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:

• 

  Ford Escorts are reliable - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Justin Davis - April 9 - 2:31 pm

  Must say that after 164,000 miles and a whole lot of rust in 16 years of existence,this car is still driving strong. Its fun to drive and it hasnt given the last owner or me any problems. Love this little car!

• 

  chopped - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Duck - April 6 - 10:22 am

  I bought my escort from a shoty used car guy after I wrecked my Neon. Ive been into modding cars since I was 16 so the thought of getting an Escourt didnt thrill me in the least. Big time surprise to me swapped the original motor for a 2000 DOHC Ztec ZX2 w/ 74k miles then began the work on this car, my feul economy is sorta my fault....:P but other than that no real complaints with the new ZX2 motor and upgrades its quick, still great for long trips.....not only that but Im killin mustangs off the line and putting 140 easy on the speedo and 11.6 on the board

• 

  A Worthwhile Purchase - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Frank - April 3 - 8:50 am

  Ive had this car over six years now and it is one of the better vehicle purchases Ive ever made. It has been very reliable and has not had any major mechanical issues. I replaced the air filter with a premium air filter and performed a tune up using premium spark plugs last year and the fuel economy has been consistently averaging 31 MPG. Before that, I was averaging around 28 MPG.

• 

  Best Ford Ive owned yet. - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Jackie - April 2 - 1:19 am

  I bought my Ford new in 1995.It was priced right got great gas mileage still does. Ive never had any problems with it only regular maintenance. Hubby wants to buy me new car I said no.Love my car..

• 

  Great car! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Ryan - March 29 - 1:35 pm

  We now have almost 178k miles on this little gem. A few minor repairs and few there, plus regular maintenance and WOW. Shes been a good runner for us.

• 

  2003 Ford ZX2 Deluxe - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Aaron43 - March 29 - 1:16 am

  I love my zx2. Its a great running car. Its comfortable, reliable, and it looks good too.

• 

  1998 Ford Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 1998 Ford Escort - March 28 - 3:34 am

  Very Reliable vehicle. Great gas mileage 40 HWY miles. This vehicle was subjected to a MN winter- 30 days in a row of zero degrees. The car started EVERY morning without a problem. Vehicle is just now starting to show a little rust. Dependable, great gas mileage. feels solid when driving during a MN winter...

• 

  Never liked it, but it keeps going - 1997 Ford Escort
  By never liked it - March 27 - 8:44 am

  Cup holders are too shallow, things always spill. I have had a number of O2 sensors and other such things replaced. Had to take it back to the dealer a week after purchase...entire top end replaced under warrant at about 34,000. It now has 150,00 on it. It leaks/burns oil, the radiator leaks, the AC compressor self destructed, the trannyis starting to slip, Ive had two exhausts put on it, Ive done a couple brake jobs. Like all these cars the rear springs are broken and the front end wears. Also, I have always found this car to be incredibly underbraked. I could, from day one, slam the brake pedal with both feet and not lock up the brakes.

• 

  the best - 1996 Ford Escort
  By patas - March 19 - 10:50 pm

  this car are the best on gas,cheap parts easy to fix i love my ford escort i dont need i new car

• 

  Bring em Back, Ford!! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2mom - March 17 - 8:03 am

  This is my 3rd zx2 (all leased as new, in 1997, 2000 & 2003. When I found out this is the last year, I bought it. So sad that this will be my last, I love this car! As already noted several times, the rough idle is a drawback. The steering wheel sometimes vibrates so hard at a stoplight that my hands get tingly. But since that is my only complaint, I can live with it. The most comfortable seat Ive ever seen (felt) in a small car, it fits like a glove, with great lumbar support. I do think of it as a sports car, Ive never subjected anyone to having to ride in the back seat, it just seemes too cramped, although it would probably be fine if you have kids.