IMHO one of the least reliable/hardy Ford vehicles I have driven and I have driven the following Ford Vehicles for extended periods:

1983 Escort L
1991 Escort GT
1997 Escort
2001 Escape
2000 Explorer Sport
2001 Explorer Sport
2002 Explorer Limited
1999 Cougar x2 (including a rare 2.0L Auto)
2000 Cougar x2
1999 Taurus
2002 Taurus
2001 Ranger
1999 ZX2
1999 Focus ZX3
2002 Volvo S40
2000 Lincoln LS

The 97 Escort was a POS.