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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  My ZX2ner - 2003 Ford Escort
  By HTH9LY - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had my zx2 for over a year and have yet to have any mechanical problems. With a few minor engine upgrades it can kill hondas and acuras. It gets great gas milage, and handles very well. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to have a fun, fast car. It is also a safe car, believe me i know....

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  Interior Room - 2003 Ford Escort
  By targetshooter - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I am 62 / 260 and I fit just fine. I drive it on long trips and the seats are fine. Great get you there car with enough power to handle what you run into.

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  escort zx2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2driver - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought in Jan 1999. Its a fun car to drive, its been really reliable, it looks better than the focus does. Its pretty quick, but a turbocharged zx2 would be awesome. It can be awkward to work on because of the the design, but its nice.

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  little blue escort - 2000 Ford Escort
  By sheryl - November 19 - 2:00 am

  this car has been to hell and back and still goes great, need i say more?

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  Good Teenage Car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Babygirlmegz - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Good Car, Reliable, a good little car for a student to have

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  The best car I ever owned - 1991 Ford Escort
  By lornad - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I have not had a problem yet with the car. I only did the typical maintenance that you do with a used car. I drove from Virginia to Connecticut for the first time by myself and I had no fear about driving that distance alone. I have never driven that far before. I made it to and from. I have more confidence in that car than any car that I had in the past (and there were many). I will keep this car for a very long time.

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  Wish I could keep it forever - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Louiza - November 3 - 2:00 am

  A great little car. It would be even better if I had not taken it to horrible places such as All Tune and Lube in Fairfax. They fixed one thing and destroyed another...Having a great mechanic is important, and I think with the help of one, the Ford Escort 93 can keep going and going and going.

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  Alaska owned - 1993 Ford Escort
  By anchmike - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. I am an active outdoor enthusiast and have taken this car places where others with two wheel drive wouldnt go. The front wheel drive is excellent. I have had virtually noproblems with this car until recently when it started missing. Turns out the plugs and wiring and timing belt were all still original and should have ben replaced 30,000 miles ago anyway! So now that it has been it is running great again.

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  48 year old female - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Treesx2 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th escort. I had ground effects, tinted windows and chrome rims put on this one. I get out of it and people ask me if that is my sons car! I love it. They all ask the same question, what is that? When I say an escort, they all say NO WAY!!! Its as if I wait on people to ask me the same questions, it happens with such frequency. I love this one more than I have loved my last three. And I thought I loved them, I put over a hundred thousand miles on each of my escorts. Reliable and thats why I keep coming back.

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  ZX2 Hot - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Meri - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I use this car to commute to New York Metro area from Pa. I have put 90,000 miles on it in the 3 years I have owned it and the only thing that I have had to do on my ZX2 was change the oil and once the brakes. It has been a great car to own in terms of reliability and it is also a fun little car to drive. The Zx2 has a lot of pep and handles well on corners and in all weather conditions. I would recomend this model to anyone looking for a fast, fun, inexpensive form of transpertation.