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:

• 

  Wicked Little Ride! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By anubisankh1031 - October 23 - 2:50 pm

  Mine has 58,500 miles. Been hearing some squeaks. Strange vibration near the drivers side front when I turn the wheel all the way to the left. Transmission has a "hop" in it when starting from stand-still off the line. Had a 92 Escort LX and at 57K it did the same thing. MAINTAIN YOUR TRANSMISSION! Also, rotate tires & maintenance alignment regularly or it will PULL SHARP to one side because it is so light. Hydroplanes when wet out. Put weight in trunk to prevent this during winter. Engine run better on premium grade fuels. Fuel injectors cause drag if you use cheap fuel over time. Other than those typical high-mileage issues -- its fast, fuel-economical, and stylish.

• 

  This CAR - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Figlar-Barnes - October 11 - 12:26 am

  I just had this car worked on and a blown head gasket was feared to be the problem, but it was a pitted area in the head--which was fixed easily. This car has 205,000 miles on it (bought new) and has had minimal problems--if all of Ford vehicles were like this one, Ford would not be having a problem with its value and quality compared to its competitors like Toyota. It makes me laugh when I hear new vehicle advertisements bragging about great gas mileage (28-32 miles to a gallon highway). This car consistently gets 37 to 42 miles per gallon highway. Imagine that, the car is 10 years old!

• 

  Good car for $1200 in 1999 - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jonathan LA - October 9 - 7:36 pm

  For the size of the engine the car did well in performance. I added intake and exhaust and noticed a slight difference. Lowering the car also enhanced handling making it fun, as well as taking it drifting and off-roading. The car has been in three accidents (all hit and runs) and has almost nothing to show for it, durability is high on this plastic-bumpered car. Even sold for $1000 five years later in 2004 with 150K miles on it. Bought it for $1200 with 80K miles and only had to do routine maintenance.

• 

  GT raves - 1992 Ford Escort
  By baks - September 16 - 6:16 pm

  We bought this car with 115,000 miles for my husband. Works road construction and has the car has approximately 387,000 or 487,000 miles he cant remember if he flipped it two or three times so far. We have only replace the alternator once, and a hose. Wonderful car, and fun to drive. Has some good get up and go!

• 

  Phenomenal - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Rick - September 7 - 12:16 am

  I bought my pre-owned Escort coupe as a temporary replacement for my older car, until I could decide what I wanted. Well, I fell in love with the car right away and Ive had it for five years. It has a great ride for a small car. I was especially pleased with how it runs with ease on the highway. Now, after five years, it has 90K miles and I cannot recall a single repair. Ive only changed the oil on schedule, kept up with the rest of the maintenance schedule and replaced the tires. Ive been very pleasantly surprised with this car. Now, with the price of gas, I really am glad that I have it. It is still one of the most efficient cars out there.

• 

  Best and Most Reliable Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Matt - August 25 - 8:35 pm

  Best car Ive ever owned. It has 199k miles on it and has never had any problems, except for the drivers side power window (regulator broke twice so i converted both windows to manual). Only basic items, i.e., a few timing belts, radiator, few sets of brakes. Believe it or not it has the ORIGINAL clutch and it is perfect. The best car Ive ever owned.

• 

  2003 ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Patricia Smith - August 14 - 4:04 pm

  I actually love this car because it is my size. If you have people sitting in the back seat its not so comfortable. I like to think of it as more of a two seater with some storage space. It does Idle high and is very loud, passengers usually complain. I have taken in back to ford to have them fix the Idle but it actually seems to have gotten worse. But I really love this car, it hasnt left me stranded yet!!!

• 

  I love my escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Kelly - August 11 - 4:26 pm

  I really enjoy my escort. I bought it at 33,000 miles. I had no repairs for about a year and that was brakes. Its been a great car. I am outgrowing it. Its great for me, just not big enough for a family of 4.

• 

  Great commuter - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Lily - July 12 - 11:06 pm

  Ive had this car since it came out 7 years ago and its a fantastic car. Other than routine maintenance, Ive never had a problem and it has been the most reliable car in my driveway. Its compact size but interior comfort make it a great commuter car, which is fantastic in an area with some of the worst traffic in the nation. Overall, great car and I plan to keep driving it for years to come!

• 

  Escort great! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By fweenut - June 29 - 5:26 pm

  This has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. The mileage has always been great and I have not had any major repairs that werent covered by the warranty. Economical - Yes! Efficient - Yes! Would I buy it again? Yes!