The Best Years For Ford Sierra And Some To Avoid

Here's a comprehensive article about the best and worst years for the Ford Sierra, designed to be informative, helpful, and engaging for potential buyers and enthusiasts.

The Ford Sierra, a car that dared to be different, holds a special place in automotive history. Its radical styling, initially controversial, ultimately paved the way for a new generation of family cars. But not all Sierras were created equal. This guide will help you navigate the used market, identifying the best years to buy and which models to steer clear of.

Ford Sierra: A Quick Overview

The Ford Sierra was produced from 1982 to 1993, replacing the Cortina. Its aerodynamic design, often described as "jelly mould," was a departure from the boxy shapes of its predecessors. Available in hatchback, saloon (Sapphire), and estate (Granada) body styles, the Sierra offered a range of engines and trim levels. While the Sierra was a sales success, certain years and models are more desirable than others, due to improvements in build quality, engine reliability, and overall features.

Ford Sierra: Model Year Comparison

Feature	Best Years (1987-1993)	Years to Avoid (1982-1986)
Build Quality & Reliability	Improved rust proofing: Later models benefited from better rust protection, extending their lifespan. Enhanced engine reliability: Ford addressed early engine issues, leading to more dependable performance. Refined interior: Interior materials and build quality were generally better in later years, reducing rattles and wear. Upgraded electrical systems: Electrical gremlins were less common in the later models.	Significant rust issues: Early Sierras were prone to rust, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and floorpan. Engine problems: Some early engines, particularly the Pinto and CVH units, had reliability issues, including head gasket failures and oil leaks. Poor interior quality: Interior plastics were often brittle and prone to cracking, and build quality was inconsistent. Electrical faults: Early Sierras were known for electrical problems, including faulty wiring and unreliable sensors.
Engine & Performance	Introduction of the DOHC engines: The DOHC engines (Twin Cam) offered improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to earlier engines. Availability of fuel injection: Fuel injection systems provided better throttle response and fuel economy. Improved suspension: Suspension refinements enhanced handling and ride comfort. More powerful models: Availability of XR4x4, Cosworth, and other performance models with powerful engines and advanced features.	Underpowered engines: Some early models, particularly those with smaller engines, felt underpowered. Carburetor issues: Carburetor-equipped engines could be prone to problems, especially in cold weather. Less refined ride: The suspension was less refined in early models, resulting in a harsher ride. Limited performance options: Fewer performance-oriented models were available in the early years.
Features & Safety	Introduction of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System): ABS became available as an option on some models, improving braking performance and safety. Improved interior features: Later models offered features like electric windows, central locking, and upgraded stereos. Enhanced safety features: Some later models included features like driver's side airbags. Updated styling: Facelifts and styling updates gave the later models a more modern appearance.	Basic features: Early models often lacked features that are considered standard today. Limited safety features: Safety features were limited, with no airbags or ABS available on most models. Outdated styling: The early "jelly mould" styling was considered dated by the late 1980s. Poor headlight performance: Headlights on early models often offered poor visibility at night.

Detailed Explanations

Build Quality & Reliability:

Improved Rust Proofing (1987-1993): Ford addressed the rust issues that plagued early Sierras by implementing better rust-proofing techniques. This included improved paint formulations and more effective sealant application in vulnerable areas. While not entirely rust-proof, later models are significantly less prone to corrosion.
Enhanced Engine Reliability (1987-1993): Ford refined its engine designs and manufacturing processes, leading to more reliable engines in later Sierras. Common issues with early engines, such as head gasket failures and oil leaks, were significantly reduced.
Refined Interior (1987-1993): Interior materials were upgraded, and build quality was improved in later models. This resulted in a more comfortable and durable interior with fewer rattles and squeaks.
Upgraded Electrical Systems (1987-1993): Ford addressed the electrical gremlins that plagued early Sierras by using higher-quality wiring, connectors, and sensors. This resulted in a more reliable electrical system with fewer faults.
Significant Rust Issues (1982-1986): Early Sierras were particularly susceptible to rust, especially in areas like the wheel arches, sills, and floorpan. Poor rust-proofing from the factory contributed to this problem.
Engine Problems (1982-1986): Some early engines, such as the Pinto and CVH units, were known for reliability issues, including head gasket failures and oil leaks. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep these engines running smoothly.
Poor Interior Quality (1982-1986): Interior plastics in early Sierras were often brittle and prone to cracking. Build quality was also inconsistent, leading to rattles and squeaks.
Electrical Faults (1982-1986): Early Sierras were notorious for electrical problems, including faulty wiring, unreliable sensors, and malfunctioning electrical components.

Engine & Performance:

Introduction of the DOHC Engines (1987-1993): The introduction of the DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) engines, often referred to as Twin Cams, marked a significant improvement in performance and fuel efficiency. These engines offered better power delivery and smoother operation compared to earlier engines.
Availability of Fuel Injection (1987-1993): Fuel injection systems provided more precise fuel metering and improved throttle response compared to carburetor-equipped engines. This resulted in better fuel economy and smoother acceleration.
Improved Suspension (1987-1993): Suspension refinements, such as revised spring rates and damper settings, enhanced handling and ride comfort. This resulted in a more enjoyable driving experience.
More Powerful Models (1987-1993): The availability of performance models like the XR4x4 and Cosworth offered enthusiasts a taste of high-performance motoring. These models featured powerful engines, advanced features, and sporty styling.
Underpowered Engines (1982-1986): Some early models, particularly those with smaller engines, felt underpowered, especially when carrying passengers or cargo.
Carburetor Issues (1982-1986): Carburetor-equipped engines could be prone to problems, especially in cold weather. Issues like flooding and poor idling were common.
Less Refined Ride (1982-1986): The suspension in early models was less refined, resulting in a harsher ride, especially on rough roads.
Limited Performance Options (1982-1986): Fewer performance-oriented models were available in the early years, limiting the choices for enthusiasts seeking a sporty Sierra.

Features & Safety:

Introduction of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) (1987-1993): ABS became available as an option on some models, improving braking performance and safety. ABS helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
Improved Interior Features (1987-1993): Later models offered features like electric windows, central locking, and upgraded stereos, enhancing comfort and convenience.
Enhanced Safety Features (1987-1993): Some later models included features like driver's side airbags, providing an additional layer of protection in the event of a collision.
Updated Styling (1987-1993): Facelifts and styling updates gave the later models a more modern appearance.
Basic Features (1982-1986): Early models often lacked features that are considered standard today, such as power windows, central locking, and air conditioning.
Limited Safety Features (1982-1986): Safety features were limited, with no airbags or ABS available on most models.
Outdated Styling (1982-1986): The early "jelly mould" styling was considered dated by the late 1980s.
Poor Headlight Performance (1982-1986): Headlights on early models often offered poor visibility at night, making nighttime driving more challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Ford Sierra year is the most reliable? The Sierras produced between 1987 and 1993 are generally considered the most reliable due to improved build quality and engine refinements.
Are Ford Sierras prone to rust? Early models (1982-1986) are particularly prone to rust, especially around the wheel arches, sills, and floorpan.
What are the common problems with early Sierras? Common problems include rust, engine issues (head gasket failures, oil leaks), electrical faults, and poor interior quality.
Are Sierra Cosworths worth the investment? Cosworth models are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, making them a good investment, but ensure they are well-maintained and original.
Which Sierra engine is the best? The DOHC (Twin Cam) engines offered improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to earlier engines, making them a desirable choice.

Conclusion

While the Ford Sierra is a classic car with a unique design and a rich history, the best years to buy are generally those produced between 1987 and 1993. These later models benefited from improved build quality, engine refinements, and enhanced features, making them a more reliable and enjoyable choice for enthusiasts and collectors. Remember to thoroughly inspect any Sierra before purchasing, paying close attention to rust, engine condition, and electrical systems.