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 11 through 20 of 835.00-
Mediocrity at its best - 1999 Ford Escort
By Kuri - January 3 - 3:13 amBought my 99 Escort with 24k on it, thinking it was a good buy. Less than a month later I had bad vibrations in the car during idle. Had to rip out and replace the motor mounts, a problem that Ive read other people having online. Horrible console design, cup holders wont hold anything bigger than a 20 ounce cup. Bad acceleration and Im already having transmission problems thanks to it. For some reason gas mileage plummets with city driving from 30-35 mpg to about 25 or so. I like small cars so this is actually a bit big for me Id have preferred a ZX2 if anything. Back seat has no room for comfort. My issues with the exterior looks were solved with a body kit. Speakers didnt even survive 2 months.
-
Engine and Tranny - 2001 Ford Escort
By Angelicdreamz - August 17 - 4:15 pmWe bought this car used and it seems to do ok for the first year after purchasing it, however at the beginning of this summer, our AC went out (bad if you live in phx az), our tranny had to be rebuilt, and now it wont run and needs a new engine. We just passed the mark of to many miles for our waranty, so now we are stuck with a car we still owe 6k on and they want us to pay 3.5k for a new engine. We have no other transportation, we have had 6 tires go bad, (even though we have not been rough on them, its from the heat and they ere rubbing on something), 2 new rims (bent when bought), tranny, ac, engine, and 3 bulbs are bad 1 front and 2 back.
-
Noisiest car Ive ever owned - 1999 Ford Escort
By Larry Cole - April 9 - 2:15 pmThe reason I was drawn to this car was that it had an excellent sound system (six-CD changer/tape player). But as time wore on, the road and engine noise became so annoying that even high volume on the stereo was not enough to drown out the incessant noise.
-
The Nightmare before Caddie - 1992 Ford Escort
By Cadillac Jack - December 27 - 12:25 pmI bought this car for about $2,000 at the time. In the first 3 months, the car was in the shop for a total of 2 whole months total. The tranny was the first to tank. This happened shortly after the sale, the dealer felt so bad, he replaced the transmission free of charge (would have been about $600). Shortly after that, the carburetor tanked ($150), then the ignition($210). Then the ignition again (warrantied). Then the axle shaft on the front driver side ($300). There were some other general repairs in there as well. Finally Id had enough after 1 year of constant repairs (and finding out that I needed new rear struts). I sold the car for $550.
-
Teenager (with little money) - 1999 Ford Escort
By an escort? - December 23 - 2:02 pmMy Escort does not run well. The exhaust manifold got a crack in it and it takes a whole block to get up to 25 mph. The battery has died at least 5 times, even though i bought a new one. I get regular oil changes and replace the air filter. All the repairs this car need cost over $400 per thing to be fixed. Also, the flywheel in my transmission is bent so it makes a loud clicking noise whenever I am not accelerating. if you want a reliable car get a Honda Accord or something similar.
-
Regret buying a Ford Escort - 1999 Ford Escort
By "S"CortsSuk - March 23 - 2:00 amI leased a Ford Escort SE back in Oct of 1999, and I totally regretted my decision a few days later. I had so many problems with it in the beginning. I also had to replace the suspension after two years, which cost me $1,000. Back in Dec of 2003, I had to replace the engine too. That cost me a lot of money. It is a cheap car to own, but no resale value. It is also an ugly car. I dont recommend American economy cars. Get a Civic or Corolla instead.
-
spend your money elsewhere - 1994 Ford Escort
By kjlnjlnnminoimiojmip - March 16 - 2:00 ammaybe its jsut the particular car i got, but ive had nothing but trouble with it. 500 miles into my ownership, the ac goes out. dealer replaces compressor (for exorbitant price of $400) but radiator starts leaking. my freakin speedometer doesnt even work! even though ive heard of lots of people that have loved this car, i see no reason to spend the money on it. why bother when you can get a comparable civic (better reliability and mileage) for about a grand more?
-
DO NOT BUY A ZX2 - 1999 Ford Escort
By nofx - March 10 - 2:00 amAfter approximately 48,000 mi of driving this car completley went south. I provided regular maintainence and oil changes, yet still had to have the engine and transmission replaced at 48,000 mi.
-
not gooood - 1998 Ford Escort
By LikesALittleMonster - August 16 - 7:06 amman i got a 98 with 50k and all ready MAIN Body Frame rusting (inside under Fenders) engine loud as hell, drive is horroble, inside look - looks like from a STONE AGE when ppl live in caves, seat are SUPER UNCONFTEBLE my back hurts from 10 min drive in em, its got a nice out side look ill give a + to that and the rest is horoble a sport car with 130 horse and inside looks like crap
-
Never AGAIN - 1996 Ford Escort
By jghg - August 13 - 2:00 amWOW...I see people writing good things about the escort....SHOCKED....The WORST car I have ever owned. I did the maintance, took care of it and what happened problem after problem after problem. Until the engine went with 85,000 miles. Talked with mechanics and was told that is just how the ford engine is made not to last!!!
