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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  Our little 02 Escort - 2002 Ford Escort
  By claude - June 20 - 6:09 pm

  Bought the Escort with 62000 miles, drives great, does idle a little rough, but understand that is it nature. Oil is and diy chore, as is changing spark plugs. Car did start to misfire at 92,000 being a diyer I investigated the problem and was a simple, spark plug and wires. The front disk brakes are the easiest I have ever changed, but cannot get the real brake drums off, will have to investigate further. Over all very good little car, gas mileage super, really luging in steep grade country, it gets at least 25 mpg, the average is 33 to 35. The best I have gotten several times on the flat freeways is 48 mpg. Overall really satisfied with the 02.

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  Modern version of the Model T! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Just keeps going! - June 19 - 9:04 pm

  In 1903 Ford started off building reliable, easy to drive, inexpensive to buy, and reliable cars...the Model A. The Ford Escort and newer Ford Focus prove that Ford never lost sight of their heritage! (except briefly with the Pinto!) We bought this 1997 Escort new off the lot in 1996, when they first came out with the new generation Escort. It was improved in every way over the older Escort that I traded in. 150,000 miles later, I can honestly say that it beat every Honda and Toyota I ever owned, dating back to 1971! Reliable to a fault, great mileage, durability, easy to drive. Just about the perfect transportation car.

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  Jacque Le Bleu - 2002 Ford Escort
  By amy - June 16 - 8:41 pm

  Graduation car- 2002 4-door sedan, gets 34 mpg, better than Moms 2001 ZX2 Escort at 32 mpg and dads 2001 ZX3 Focus bubble at 30 mpg. Medium pickup speed, but not quite as good as dads ZX3, and no match at all to moms Escort ZX2. Really fun car, but only had a stupid cassette, where I needed a cd player. Great starting in the winter and handled well. We are each hoping to eventually replace all of these cars with new Ford Escorts (we dont like the Focus with trash gray seats) and we like the better fuel economy and better pickup than the Focus. We sure hope tan or color- coordinated interiors are available soon.

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  Great Mileage - 1997 Ford Escort
  By madhatter - May 20 - 6:22 pm

  I bought this with 30,000 miles. Last year she rolled 210,000 and just flat died. I looked around for a replacement, but couldnt find anything that was even close to a match for comfort, mileage and room. I commute daily and need carrying room. I opted for another engine. It took a bit to get the bugs worked out, but now I am super happy with it. My mileage ranges anywhere from 30-33 depending upon the weather. I use this in the most adverse conditions daily. It has been through -30 temperatures and 70 mph winds, closed roads and snow so deep you were plowing with the bumper. I just cant match this one for a commuter car - my workhorse!

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  The little red car that could! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By pickleman - May 15 - 5:21 pm

  Bought this car new, and paid only $10,000! This car has paid for itself so many times over, I ought to build a shrine to it! This is the 4 door sedan, the LX sport. It came with special sport seats with rear headrests and different fabric than the base model, plus a better radio, a wing on the trunk, nicer alloy wheels, spoiler, etc. 170,000 miles with only wear and tear items replaced (belts, engine mount, catalytic converter) the front head light lenses fogged over and replaced, several sets of tires and brakes and oil changes pretty much it!

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  Base line economy car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By block1974 - May 9 - 8:07 pm

  Bought new with 0 miles and I got my moneys worth. Now has 145,000 and almost everything has been replaced except the engine. The transmission rebuilt at a shocking 80,000. Other repairs was tie rods, radiator, alternator at the 120-130,000 mark. It is comfy, and small. Low power, so dont expect to get anywhere soon. Noisy on the highway, and do not go past 80 mph or you will see blue smoke from the tailpipe. Great for city and short trips.

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  Worst Lemon Ever Owned! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Trent Mindeman - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this wagon after reviewing other buyers comments 2 years ago. My inlaws also have 2 wagons and have had great success. At 56,000 miles one front wheel bearing and the clutch went. 3,000 miles later the clutch went again and it was discovered that the transmission was leaking fluid into the clutch so we replaced the transmission. Now at 61,000 the car is surging on the highway and I have a 5 hour trip planned for this weekend. The mechanic looked it over good and found a cracked fan belt, broken rear spring, look tie rod end and the surging.... well its definately the clutch.

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  Still a Blast - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Mark - April 29 - 12:52 am

  Factory ordered this car in 90 been driving it ever since. Fully optioned except for the 5-speed. Fun to drive (still drives like new), quick, easy on the wallet. Replaced the ignition switch and rear springs. Thats it.

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  It takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 1991 Ford Escort
  By scortman - April 27 - 3:06 pm

  I love my Escort LX. I drive 80 mi. per day round trip and get 33mpg city. The car was given to me by a friend in 8-06. It sat for 9 mo. Before I put a new battery in it started it up. Ive replaced the starter, tiresstruts, brakes recently the timing belt broke and I was told it was beyond repair because the camshaft was locked and possible piston and valve damage. It would cost more than the car was worth to repair. With nothing to lose, I managed to turn the camshaft backward and free it, put a new timing belt on and away we go. Runs like a champ. With gas prices rising every day (currently 3.60) my Escort is not for sale. Its a tough little car. With routine care it should run for ever.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Terry - April 27 - 12:58 pm

  I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2003, I own the ZX2 model. Its a peppy car for a 4 cylinder but yet it still gets good gas mileage. Ford should bring this vehicle back into production I believe that it would boost their sales with any age group. The car handles well, it does shake a little while idiling, but I would definetely reccomend this car to anyone looking for a used car. It has a great sound system and comfortable front seats.