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:

• 

  bought new - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Tony - October 7 - 12:21 am

  We bought this nee and although we got it - 287000 miles it wasnt without lots of work. Alternator 13000 miles serpentine belt 32000 miles water pump 42000 miles alternator again 56000 miles battery 57000 miles EGR valve 62000 miles oxygen sensor 73000 miles fuel pump 81000 miles alternator again 92000 miles transmission torque converter 93000 miles needed new transmission 93000 miles head gasket 98000 miles alternator again 103000 miles blower motor and heater core 106000 miles radiator hundred and twenty eight thousand miles ac 172000 miles alternator again 181000 miles transmission again 201000 miles Im sure Im missing a whole bunch but I cant remember it all

• 

  Not so good for intense driving - 2001 Ford Escort
  By kevin - July 18 - 12:50 am

  I have to drive a lot between places, and this car I bought in 06 with 70,000 miles for only $4,000. The first two years were good, up until 110,000 miles. Transmission needs work now, things keep braking on this car (leaks) unfortunately at this point, the upkeep is getting high I might as well buy a car. A/C blows weak, and my compressor wont make cold air now. I dont know how anyone gets 30 MPG on this. I usually get 350 Miles on a tank, and the tank is 13 gallons, so its 26 MPG for me. Good first car, rides a bit low for me, and dents easily.

• 

  1999 ford escort 2.0 4 dr auto - 1999 Ford Escort
  By theresa - March 9 - 3:31 pm

  Well, I guess this car is pretty reliable, in a way. Always starts on the first try, but here lately it has nickeled and dimed me to death. And finally, the number 4 valve seat is shot. A common problem with this car, as I have found. Gonna cost 1100.00 to fix and I only paid 1500.00 for the car 3 years ago. So sell for junk I guess.

• 

  Horrible Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Will - February 25 - 4:22 pm

  This car is the most "Gutless" piece of machinery I have ever encountered. My dog can accelerate faster than this car. We have been stricken with repair after repair. Now the entire exhaust system is shot and needs replacement.

• 

  poor front end - 2000 Ford Escort
  By nikdominoe - February 2 - 7:33 pm

  i have had this car for about a year, i have ad to replace the bushings, alternator, and battery. I also need a front end alignment and new ti-rods. It shakes wayyy to much in idle. steering wheel clicks when i turn it for sum reason... tires run out of air every two weeks i would never rec amend this car to anyone

• 

  Ford escort zx2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By IxLeSsxThNx3U - November 17 - 9:33 pm

  What ever you do, do not buy this car. I have had so many problems with this car. First of all there is a hose that is built too close to the engine so that it will end up burning a hole through the hose in this car. It has done it in my car and had to be replaced. Second they are known for having troubles with their struts.. mine went out. Third these cars are pretty hard to work on since under the hood everything is pretty compact. Fourth, fords during this year are known for having shifting problems due to transmission filters, and they have to be changed often. Fifth I had to replace the whole exhaust system in this car. These cars have a lot of problems. DO NOT BUY ONE!!!!!!!!

• 

  Dont buy - 1999 Ford Escort
  By HC - July 11 - 1:45 pm

  I was the 3rd owner and bought this car for every day use. The car condition was considered “clean” and previous 2 owners kept excellent valid maintenance records. This is my first car so I stick tightly to check up schedule to reduce any mechanical problems. I got around 28-30 mpg highway and 18-21 mpg in town. There were many problems with this car. The biggest two were tranny and engine. This car sucked too much money form me. At ~94,000 miles the transmission slipped (after 20,000 miles used). Sometimes, it stuck at low gear and won’t shift up when I gassed it up or slipped, shift down and lost speed, very dangerous if it happens when I pass a car. I got it fixed. At ~130,000 miles, the

• 

  boring economical car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By john - January 2 - 10:01 pm

  this car is only for point A to point B driving. every thing elsle on it is boring. its performance sucks. At high speeds it vibrates and its does not hug the corners like I wish it would. one day i was on the freeway and decided to try to keep up with a pretty new BMW m3, I did but it was hard as heck. so basicaly this car is for economical driving only not for performance or fun to drive car.

• 

  a good car except for awful vibration - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Dave S. - December 28 - 1:13 pm

  This car is not a comfortable car, especially not for a mature adult man. For what I paid for this car, one could expect tilt steering, cruise control, and power seats. My ZX2 has none of those features. (I bought the car for my wife in a hurry and have regretted the hasty decision ever since.) The 2001 ZX2 has a SERIOUS VIBRATION problem. The word "vibration" does not even begin to describe the shaking and rattling experienced while seated in the car. Evidently the problem is that the engine runs very roughly at idle speed, which is what happens when the car is stopped but in gear. I would not recommend this car to anyone who cares about comfort. It might be a good 1st car for a teen.

• 

  Good basic car with basic problems - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Rich - September 5 - 3:09 pm

  This is the third Escort I have owned. I have kept all for a long, long time. And this will be the last. Each seems to have taken a step down in quality. Strange engine creaks and rattles still plague this car. There was missing weatherstripping from day one, so the window leaks. And now, the exterior trim is peeling. Theres no lip on the edge of the windshield, so when you use the washers it sprays in the drivers window. Ive replaced most of the parts (including a FUEL TANK!) and hope the car lasts a few more months till I gather the cash to buy a new one. After this experience (and with another Ford) it will NOT be a Ford. Quality like this, no wonder theyre in trouble.