I've just bought an 98 Escort, I didn't notice it at first but after a while I noticed it has a noisy front suspension over sharp bumps ? now its starting to bug me.
The garage I bought it from put a years MOT on the car, even though it already had a six month MOT from the previous garage. Its had two MOT's this year, from two different garages, so you'd think what ever the problem is, it can't be major.
Normally the suspension is quiet, but speed bumps, or bumps in the road that cause the front suspension to deflect quickly, result in a popping sound from the front. You can feel it a bit through the wheel. Otherwise the car handles well.
It's kinda like the car has no rebound damping and the suspension is hitting the stops, I don't' think that can be right, but thats the feel I get in the car. Although, as I say, handling is good.