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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  Love it! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By wayne - September 3 - 4:15 pm

  I bought my 2003 ZX2 a few months ago because I needed a more reliable and economical vehicle. It more than met my expectations. Its the first 4cyl Ive had and Im suprised by the power. I couldnt find one with a 6 speed option. Thats my only complaint but the mileage is great and the power is suprising. Im sure Ill be driving this car for many years.

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  Perfect First Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By doubleblack - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the Ford ZX2 for 3 years and have had zero problems. It combines great highway fuel economy with surpising performance. No other car in this price range/age match it cornering ablities on dry roads.

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  1993 Escort GT, sad to see it go - 1993 Ford Escort
  By tarichra4 - August 29 - 4:41 pm

  Bought our 93 GT 5 speed with 36,000 miles in 1996, and had to let it go in 2008 due to rust. Was a great car, peppy 1.8 engine gave us no problems except for slight lifter noise and general maintenance. Dist. O-Ring, thermostat and sending unit ,radiator, hoses, small things. Tranny went through 2 clutches, and a 3-4 shift fork and synchronizer. Fun to drive seems to want to go through front ball joints and outer tie rods though. Ours was blue with gray interior, started rusting around the rear wheel lips, and went like wildfire since. The back half of the car is so rusted in the lower rear panels, and the frame rails are severely rusted. Rear strut came thru, and found more rust on the towers.

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  2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jennie Graham - August 26 - 9:09 pm

  I purchased my ZX2 in 2004 with 39000 miles on it. It now has 53000 miles on it. It has been a very reliable car and I have had not one mechanical problem with it. It does idle rough. I love the sporty style and it is fun to drive and is good on gas. I wish Ford would build these cars again because I would love to purchase a new one.

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  Best gas mileage is at 60 mph - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Tom P. - August 10 - 12:18 am

  I drive this car 100 miles a day. My best gas mileage is at 60 mph. 40.1 mpg at that speed with the A/C off and 37.6 with it on. This car gets 33 mpg at 80 mph withthe A/C on and mpg increase as you slow down. Ive owened this car since it was new. I bought it with 6 miles on it I have put 149,994 miles on this car and it has yet to leave me walking. It is a small car and has very good looks for a small car. Its roomy in side and not bad on long trips. Ive driven it will 3 other adults in for over 4 hours. The trunk is very big for a car of this size. The rearseat folds down and Ive put 4 8ft 4x4 in side the car. I do not know why Ford quit making them with gas prices as high as they are.

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  It Could Be Worse (but not much) - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Justin - August 7 - 4:25 am

  Do not get this car if you enjoy driving or like cars even a little bit. Youll be dissapointed with the performance, handling and just about everything. Fuel economy is great as long as you dont touch the gas and dont look at the A/C. I dont think the designers even knew what fun-to-drive meant. Interior is basic. Not even a tach or cd player. If you stare at the exterior long enough it starts to look alright. Its only broken down on me once because of a bad alternator but there are a few parts that have needed replacing in the two years Ive had it. (Motor mounts twice and A/C.) The trunk leaks on the right too. Summary: If youre old or dont like cars, the Escort is for you.

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  Best Ford ever - 1992 Ford Escort
  By 1992 escort - August 5 - 10:53 am

  I had a 2004 F-150 and a 2004 Mustang Cobra, yet the Escort is my favorite. Its the best 4 cylinder. I have the 1.8 dohc with performance mods. It runs good. I wish Ford made more vehicles like that.

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  I love this car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Karla in PA - July 24 - 5:37 pm

  I bought this car as a high school junior because I needed my own transportation to work. I had limited funds and the Escort seemed just perfect at $750. I have had the car for almost 1.5 years now and I have not been disappointed at all. This car is small and cute. I get wonderful gas mileage (~29/35) and theres little maintenance. My friends are all jealous of my car! It has almost 100,000 (or 200,000 I cant tell because of the 6 digit odometer) and still runs better than my fathers 05 Pontiac. The only problem is that the A/C doesnt run very cold, but hey, at least it runs. I would recommend this car to anyone. It runs like new and will never leave you stranded. Surely a great buy!

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  Practical and Reliable - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Paul - July 10 - 12:14 pm

  This car is very reliable, easy to fix, and exceptionally roomy for a compact car. I routinely haul my two dogs, child in car seat, wife, and luggage with ease. Ive also pulled a pretty heavy trailer 1000 miles with the car. My only criticisms are that the seats are horribly uncomfortable. The car has very little power, but it is so reliable and practical that it has been a great car. I have 191k on mine and it still is running fine.

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  Beautiful and fast - 1999 Ford Escort
  By seekbob - July 8 - 5:39 pm

  This car is great looking and fun to drive with 25 to 30 mpg. I have had it for over 4 years. I have replaced front brakes and tires and one tie rod that is it. Best car I ever had.