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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  like a rock - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Mark - February 23 - 7:58 pm

  I got my 96 Escort new 10 years ago. This car just wont die. I now have 131,000 miles on it and it still drives and looks like a new car. I have looked at new cars but I cant find any as nice as my Escort. I have had few problems and the oil is still at the full mark when I change the oil every 7000 miles. The body is rust free even after 10 Wisconsin winters. I still have cold ac. I keep it washed and waxed and the paint still looks like a new car. This has been the best car I have ever owned and I only hope my future cars are as good as this one (the car that keeps going and going and going).

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  Kicking car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Jeff - February 15 - 9:41 pm

  During the time that I have had this car, I have had no problems what-so-ever. This is the best car out of all the cars that I have ever owned, it is so fun to drive because it is small and quick. Only because I am moving out of country am I going to be getting rid of it. Love the car, if you get the opportunity to buy one, do so. I feel that this is a great starter car, and a great commuter car.

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  Its a great car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Christy - February 7 - 12:14 am

  This car has been one of the best cars I have owned. Its like driving a race car. My car is a 5 speed. It drives really smooth. It handles curves really good.

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  It has been a great little car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Scott R - January 28 - 7:17 pm

  200,400 miles and 11 years! I changed oil every 3,000 miles, waxed twice per year and use Chevron Supreme. Dash lights have not worked for about 5 years, but it still runs and rides great. 3 sets of tires, 2 brake jobs and 2 timing belts. With that, I could not of done better with any other car manufacturer. It will be a sad day when I trade it in ... I mean 11 years!

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  Great Little Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By great car - January 13 - 7:11 pm

  This has got to be the best car I have ever owned. Phenomenal reliability and durability, especially for an American made car in the early 90s. Other than brakes and exhaust, this baby has everything else original, and I cant ever remember a time it has refused to start, drive, or generally perform like I wanted it to. Too bad they dont make the Escort any more, as the Focus appears constantly plagued by a slew of problems, both cosmetic and mechanical. If you can find a used Escort anywhere between 92-99, grab it & hold on to it you wont regret it.

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  Sweet Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By J - January 11 - 2:27 pm

  Just bought my ZX2 in November with 17,000 miles on it. It came loaded with everything leather seats, cruise control, 6 disc cd player, and a sunroof. My car also has the 5 speed transmission. This is an absolutely amazing car it has power to spare and looks good too. Mine just hit 21,000 miles on a trip to Texas from Pennsylvania ... it ran superbly. I averaged over 40mpg the whole trip! I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a quality car (there have been NO recalls), with performance, and good looks for not a lot of cash.

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  great car, bad seller - 1997 Ford Escort
  By worldgirlorbit - November 12 - 2:10 pm

  I really enjoy my Escort, except for one thing. The oil system. I havent heard of anyone else having this problem, but I have had so many problems with the pump, the sender unit, the filter. Ive had three oil changes in the past two months alone, and Ive only driven it a few times. Other than that I have had no problems.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2000 Ford Escort
  By headwinds - November 8 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this car off the lot (with 15 miles on it) it was fully loaded with options (power locks and windows, moon roof, 6 CD player). So far, its been great to drive and very reliable, with only routine maintenance (tires, oil change, etc) needed.

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  Shes good - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Lovemycar - November 5 - 11:59 am

  My first car, has held up very well. Bought her with 39,000 on it, so far am at 52,000 in a little over a year. Very few maintenance problems, and any problems were minor, like windshield wipers. Excellent for all of the driving that I do between school, work and home (over 60 miles daily M-F) and I only fill up about once a week. Shes always been there for me.

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  Cheap, Fun & Upgradeable - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Whoda - October 24 - 2:30 pm

  Its a fun car to drive and easy to maintain. My ZX2 gives out good handling and power, mostly due to its low weight.