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 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!!!!!!!!

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  Bullet proof - 1997 Ford Escort
  By John - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I hope I dont jinx myself, but my Escort seems indestructible. I bought it with 72,000 miles and it just turned over 237000! It runs like a champ and gets 33-34mpg consistently. It still has the original clutch, struts, and even exhaust system! I would not hesitate to drive it cross-country. I typically change the oil at around 4K- 5K miles (most of my miles are pretty easy, few city miles) and it is never more than 1/2 quart low on oil. I love my Escort and will be very sad when I finally have to replace it. Im shooting for 300,000 miles!

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  Great basic transportation! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JPH - October 8 - 2:00 am

  We have really enjoyed this car. We have 75,000 miles on it and have no problems. It is great basic transportation. Excellent gas mileage 34 city, 39 highway

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  Love it....Still have it, only - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Cobbstone - October 1 - 7:34 pm

  I am 66 Years old, and bought it new in the Fall of 1999...Only has 28,000 miles to date.....Still smells new...Only problem ,I let my Battery acid leak down on some of the cables I corrected that, but have to use the Emergecy release to get it out of part, when I drive, and from reading some others,,,I think I should have my tie Rods checked.

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  I miss my escort! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By killthebananas - September 29 - 7:50 pm

  This car was given to me by my dad. It has been the most reliable car ever. I loved (and still do, really) this car and everything about it. The hatchback is super spacious, comfy seats, and nice looking interior. I performed regular maint on it and it treated me VERY well until about a week ago when it died at about 170k due to a bent valve. If properly diagnosed from the get go (it made noises for a while that no one would take seriously), I am positive my car would still be going strong right now. If not for that I would still be driving it and would NEVER give it up. I always said I would drive it til it died...I guess I should have kept my trap shut!!

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  realibility plus - 1998 Ford Escort
  By monty - September 27 - 10:17 am

  i purchased this auto from my employer 6 years ago with 74k on it. i now have 140k. i get 25mpg around town and 35mpg highway.the timing belt broke at 110k. did not cause any engine damage as with many autos. purchasd new belt for $20 at auto parts store.alternator went this year,very easy to replace. ($45used with 1 year warrenty)as with most drivers i would like a newer auto but the escorts reliability and very reasionable replacement parts cost will have me driving it for a few more years.

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  1997 Ford Escort station wagon - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Fay Forto - September 13 - 2:57 am

  It drives like new. I enjoy driving it and it is a great gas saver. I can drive all day long and it is fun to drive it. It takes 5 passengers including me the driver. It drives very smoothly. I can put groceries behind the back seat. I can also put things on top of the car. It is very useful to me. I love it because it gives the same comfort just like a mini van or SUV. It is very comfortable. It provides what I need in a car. I do not have to spend a whole lot of money buying an expensive car because this one provides me what I really needed in a car. I enjoy driving it and I want other car owners to know that it is not just foreign cars that saves me gas. I am happy with it.

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  Look Good for Cheap - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Subaroid! - September 2 - 3:29 am

  This is a good, cheap piece of transportation. Theres not much to this car, just the bare necessities. Crank windows, no CD player, no A/C. Its got 108,000 miles on it, and has done well for a Ford. Only replaced the alternator and an idler pulley so far (relatively cheap fixes, $400, $100), have done the brakes rotors and pads front for $50. Its got the 2.0 liter engine and a 5 speed manual so it gets good mileage (25 or so with me driving it hard), has good handling, and is fun to drive. Its due for a clutch, and there are squeaks, rattles, and oil leaks. Interior trim pieces are also falling off.

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  I cant find a better car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Grunchy - August 24 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 with 160,000 km on the odometer (7 years old). Its now up to 230,000 km and runs the same. Not a lot of maintenance in that time, total must be < $500 for 5 years. I changed the timing belt because I didnt know its history, had the broken rear springs replaced (mainly because they made a disagreeable "clunk" noise). The CV joint boot split one day so I had CV joints done. The front brake discs developed a warp so I changed the pair for $65 Cdn including tax -- the pads still have lots of meat! The car still runs great, no problems. I am having an extremely difficult time finding a replacement that has the same features & functionality(its now 12 years old).

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  very well built - 2001 Ford Escort
  By beau2715 - August 8 - 8:01 pm

  Great car have 215,000 miles, Im a second owner 1st owner maintained very well. Only problems have been 2 alternators, clutch went out around 200,000, the high intensity headlights burned out sockets 2x each side. Might burn a 1/2 quart between oil changes, I get it changed every 5000. I drive it very hard and it like a timex and keeps on ticking.