Ford Aspire

Price Paid:  $7500.00 from Chris Synder, Granbu

Summary:
This car was great until recently when we got it it had about 20000 miles on it. We changed the oil every 3000 miles and did all the minor tunes ups and maintance checks. Now that the car has 90000 miles on it the engine light has come on and the dealerships cannot seem to tell us which part is the cause of the engine light being on. They tell us it could be one of seven different parts and the only way to find out is to replace all the parts. Which we will not be doing. We are now getting rid of it before something else goes wrong.

Strengths:
Great gas mileage, roomy, smooth drive,

Weaknesses:
Engine Light problems -- recommend getting rid of it before 85000 miles

Price Paid:  $5000.00 from Wisconsin

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 Ford Aspire

Summary:
WOW. What can I say a about the "Assfire"? Buying this car has been my #1 biggest mistake in life so far. Well, for short commute, the car has everything you need. I haven't been pulled over by a cop for speeding in this car yet, partly because it has a hard time breaking the speed limit. With accelerating, you're better off riding a bike. I have 60,000 miles on the beast, and my gas mileage has been going downhill. I can't wait to get rid of this car. I just hope someone will be as stupid as I was and buy it from me.

Strengths:
My Aspire has "Z Racing" rims. It also has good turning ability.

Weaknesses:
ACCELERATION, Has problems shifting, lightweight, going up hills.

Similar Products Used:
Ford Focus

Price Paid:  $2400.00 from Oregon

Summary:
I have read all the horror stories about the Ford Aspire and mostly have to believe that most peoples problems with the Aspire is the lack of basic maintenance. My Aspire performs perfectly every day. The only time it has ever even had a hiccup was with a tank of gas that had some water in it. Can't hardly blame that on the car. It has some road noise but that is to be expected with a 2000 pound car. I find it to be a very functional and serviceable vehicle. I commute 56 miles a day in it and get 32+ miles per gallon and it never has used any oil. It has a lot of leg and head room, I am 6 foot tall and really rather like the car.

Strengths:
Economical, comfortable seating, all gauges easily visible and 360 degree visiblity when driving. Very reliable vehicle.

Weaknesses:
It could use another gear in the automatic transmission as the engine is spinning 3000+ RPM's at freeway speed.

Similar Products Used:
Honda civic, Honda Accord, Mercury Topaz

Price Paid:  $10000.00 from Jackson Ford

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 Aspire

Summary:
When we first bought it it was a great car,then it needed parts. We about died when we heard the price of an oxygen sensor(300.00). The gas milage is still good at 90,000 but dont hit a deer! I have been looking for a front clip for months now and have found a few parts(still need a bumper cover ans a marker lamp dont caution: use 4autobodyparts.com). Ido like my aspire but dont like people leaning on it, instant dent! we will try for 200,000 +.

Strengths:
gas milage, parking, interior room, buying tires

Weaknesses:
PARTS SUCK! PRICES AND TO FIND THEM. THE TRANNY CRIES FOR "ANOTHER GEAR PLEASE". VERY EASY TO DENT,VERY POOR ACCELERATION EATS SPARK PLUG WIRES{I PUT ON THREE SETS OF MOTORCRAFT WIRES!

Similar Products Used:
FESTIVA AND KIAS

Price Paid:  $6000.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
1997 auto

Summary:
This car handles great, has great gas mileage, and the best car ever to take on a road trip. I can fit camping gear and four people in it and go just about anywhere. I would not suggest going into the mountains, however. Anything over about 4-5% grade kills it(you would be lucky to get the car over 35mph) The car moves as fast as any other car on the road, its just getting it over the 0-30 hump first. It has always started for me and has never needed anything outside of the occasional tuneup and tire change. I would recommend this car to anyone who isnt very good with the mechanical aspects of a car, as it is very low maintenance and very efficient.

Strengths:
gas mileage, room, manueverability, reliability.

Weaknesses:
no guts up hills

Similar Products Used:
toyota camry- this is SO much better!!