Overview & Reviews

With small Japanese cars dominating the economy car segment by the late '70s, Ford decided to bring something to the table that was more competitive than the antiquated, outgoing Pinto. The result was the subcompact Ford Escort. The vehicle debuted in 1981 as a two-door hatchback or four-door wagon and featured front-wheel drive, an overhead cam four-cylinder engine, a fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering. On paper, it looked like Ford had a winner. But in reality there were early problems that made a rash of recalls necessary, and the vehicle's longevity was questionable.

But despite the teething problems, the Ford Escort went on to become the top-selling car in America for many consecutive years. Broader appeal for Ford's small import fighter appeared in the mid-'80s via the introduction of a four-door hatchback and the sporty GT.

By the late '80s, the Ford Escort had become a solid little economy car, with build quality and reliability approaching respectable, if not Japanese manufacturer's, levels. By 1991, Ford's partnership with Mazda started to bear fruit in the form of the Escort GT, which was powered by a spirited dual-overhead-cam, four-cylinder engine borrowed from Mazda. A formal sedan debuted around this time, as did a four-speed automatic (which replaced the old three-speed unit). By the time the year 2000 came around, the Escort was being phased out by Ford's new Focus. With a decidedly edgy, European-flavored personality, the Focus offered much more in terms of personality and driving fun.

Most shoppers interested in a used Ford Escort will find themselves looking at the fourth and last generation. This one debuted in 1997 with a more rounded body style and a more refined 110-horsepower 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices were once again a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The next year brought the sporty ZX2 two-door coupe, which was essentially the Escort GT's overdue replacement. With 130 hp, the ZX2 was relatively quick, running zero to 60 mph in around 8 seconds.

When Ford phased in the Escort's replacement, the Focus, for 2000, the Escort family was thinned out by dropping the wagon, leaving just the sedan and ZX2 sport coupe. By 2002, only the ZX2 remained, and would soldier on for one more year.

Consumer commentary posted on Edmunds.com about the Ford Escort is generally upbeat, with strong points being listed as ride comfort, fuel economy and outward visibility. Proper maintenance is key, as most owners report trouble-free driving well into the 100,000-mile range, while some others have indicated troubles with the automatic transmission. Though a well-maintained Escort with lower mileage will sell for quite a bit less than an equivalent Civic or Corolla, the latter pair still has the edge in predicted reliability.

Although it debuted 10 years earlier, the Ford Escort really came into its own with the introduction of the revamped 1991 model. A lower beltline and increased glass area afforded a more airy cabin and the 1.9-liter inline four was refined for smoother operation. Higher overall build quality was evident in the car's quieter, more refined demeanor and more substantial feel throughout. The all-new Escort GT was one of the better affordable sport hatchbacks of its day thanks to its free-revving, Mazda-sourced, DOHC 127-hp engine, four-wheel disc brakes and firm sport suspension. With the exception of the adoption of safety items such as dual airbags and (on some trim levels) antilock brakes, the Escort stood pat until its 1997 redesign.

User Reviews:

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  Sporty, economical & less than a Celica - 1999 Ford Escort
  By teriana - January 7 - 11:57 am

  I purchased the car with 93,000 mi on it and paid $4,300 out the door with every option available (over half the price of the Celicas I was looking at). The car has an awesome stereo with premium sound. I drove it until 119,000. The only thing I had to replace was the thermostat. When I bought it, it did have a slight transmission leak that I always meant to have fixed. Instead I just put more fluid in every once in a while. When I sold the car, it did seem like it had the beginnings of real transmission trouble, but Im not positive. Trans problems are the one thing that can plague this vehicle. I cant ignore the fact, though, that my brother-in- law owned two with over 250,000 miles.

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  Good, reliable transportation - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ringo423 - January 4 - 11:44 am

  Though somewhat vanilla, this car has been exceptionally reliable through the years. Good gas mileage and perfoms very well in all types of weather. Cabin fairly noisy on the highway

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  The little car that could! 10 years! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By westcoastcop - December 14 - 5:07 pm

  Bought it new, put 160,000 miles on it with only an engine mount and electric cooling fan replaced, and several burned out bulbs. Other than that, routine fluid/filter changes, couple of batteries and one tune up plus some tire replacement and brake pads...thats it! Reliable! Never let me down, never stranded me, never disapointed me! Still looks new, red sports model 4 door, I put a cd player in it when my son was starting to drive it.

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  A good little car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By EddieSylvano - December 3 - 2:02 pm

  This was my first new car, and Ive had it for 9 years, now. I was a bit apprehensive when I bought it - an American car made in Mexico - but its been a champ. Ive only had 2 problems in that time: the alternator died after about 4 years, and the AC after about 8. Other than that, its been a great car. Good gas mileage, peppy acceleration, and fun to drive. Im officially an adult now, and buying a new car, so its time is up. Im really going to miss it, though. Ive had it so long its like an extension of myself, and its never let me down. I only hope my next car is as reliable and enjoyable. Farewell, old friend.

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  Good, but watch out - 1998 Ford Escort
  By wingchunner - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I didnt like the way the automatic transmission shifted. It handles and responds well, but because of the lightness of the car, it is affected by wind which at times makes it a little more difficult to control. Changing the serpantine belt is a little coslty .I thought there was a squeecking noise which I thought was the belt (not), then they thought something was rubbing against the transmission, so that was pulled (not that either), so the mechanic believes that the crankshaft is somehow getting out of kilter or the bearing might be worn wrong. It will cost over two grand to replace the engine or repair the crankshaft.

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  Cheap to own. - 1990 Ford Escort
  By matt - September 26 - 2:51 pm

  Fairly reliable and easy to work on, parts are getting scarce. Enjoyable to drive and good acceleration with 5- speed and 1.9 liter engine.

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  Alright Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By daf58 - August 8 - 10:12 pm

  Purchased this car at 30,000 miles. Has been very good to me, only minor repairs have been needed. Have owned this car for almost 10 years and I am very pleased, I now have close to 180,000 miles and this little Escort is still running strong.

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  1998 Escort SE - A great, reliable car! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Scooter - July 24 - 12:14 pm

  Bought this car new in 98 for my wife to drive around town, an SE Sport model thats still fun to drive. After 9 years and only 31,000 miles, the engine still has a lot of pep and gets GREAT gas mileage. No major repairs other than a serpentine belt and A/C work (common to Escorts). Most problems due to age rather that normal wear and tear. Routine maintenance was as expected. Will be a great car to pass on down to the kids!

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  A great small car value - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Satisfied owner - July 11 - 1:45 pm

  We bought our Escort SE new in January 1998. This car was going to be a commuter car for my wife. Well, nine and a half years and 100,000 miles later it is still commuting! It has been a very reliable car. The only thing we have done is change the oil and replace items as they wore out. We replaced the struts/springs in 2005 and the clutch in Sept of 2006. Overall cost of ownership has been low and the gas mileage is still good (30mpg+). Other than a dent on the left rear quarter panel from a parking lot fender bender the body is still in good shape.

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  Nice car, can be a nightmare though... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By HOTCAR - July 7 - 5:08 pm

  My 1.9 liter Escort is extremely peppy, but heres some advice for people who are going to buy one. Dont gun it at green lights and stop signs. The head gasket is 95% common to blow in these cars. I learned the hard way burning people at green lights, although it’s tempting. Gas mileage is iffy, cheap to fill, but the mileage is poor. It goes quick. Auto seatbelts broke too. I take care of it as much as I can, but it rusts. I love the car but what can I do?