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:
Showing 101 through 110 of 835.00-
Best for the Price - 2000 Ford Escort
By App zx2 - June 17 - 1:45 amAs an avid ZX2 owner, I have learned a lot about this car though ownership and research. For a purchase price of $11,600 brand new, this car has been worth every penny. Performance was at the top of its price class at the time (and now), and few cars sold today that come close to the ZX2s average ~$13,500 price in 2000 can match it in this respect. Taut handling, brisk acceleration, a "drive-me" personality and outstanding fuel economy (depends on your driving style!) have made this a perfect car for a young driver (16- 22+ years). The back seats are surprisingly roomy for a 2 door coupe, with headroom the only vice for rear passengers over five-ten. Overall, I recommend this car!
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Nice first car - 1999 Ford Escort
By Paco - May 28 - 8:56 pmI love this car. It is good and economical and very reliable when it is well taken care of. Good car for single people or students.
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Best car Ive owned to date. - 2001 Ford Escort
By F Bean - May 2 - 6:03 pmI bought this car new at the advice of my brother, who is a Ford mechanic. He said they had yet to have one come in for any warranty work. True to his word, Ive owned this car for 5 years, drive the heck out of it, wrecked it twice, and it still is there for me every time, knock on wood. Ive never had to have it jumped or had it fail to start. Ive had my oil changed every 3-4 thousand miles and it looks like honey. Good girl car, as it is dependable and looks good too!
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My Ownership Experience with ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
By Douglas H. Sowards - April 30 - 1:01 amFrom July 2003 till the present, my ZX2 has not needed anything except two oil changes in the 10,000 miles I have driven it. Has not needed even minor adjustments. It has nice silver paint, A/C, automatic, tilt wheel, fog lights, CD player, AM/FM stereo, tach, folding rear seat, and spoiler. Ford should have continued building this car as it was reasonably priced and very reliable.
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unbelievably reliable - 1997 Ford Escort
By Sab - April 29 - 7:29 pmI have owned my Escort for 7 years now, and have no complaints. I am a hard driver. I brake hard, drive fast, do a lot of u-turns, and am just plain aggressive, and my car has withstood it all. Ive always maintained it well, with regular oil changes, fixed the brakes every few years, but have never had to do any major repairs. Ive not rust-proofed it, and it only started to rust a couple of years ago, which I think is good. There seem to be virtually no blind spots either (with the exception of the usual one). I would recommend to anyone that they purchase this car. It would make a great starter car. Im not parting with mine, unless she finally kicks the bucket.
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Ford Zx2 is a good practical car. - 1999 Ford Escort
By Yanno - April 14 - 10:00 amIf given the choice between this and a Focus or Honda again I would still choose the Zx2. The car is very fun to drive, work on, its very quick and outruns most cars on the road including some V8s yet still if babied I can get 37 miles the gallon and carry a lot of cargo. Its always been reliable and multi-functional. I went from an SUV to this and will never go back. Truly can not get a car this fast, this practical for this amount of money. Quite possibly one of Fords best cars. If this was in Europe or the UK the raving would never cease.
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Reliable old Ford - 1994 Ford Escort
By deec - April 5 - 11:53 amMy Ford Escort is 12 years old and still running great. It had only had 2 problems before it hit the ten year mark: the alternator and the fan. The fan was covered under warranty, and the alternator cost less than $200 to fix. Now, it needs things fixed regularly, but the repairs are still fairly inexpensive. This car is the best purchase Ive ever made - cheap and dependable. Also, its a manual, so it has some acceleration. It handles well and is fun to drive. For many years, it got 40 mpg on the highway, but now its down to 35. This is the Energizer Bunny of cars.
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Super Fast - 2001 Ford Escort
By Phillip - March 27 - 12:35 amWhat a great car! I love my ZX2 it handles well and gets great gas mileage even with the 82,000 miles it has on it. This car can still move. Parts are a little expensive but still love it.
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The Little Car that Could... - 1999 Ford Escort
By Hbgguppy - March 22 - 2:13 amI bought my Escort in a pinch. I had just bought my first house and very quickly realized the expenses of home ownership. I traded in my Ford Expedition and bought my Escort, cutting my car payment in half. Having owned SUVs for years and years, I wanted another "full cabin on frame" vehicle. Nothing car be more frustrating than trying to wedge a book shelf in the back of a sedan in the IKEA parking lot. I soon fell in love with the "little car that could". 4 years later and Im still attached to "Fred" as hes now known. I particularly enjoy the visibility while parallel parking and making fast lane changes during rush hour traffic. Hes been a darn good car to me.
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I Love my ZX2 - 2000 Ford Escort
By John - March 4 - 7:20 pmI havent had ONE problem with my ZX2. Its too bad they dont make them anymore. Ive got 116,000 miles on it. I replaced tie rod.
