The final version of the Orion was launched in September 1990, but received the same criticism from the motoring media that the fifth generation Escort endured for its lack of design flair as well as the disappointing refinement of some of its engines — particularly the 1.3 and 1.4-litre CVH petrol units.
As with the Escort, the arrival of the Zetec 16 Valve engines and suspension changes in 1992 improved the Orion's dynamic qualities.
The Mk3 was identified at the front by clear indicator lenses and by a chrome bar that ran through the radiator grill.
The range topping Orion Ghia Si (sports injection) had 130 bhp (97 kW) out of its 1.8L DOHC Zetec unit, making this the fastest production model Orion that Ford produced through the car's ten-year production life, with a top speed of 126 mph.
A facelift to the Escort and Orion in September 1992 also saw many major improvements.

This version of the Orion was less popular than the pre-1990 versions, just missing out on a place in the top 10 best-selling cars in Britain in 1991 and 1992.

Trim levels were:
L (1992–1993), 1.8 diesel
LX (1990–1993), 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 16v petrol, 1.8 diesel
GLX (1990–1991), 1.3, 1.4, 1.6 petrol (dropped after 1991)
Ghia (1990–1993), 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 16v petrol, 1.8 diesel
Ghia Si (1992-1993), 1.8 16v petrol
In September 1993, 10 years after its launch, Ford discontinued the Orion nameplate, and the Escort nameplate was used on all bodystyles.
This was a move that Vauxhall had previously taken with the Belmont name back in September 1991.
Sales of the Escort badged saloon were not as strong as those achieved by the Orion, as saloons of this size continued to fall in popularity throughout the 1990s.
The slow-selling Escort saloon was eventually discontinued in October 1998, after the launch of the Focus saloon, although the convertible, hatchback and estate versions lasted until July 2000 and the van lasted until 2002.
The final version of the Orion was launched in September 1990, but received the same criticism from the motoring media that the fifth generation Escort endured for its lack of design flair as well as the disappointing refinement of some of its engines — particularly the 1.3 and 1.4-litre CVH petrol units. As with the Escort, the arrival of the Zetec 16 Valve engines and suspension changes in 1992 improved the Orion's dynamic qualities. The Mk3 was identified at the front by clear indicator lenses and by a chrome bar that ran through the radiator grill. The range topping Orion Ghia Si (sports injection) had 130 bhp (97 kW) out of its 1.8L DOHC Zetec unit, making this the fastest production model Orion that Ford produced through the car's ten-year production life, with a top speed of 126 mph. A facelift to the Escort and Orion in September 1992 also saw many major improvements.
This version of the Orion was less popular than the pre-1990 versions, just missing out on a place in the top 10 best-selling cars in Britain in 1991 and 1992.
Trim levels were:
L (1992–1993), 1.8 diesel
LX (1990–1993), 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 16v petrol, 1.8 diesel
GLX (1990–1991), 1.3, 1.4, 1.6 petrol (dropped after 1991)
Ghia (1990–1993), 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 16v petrol, 1.8 diesel
Ghia Si (1992-1993), 1.8 16v petrol
In September 1993, 10 years after its launch, Ford discontinued the Orion nameplate, and the Escort nameplate was used on all bodystyles. This was a move that Vauxhall had previously taken with the Belmont name back in September 1991. Sales of the Escort badged saloon were not as strong as those achieved by the Orion, as saloons of this size continued to fall in popularity throughout the 1990s. The slow-selling Escort saloon was eventually discontinued in October 1998, after the launch of the Focus saloon, although the convertible, hatchback and estate versions lasted until July 2000 and the van lasted until 2002.
Ford Orion