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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  Great 1st or 2nd car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Great 1st or 2nd car - June 13 - 2:34 pm

  This is a great economy car that will give you very little problems. In the 2 years that I have owned the car I have driven it from 100,000 to 155,000 miles with no problems at all besides routine maintenance like oil change, new tires and battery. The car will last a long time. For the price and the fact that this is an economy car it is perfect.

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  Cant Go Wrong With This Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Michael - June 10 - 5:36 am

  This car has been a perfect car for me, it has about 165,000 miles on it today. All I have ever had to do with this car is brakes, tires, oil, belts and an air filter. This car does have an automatic transmission and it has the original. I have had it flushed a couple of times with the filter replaced but never anything more. If you treat these cars well, they will last a very long time without problems. I have owned several cars over the years, and most of which I have had to put a new transmission and/or service the air conditioner by 150,000 thousand miles. But this car has been the exception. I am very happy with this vehicle for a 2nd car!! Buy yours today!

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  Its fast and a joy to ride - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Anton - May 19 - 10:12 am

  This is my second Escort GT (manual transmission). Love the suspension which is pretty stiff. Also, when purchasing an old GT, look out for engine mounts, transmission mounts, and front and back shock mounts. They tend to go bad and for a better ride you might need to change them. Engine is perfect, Just so you know this is a Mazda engine and 92-97 Mazda Miata has the same engine. It is noisy, but if you open the window at slow speeds you could hear the stock exhaust. Good bang for a buck. The ONLY used Escort worth considering buying is the GT with a manual tranny.

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  Im hard on vehicles, but... - 1998 Ford Escort
  By andreaguinn - April 26 - 8:34 pm

  I adore my Ford Escort! I drive constantly because of school, work, and club outings. Not once has it died or not started up on the first try, and I got it at 110,031 miles. I would highly recommend this car to anyone at all. Its wonderful. Perfect for a busy teen like me.

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  125,000 trouble-free miles.. - 2003 Ford Escort
  By crashnburn - April 3 - 1:50 am

  I owned a 2001 ZX2 and put 125,000 miles on it. It was absolutely unbreakable - that is until a minivan hit it recently and now its toast. Heres the repair history: New tires at 90,000 miles (thats right, the stock tires made it 90k!), brake pads at 100,000 miles, and the only mechanical problem was an alternator at 110,000. I used synthetic oil at every oil change and the motor still ran like brand new. The only complaints I can say about this car is that its loud at highway speeds (a lot of wind and engine noise) and a pretty cheesy interior design, but Ill gladly accept those problems for a car thatll run forever. Im gonna miss it.

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  Super flag car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Terrys flag car - February 21 - 8:08 pm

  I own a flag car business and escort oversize loads from Pennsylvania up and down the east cost. I went right to Mobile One and Slick Fifty when I bought this car. I average 11,000 miles a month, ha and you think you have a long drive to work. Plenty of power, 40+ miles per gallon at high speeds, fairly comfortable, plenty of room and Im 6 ft. Great little car. I do use 5 speeds for my work. Automatic transmissions would not hold up to to the pounding we give these little cars. I had a 91 wagon and put 300,000 miles on it. Again, a great little car.

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  Great College Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Ben Reed - February 11 - 3:32 pm

  I bought my 1999 Escort with 90,000 miles on the odometer. I was looking for a late model car that would be easier on my wallet than the Pathfinder I had been driving. I average about 37-38 MPG on the highway, but have noticed a dramatic drop in city driving. The car has enough power to move it down the highway at speed, but acceleration, even with the 5 speed, is somewhat lacking. Road noise is minimal, and the sound system works exceptionally well, considering the rural environment I live in. My only complaint so far is a scrubbing/grinding noise when the brakes are spplied. I suspect either the rotors are warped or the brake pads are worn. Easy fix in either case.

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  my baby - 1994 Ford Escort
  By DANNY - February 4 - 5:15 am

  I bought my Scorty in 94. Since shes been truckin on my side the whole time. Ive driven everything, and for a short period of time i sold cars and compared to everything i had this has been the BEST. The manual transmission is nothing other than smooth. This car has always been at my side and I would recomend a Scorty for anyone whos looking for a GREAT DEAL. A lotta car for this little coupe!

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  Loved This Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By JC - December 14 - 5:52 pm

  I loved this car. Bought it new and just after the warranty expired the air conditioner broke. Was about $300 to fix. One other thing went wrong about 6 months later that cost about the same. Other than that this is a great car. I swore I would never buy an Escort but this car was great. We totaled it last week when we hit a deer. Id buy another but they dont make them anymore.

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  I love my GT - 1995 Ford Escort
  By A.J. - December 14 - 11:35 am

  My Escort GT has been an excellent car for nearly ten years. It is fun to drive plus I can throw just about anything in the back. I feel its as functional as an SUV but much more fun to drive.