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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  Ford Escorts are reliable - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Justin Davis - April 9 - 2:31 pm

  Must say that after 164,000 miles and a whole lot of rust in 16 years of existence,this car is still driving strong. Its fun to drive and it hasnt given the last owner or me any problems. Love this little car!

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  chopped - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Duck - April 6 - 10:22 am

  I bought my escort from a shoty used car guy after I wrecked my Neon. Ive been into modding cars since I was 16 so the thought of getting an Escourt didnt thrill me in the least. Big time surprise to me swapped the original motor for a 2000 DOHC Ztec ZX2 w/ 74k miles then began the work on this car, my feul economy is sorta my fault....:P but other than that no real complaints with the new ZX2 motor and upgrades its quick, still great for long trips.....not only that but Im killin mustangs off the line and putting 140 easy on the speedo and 11.6 on the board

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  A Worthwhile Purchase - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Frank - April 3 - 8:50 am

  Ive had this car over six years now and it is one of the better vehicle purchases Ive ever made. It has been very reliable and has not had any major mechanical issues. I replaced the air filter with a premium air filter and performed a tune up using premium spark plugs last year and the fuel economy has been consistently averaging 31 MPG. Before that, I was averaging around 28 MPG.

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  1998 Ford Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 1998 Ford Escort - March 28 - 3:34 am

  Very Reliable vehicle. Great gas mileage 40 HWY miles. This vehicle was subjected to a MN winter- 30 days in a row of zero degrees. The car started EVERY morning without a problem. Vehicle is just now starting to show a little rust. Dependable, great gas mileage. feels solid when driving during a MN winter...

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  LOVE IT! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By xxchrist_rockerxx - March 13 - 5:40 pm

  LOVE this car, bought it with 80,000 miles on it in 2005, fresh out of high school. in less than 4 years ive more than tripled the mileage, and its sitting at 261,000 miles right now and still running strong! EASILY gets 32mpg city, 35 highway...i would recommend this car to ANYONE, but not mine because its not for sale! If you get one, take care of it...it will last you forever!

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  Mechanically, its like a rock. - 1993 Ford Escort
  By John - March 9 - 11:27 am

  I got the steal of the century when I picked up my 93 Escort of an elderly woman who could no longer drive. I got it in 04 with 14k (no joke) miles on it for just under $2000. Since then, I delivered pizza in it for 3 years, and have driven it as a city commuter for the last 2. Its solid as a rock mechanically speaking. Ive changed brake pads, oil, belts and the outer tie rod ends it just keeps on trucking. However, my interior is falling apart. Also, whats up with the cup holders that are like 2cm deep? Ive had countless numbers of drinks spill while making turns. Great car reliability speaking, but this isnt much more than a mode of BASIC transportation.

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  engine idle vibration - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Lynn - March 7 - 1:19 pm

  I bought a salvage 1998 Ford Escort SE Sedan with 63,000 miles and LOVED it. I had it for almost seven years and parted with it because of a rusted frame. It had 138,000 miles and was running strong. I loved it so much that I recently bought a 1999 Ford Escort with 65,000 miles. Im sorry to say the engine idle vibration and a constant exhaust-like noise has forced me to ask for a replacement vehicle. My 1998 Escort never had this problem though it did have broken coil springs. I found the TSB 031515 but the local Ford dealership said the problem may or may not be resolved with mount replacements and such so my GM dealership didnt take the chance on the costs of repairs.

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  I love my car! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By syne - March 1 - 9:46 pm

  This was my first car and I purchased it with 83k miles on it. Five years later and were up to 160k, and the timing belt just broke. But its okay because my model has a non interference engine so it didnt do any other damage besides leaving me in a parking lot. Ive done little to no maintenance in the last 80k miles and its been so good to me! I hope I can get this past 200k, and am planning on keeping it until it it dies. Fuel economy slowly shrinking, now its about 26mpg combined.

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  Excellent Small Wagon - 1998 Ford Escort
  By senior citizen - February 9 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this car new for my late wife. Ive used it as an around-town car since she died. Its been a great small wagon for that purpose. Very dependable, good quality, minimal repairs, great gas mileage, still looks good and drives well. (I keep it garaged and regularly serviced at the Ford dealer.) I expect to keep it until I die or wreck it.

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  Pretty Good - 2001 Ford Escort
  By FordOwner - January 28 - 6:51 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 with 35,000 miles on it. I have put 65,000 miles on it over the last five years. Up until the 90,000 mile mark it was an extremely good car, with nothing other than regular maintanence. The last year it needed brakes (pads, rotors, and drums), tie-rods, and a solenoid, all between $400 and $500 each. I always get over 30 mpg, usually closer to 35. Ride and handling are acceptable for a small car. Not much interior room, but enough for my 52" body. It has had intermittant problems shifting from park to drive when first started. Likes to stay in park or neutral. Have to bump shifter into neurtal, than back into drive for it to get into gear.