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:

• 

  Very good first car - 1992 Ford Escort
  By that guy - April 4 - 1:27 pm

  This car was a gift from my parents as a first car. The car is great. It gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive. For being only a 2-door the back seats are still roomy and I was able to fit my friends who are over 6 feet tall in it. But its a good car and recommend it to first drivers because its safe.

• 

  14 years, going, and going... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Ivo - February 28 - 4:51 pm

  I got excellent deal on this lease return from Ford dealership, with 45000 miles in 1997. For ten years and 90k I dont think I spent more than $2500 on maintenance and repairs, not more than two of which wouldnt be considered regular wear and tear. Engine still runs smoothly and quietly. I now have to replace the clutch, which I blame mostly on my driving habits (like holding the car still uphill by balancing the clutch, instead of using brakes). I am just reluctant replacing the car, afraid that with a next one, I will pay back for all the good experience I had with this one.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Mopar08 - November 14 - 8:25 pm

  Hello. I am a junior in high school and needed a car by the time school came around for various activities. I have a white deluxe edition ZX2. I love it. I live 18 miles from school and this car is awesome on fuel mileage. I was getting about 30-33 mpg when I first got the car in August. However, after replacing the oil with Mobil 1 I now get 31-37 mpg. It has 96,700 miles and the only work done was replacing a wire. The only complaint I have is rough shifting when it is cold outside.

• 

  Escort ZX2 S/R - a great ride - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Racerkat - November 12 - 11:53 pm

  My "new" (2000 model year) Escort ZX2 with the S/R package is a fun, comfortable car with plenty of interior space for groceries, etc. The steering is a little heavy (61/39 weight distribution contributes to this). The radio, a/c, rear defroster controls are in the center of the console, a big reach for a short person. The 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS stop the car quickly, even from high speed, with no swerving or sliding. The infinite seat back rake adjustment makes it easy to find your personal "fit". The S/R package adds horsepower, front and rear swaybars and a performance clutch and pressure plate however, the base ZX2 design, fit and finish, ergonomics and handling are very good.

• 

  1994 Ford Escort LX Sport - 1994 Ford Escort
  By X. March - November 1 - 1:19 pm

  I recently took the car to the mechanic for a periodic full check up. My mechanic volunteered the following unsolicited comment: "I wouldnt think twice about taking this car across country. It is in such a good shape." This experience reflects my feelings about the car and my experience with it: "Not a single real problem in all these twelve plus years!". I chose the car because of (1) its fuel economy, (2) its ample room for either people or for loading shopping, (3) its comfort for unloading or loading because: of low back door and back seat down option, and (4) its sporty look. It turned out that to this I should add (a) its dependability and (b) its reliability.

• 

  Pleasant Surprise - 1999 Ford Escort
  By XQSME EH - October 7 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a commuter car, got that but also some extras. I found the ZX2 to have suprising power, sufficient comfort to take a 500 mile trip and to hold its own at freeway speeds, bonuses all. I am 64" and 225 lb and didnt expect to get away with buying so small a car. I have so much confidence in it that I bought new tires warranteed for 100,000 miles!

• 

  Great bang for your buck - 1999 Ford Escort
  By dunnr - September 6 - 8:16 pm

  This car was purchased new and we now have 117k miles on it and have never done anything to it except the 100k mile tune up. It has been well worth the purchase price and if Ford still made them we would buy another one.

• 

  Believe - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Believe! - August 7 - 8:30 pm

  Bought new in 1991, this car has amazed me. Great for hauling stuff (hatchback) around. We never got rid of it. Weve owned many cars, Chevys, Toyotas, Olds, even Mercedes. Theyre all gone and this car is still here. We didnt use it much for a long time but now with gas prices up, I resurrected it. Runs great, and getting close to 35 mpg hwy/28 city (5 speed). Over the years only pcv valve, and windshield wiper motor went out. Did a new serpentine belt with about 80k on it and a new set of tires around 95k. I keep thinking buy a new car but this Escort is money in the bank. For the cost of a new car, $15- 20K, I can buy a lot of gas for this Escort even at $5 a gallon. I think Ill keep it!

• 

  Great economy car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By MHW814 - July 24 - 8:58 am

  Ive had this car for seven years and have only had to replace brakes and tires and a wiper blade now and then. Its a great car for girls because all of the fluid caps are have labels and the rear seats fold down so you can fit all of your shopping items in the car.

• 

  Cost Effective from Day One - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Deborah - June 22 - 4:11 pm

  Bought this brand new $8500 + tax / license/0.9% interest. 5 speed manual transmission no bells or whistles. 34 mpg. 6 years old with 130,000 miles. We have replaced the tires twice and the alternator. The interior has withstood our daily use with the exception of the the foam in the left rear bottom of the drivers seat is starting to degrade and crumble out the bottom. I highly recommend this model based on our personal experience. I strongly feel that we will get another 100,000 miles out of this with minimal dollars on maintenance. Our true cost to own so far: $18,862/6 years/$0.1451 per mile including gas, insurance, maintenance, deprecation based on ~$2900 current value (which would be an easy sale @ 34mpg!).