

With metallic paint, alloy wheels and front fog lamps as standard, it is more than just a basic model and for the price of £8995 (after all the cashback promotions and Ford's price-cutting) offers good value for a car this size.

I will be sorry to see the Escort go. Whilst the Focus looks nice, the hatchback version is very short on luggage space and for a family of four that is a major
factor when choosing a new car.

Summary: