I have black plastic Marea handles on mine and the passenger side was sticking. So much so infact that the door wouldn't close properly when someone got in.
Bit of grease and WD40 and it works a treat now
Dec '97 1.8GT / 135,500 miles
Current Status: Running Well
I have a smiliar problem with the passenger door. but its on the inside. it takes a lot more effort to open than the drivers door and everybody moans at me when they say ic locked them in.....yeah right!!!!