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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Nice Nice Nice car - 1998 Ford Escort
By Mr - August 17 - 2:00 amSecond car my car for running around town love the car love the silver color hope to have it another 10 years. Have a grand marquie for other car feel safer with grandkids in bigger car, escott is a nice nice nice car and I love it.
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Heathers Review - 2000 Ford Escort
By HeatherD617 - July 19 - 2:00 amI love this car - the only thing better would be if it was a manual transmission. But for an automatic, it puts out a decent amount of power and is very fun to drive!
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Very Good Car - 1994 Ford Escort
By dspruill4 - July 11 - 2:00 amI had bought these car in 2000. I have not had anything go wrong, except for the battery. Very good car
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Great Car for the Money - 2001 Ford Escort
By GreggJ - July 10 - 2:00 amThe ZX2 is definitely one of the best cars on the market (at that time)for the money. It has great fuel economy, is roomy inside (front only), has an appealing look, and has been extremely reliable.
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172k and still kicking - 1993 Ford Escort
By munchie - June 25 - 2:00 amI bought my car 5 years ago with 77k. Repair work has been very reasonable. It wasnt until the car hit around 150k that the engine needed some work. And within the last year I just had to replace the brake pads and the altenator. But when your car has 170+k you cant complain. This car is the best car anyone in my family has had.
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Escort... possibly the BEST Ford vehicle - 1997 Ford Escort
By CPL - May 3 - 2:00 amWe purchased this vehicle used from a Ford Dealer with about 50K kilometers (30K miles). We still have it. The car is now just under 200,000 kilometers and runs like a charm. Other than the regular maintenance (oil changes, flushes, brakes..etc), we have put in less than $1000 in unusual maintenance over the 5 year period. I would still recommend anyone to purchase the escort used.
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My Little Red Machine - 2003 Ford Escort
By bumble bee - April 16 - 2:00 amI purchased this car new in 2004, but it is a 2003 model. This car had only 17 miles on it when I bought it. I have have 2000 miles on it now, and I love it.
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Wifes Car - 1997 Ford Escort
By GJGJ - March 29 - 2:00 amWife Loves the car No costs other than oil changes It is a second car for us which is conveint
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Springs Scort - 1996 Ford Escort
By Spring - March 28 - 2:00 amI just bought a used 1996 Escort. It was a steal and the mileage, 40,000! This simple and economic and RELIABLE car gets me places. I see a lot of elderly people driving around here in the 80s Civic hatchbacks and other subcompacts, so Im guessing that this particular Escort was one of those "elderly cars," being operated within the warranty as long as possible. This ones gonna last me a long while, I know it. So, if theres a 96 Escort out there for sale, - dont be a fool - buy it. Its the last of its kind. Great mileage, decent looks, easy to maintain.
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Faithful... - 2000 Ford Escort
By ALG - March 20 - 2:00 amI have had no mechanical problems with my car. I have had to do no more than oil changes, car washes, and fluid checks. I have had to replace my tires once...and they were more expensive than I had figured. Relatively hard to find too. Overall, great car.
