Overview & Reviews

Last year for the second-generation Escort. The 1.9-liter engine gets 100,000-mile tune-up interval. Automatic transmissions have lower final drive ratio when coupled with 1.9-liter engine to improve acceleration. Sport/Appearance Group available on four-door models. Ultra Violet decor no longer offered on GT. Integrated child safety seat, added during 1995 model year, continues for 1996 on sedan and wagon.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 39.00

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  12 years and still running - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Drew - April 6 - 3:55 pm

  I bought a new, base model April, 1996 with automatic transmission. It did not come with AC, or a radio. I have 118,000 miles on it. Pretty good runner. I put a radio in it. With basic mainatanence it has been pretty dependable. It did have to be towed away the first day I bought it though, but was repaired in two weeks and really, no major problems since. I have put new brake lines, new master cylinder, new catalytic converter, new radiator on the care. Only in the last year or so have the Ohio winters started to cause the body to rust (I didnt have it rust proofed when I bought it).

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  Reliable - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Mila - March 14 - 4:47 am

  Bought the car w/ 26 000 miles in 2000. It now has 210 000). I have been a stickler in term of regular maintenance (oil lube etc.). I have alos changed a few things. I treat the car like a great car and it has been a great car. I commute a lot mostly freeway. I am very sentimental about the car - my first in the US (I am from Europe) and got me through grad school. People now tell me I need to buy something that matches my lifestyle more but I do not want to. There is nothing wrong with the car. When I go for oil change/tire work, they look for other things to do on the car and say - there is nothing wrong with the car. The mechanics tell me

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  This is my 2nd Escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Ford Escort Wagon - April 1 - 6:18 pm

  This is my second Escort, loved my first one, very reliable, both the drive tyrain and chasis was bulit by Mazda. Ford built the body. I had a 4 door 1.9 now a wagon 1.9 i seem to have lost a bit of power. The wagon only has 50kgs of more weight, but lacks of power accelerating. I would love a 5 speed but very rare. This car is very pratical and reliable. I love my Escorts. My 1991 had 250,000ks on it and was still going strong. Thats why I bought an another one. My opinion? Buy an Escort, good and reliable cars.

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  no regrets - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Jay - February 11 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Escort brand new over 10 years ago. It had a whopping 76 miles on it. After the initial nit picking during the warranty period, it has done well. It still gets over 30 mpg. I have replaced the struts, heater core, radiator, and the timing belt (twice). All these repairs happened after the warranty and I did the work myself. Parts are cheap for this car. I have never balked at its reliability during its now 172,000 miles. This car has seen a lot of my life, its almost sentimental. My main regret is that I got the sunset red (pink) color. It was cool at the time, but not so now.

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  Great econo-box - 1996 Ford Escort
  By missouri_escort - February 14 - 2:58 pm

  I purchased the car new on April Fools day of 1996. It has been great with no major problems. I replaced the speedometer at 84,000 miles, a weak point with all Fords of this era miles and timing belt, it will happen to all of them, at 100000+ miles. I replaced the ignition pack at 110,000. It will do 30+MPG on trips and 26 MPH town and country. With 113,000+ miles it still runs like new on original tune and spark plugs.

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  Great Car For the Money - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Matt - November 29 - 1:13 am

  Bought this car in Aug. of 05. So far it has been a good investment since it has taken me back and forth from work and school with little complaint. It is definitely a good car to have with the uncertain gas prices although the engine could use more power. The only major problem I had with this car is the heater core and the AC still doesnt work but I consider this pretty good for an almost 10 year old car. Overall Im satisfied with my Escort and would definitely buy one again.

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  Hate Fords? - 1996 Ford Escort
  By TAllen - September 6 - 6:53 pm

  I vowed never to own another Ford after owning a Tempo. HA! Bought this Escort because of its style and drive. Only had 100,000 miles when bought at 9 years old. The only major problem was I had to replace the harmonic balancer because it threw the timing off and made the car literally not want to move. Got it fixed and that 1.9L gets up and goes. Gets great gas mileage. And roomy for a small compact car. This was a good pick from someone who hates Fords. This one has helped change my mind although my wife still says CHEVY!

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  Born to Last - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Need2know - July 19 - 12:52 am

  My Escort has 129,00 miles and is still going strong. My friends wanted me to purchase a new car years ago, but I am glad I didnt. Beside normal maintenance (oil, belts, brakes, spark plugs), I replaced the water pump and radiator. Sure those last two repairs costs a few bucks, but it is a lot cheaper than a new car payment. The car has always started (even in the MN cold). The car has plenty of power, but I dont believe in going over 65 miles/hour. If you want a car to do 90 on the interstate, this car isnt for you Small cars do not handle the road vibrations and noise at high speeds. My only real complaint is that the speedometer went out in year three.

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  Overall Good Car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By goodcar125 - June 12 - 11:26 pm

  I bought my 96 escort in 10/04 with 50,300 miles on it from an older man that couldnt drive it anymore. Reliability has been ok i guess. Needed 4 new springs and various emissions sensors when I bought it, but now it needs a new sway bar, a new blower motor and a/c repair. The 1.9L is peppy if you arent trying to pass on the expressway then its dangerous but I have the auto which may explain that. I love how well it takes corners and how easy it is to zip in and out of tight places. Its also a beast in the snow minus the lack of ABS which you have to be careful about. Also, fuel economy rocks! I put 15 bucks in it and it lasts 2 weeks its so amazing with gas being as much as it is.

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  Skeptical at first, but VERY happy - 1996 Ford Escort
  By escort owner - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, intending only to keep it for a few months. Well its 2.5 years later and im still driving it. I have over 160,000 miles on it and it still runs great. Only things ive replaced have been tires and the serpentine belt, regular oil changes and 1 tune up. This is a great college car, its cheap to buy, run, and maintain. The 5-speed has a lot of pickup after 1st gear, so its a nice ride. Good in the winter and rain, no complaints, i would recomend this car to anyone who doesnt mind driving an escort.