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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  ZX 2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JOHN WATSON - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this ZX2 in December of 2000 and the vehicle has been excellent and reliable transportation since I have had it. It has only been back to the dealer one time and that was for the hood not opening properly. Other than that all I have done has been change the oil, tranny fluid and gas and go. For a small car the ZX2 has plenty of pep and gets excellent gas mileage. The only negative to this vehicle is when I was looking into trading it had depreciated more than I would have expected. I would recommend the ZX2 to anyone looking for a small car that gets excellent gas mileage.

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  great car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By alman - March 2 - 2:00 am

  i had this car my junior and senior year of highschool. it starts up every mourning and never had to worry about it breaking down. All the times i wrecked it due to teenage stupidity, i thought it would break down very soon. but surprisingly it never gave me too much problems. it handled great on any driving conditions. it revs up when you need it to.(all the wat to 7000rpm) It always felt as It had wiped out many wanna be fast cars.

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  Good car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Sis - February 29 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the most part. Handled well, good in snow, easy to drive, spunky. Repairs over 4 years included new fuel pump, new tie rods three times, one brake job. The last two break downs were almost the end. The CV joint broke, literally, in the middle of the road. No warning that is was bad. That was relatively cheap to repair. But the same week, we had to deal with the engine light on constantly. The code told us something was wrong with the cam shaft. Apparently, this model has the V-tech engine. Cam shaft repairs would be around $800-1000. What to do with trade-in value of $1800 at best? We traded it in and will probably never buy another.

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  ZX2 with S/R computer - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Mirlin - February 27 - 2:00 am

  When I got my ZX2 in January 2004, I was astounded to find a new motor, transmission, and S/R computer in it. With High mileage (79,000) and just the need for transportation to and from work, I wasnt expecting much, but Ive got a car that not only can smoke rubber in first and second gear, it beats the pants off Honda Civics. It does what I want it to do and does it VERY well

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  I love my Escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By kifisia - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car since it was one year old. It has been a great car and it would have been even better had I not taken it to som horrible mechanics. It is getting old now but it is so economical that I just refuse to let go. The dogs love it too. It is perfect for them.

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  Great vehicle - 1999 Ford Escort
  By kca - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This was our 5th Escort, and like all of the others, it has been a great vehicle. Repairs have been minimal and more importantly very inexpensive. We consider these vehicles basic transportation, and they have delivered on their promise. The SE is much quieter than the other models and has been more comfortable to drive. The Escort has been available in the USA since 1981, but has a much longer history in europe (around 1960).

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  best car ive ever owned - 1998 Ford Escort
  By mevix - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my escort since brand new, its only had 2 things ever go wrong, stereo when it was fairly new and the other the electronic sensor for the a/c. I was told by a Ford mechanic that it was a design flaw and in 1999 it was changed. This is the best car Ive ever owned, 100% reliable, great gas mileage, roomy inside for a compact car. Sorry to say I was involved in an accident this week, got hit by an S10 truck directly in the left front, and I think held up well. Unfortunately it was totalled and I can honestly say Im devastated as it was such a great car! Too bad Ford quit making them.

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  Great Transportation - 1994 Ford Escort
  By BrianCHenson - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new. (with 38 miles) I have had this car for 10 years now, and could not have asked for a better built or more reliable car. It has 200,000 miles on it, and I have not had to do a single repair to the motor. Everything on the car is original (excluding brakes and tires) This car is so dependible I would put my 79 year old grandmother in it to drive acrossed country with no worries.

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  Love my ZX2 - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Victoria Lindel - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 4 years, and shes been good to me. My favorate features are the 5 speed transmission - it makes the little engine perform wonders. I would never want an "economy" car with an automatic transmission. I like the small size as well, it makes parallel parking a breeze. The fold down seats make it possible to transport skis, yes SKIS if you have 3 people or less in the car.

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  My Favorite Car Pick - 1999 Ford Escort
  By AngeMSU - January 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my second escort and I love it. I bought it used with especially low miles, and I havent regretted it for a minute. Defiantly worth more then its priced at.