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:
Showing 171 through 180 of 835.00-
Best Car I have ever owned! - 2000 Ford Escort
By John Free - January 22 - 2:00 am2000 ZX2 finally a US manufacturer has produced quality equal to the japanese. Purchased brand new from a large dealer 9-00...on sale for $8888. Yeah I know I got a terrific deal. 30k miles today and never a problem...nada...zip.
-
Love My Escort - 1993 Ford Escort
By SCMunchkin - January 18 - 2:00 amI love my escort & it has been very reliable. Have taken many road trips with it & never had any problems.Other than normal maint. I have only replaced the clutch,the dr side cv joint and heater core. I have never been stranded in all my travels. In 02 it finally gave out w/163000 miles. Had motor replaced runs great now and odometer reads 200589 (actual is 63000 on new motor). Interior good cond and exterior no rust just some scratches and bumper damage from some idiot backing into me and not said a word. I have used and abused this car for multiple purposes. Think of buying another car but not sure I want to part w/my baby.
-
Good car - 1990 Ford Escort
By Billy Rad - January 12 - 2:00 amGood car, reliable, it is a good little car for the money. I will keep this car for years to come.
-
Best car Ive ever owned. - 1997 Ford Escort
By lovemyescort - January 10 - 2:00 amI have owned this car for almost 5 years. 5 trouble-free years. Have only replaced tie-rod ends and front brakes. Have put 50k miles on since I bought it. Outstanding reliability. Exceptional fuel mileage. Just change the oil and keep driving it.
-
Escort are excellent - 1994 Ford Escort
By RSnchz - January 3 - 2:00 amI never thought this car was going to be a good buy, but it has taken my family all around the country with no problems.
-
This Car Rocks, Dudes!!!!! - 1991 Ford Escort
By Autobon Maniac - December 31 - 2:00 amI drove this car on the German Autobon for several years. 40,000 miles with my foot so hard to the floorboards, I would get leg cramps (you laugh.) Top end...maybe 140 going downhill. Those big ole Granddaddy 5 series Mercedes and 7 series Bimmers would pass me so fast they would suck me out into their lane, but the Escort was a hoot nonetheless. 7 hours to Italy....4 1/2 hours to Amsterdam....Ahhhh the good life!
-
Dont Want to Give It Up!! - 1996 Ford Escort
By The Rave - December 29 - 2:00 amI dont even want to sell this old car!! Ive had it for 2 years, it had high mileage on it when I bought it, plus I put 1000 miles on it in one trip from NY to Ohio, and back. It never gave me any problems, always started right up, the AC and heat are phenomenal, and the gas mileage is great. I drove this car through two bad winters and it still never failed. I just graduated college and my father urged me to purchase a brand new car, but Im afraid it wont be as reliable as this one!
-
I love my Zx2 - 2003 Ford Escort
By Isabella - December 13 - 2:00 amMy very first car was an EXP, and my father bought a five speed so that I would learn to drive one. I LOVED that car, and my ZX2 reminds me of it in the way it drives. Its a fun car. Its very well made, and although I said when we were shopping that I didnt want a 2 door, and I didnt want a 4 cylinder, I didnt even want a small car...But you know? I am happy with my little car, and I am upset that Ford has discontinued them.
-
Nice little car - 2003 Ford Escort
By NorthFace - December 3 - 2:00 amFor the price you cant beat it
-
Review of my 03 ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
By FoXyGrL969 - December 3 - 2:00 amMy experience with this car has been great, my previous car was a 91 escort, and just as that it has showed great potential. Ive had no problems so far, i personally find it a very comfortable car(no ive never had to ride in the backseat of it, haha), it is great with gas, and i think will last a long time. Not to forget... it was a great price, for being 17 trying to buy a new car, i think this was perfect.
