Overview & Reviews

The Ford Escort is totally redesigned this year with improvements across the board. The most noticeable improvements are in the powertrain and ride quality. New sheet metal gives the Escort a rounder, more aerodynamic appearance as well. The GT hatchback version is dropped.

• Attractive new design. Good cargo space. Zippy new engine makes driving this car fun.

• Not much rear seat room.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 93.00

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  what do you expect? - 1997 Ford Escort
  By joe - January 28 - 1:47 am

  lets be real its a escort. If I had more money Id drive a benz but im a broke loser who flips burgers. If you talk great things about your escort your a loser. It does the job go to work and maybe you can buy a nicer car down the road.

• 

  First Car Is Always Best!!! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By leia - January 12 - 6:18 pm

  Got this as my first car. I purchased it with 81,000 miles and 6 years old for $1200!!! A steal!!! The only things it has ever needed is basic wear and tear items. 175,000 miles now and the water pump and timing are still original. Still run conventional oil with no leaks. AT does not slip and has no leaks as well! This has been my greatest purchase ever!! I wish Ford would make another one. I would buy another one in a heartbeat!!!

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  Just had to rebuff - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Matt - December 28 - 2:12 am

  I had to say something when I saw the posts bashing the sedans performance. The Escort line has a long rally racing heritage and our other cars were BMW 3 and 5 series--there was practically no difference between them and our little Escort when it came to driving fun and handling. Were 12 years and 132,000 miles and the only repairs came from someone hitting us and two recalls that involved the air bags and seat belts. If Ford still made these, wed be buying another one as an added vehicle, but sadly they want to focus on the Festiva instead.

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  Bullet proof - 1997 Ford Escort
  By John - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I hope I dont jinx myself, but my Escort seems indestructible. I bought it with 72,000 miles and it just turned over 237000! It runs like a champ and gets 33-34mpg consistently. It still has the original clutch, struts, and even exhaust system! I would not hesitate to drive it cross-country. I typically change the oil at around 4K- 5K miles (most of my miles are pretty easy, few city miles) and it is never more than 1/2 quart low on oil. I love my Escort and will be very sad when I finally have to replace it. Im shooting for 300,000 miles!

• 

  1997 Ford Escort station wagon - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Fay Forto - September 13 - 2:57 am

  It drives like new. I enjoy driving it and it is a great gas saver. I can drive all day long and it is fun to drive it. It takes 5 passengers including me the driver. It drives very smoothly. I can put groceries behind the back seat. I can also put things on top of the car. It is very useful to me. I love it because it gives the same comfort just like a mini van or SUV. It is very comfortable. It provides what I need in a car. I do not have to spend a whole lot of money buying an expensive car because this one provides me what I really needed in a car. I enjoy driving it and I want other car owners to know that it is not just foreign cars that saves me gas. I am happy with it.

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  I cant find a better car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Grunchy - August 24 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 with 160,000 km on the odometer (7 years old). Its now up to 230,000 km and runs the same. Not a lot of maintenance in that time, total must be < $500 for 5 years. I changed the timing belt because I didnt know its history, had the broken rear springs replaced (mainly because they made a disagreeable "clunk" noise). The CV joint boot split one day so I had CV joints done. The front brake discs developed a warp so I changed the pair for $65 Cdn including tax -- the pads still have lots of meat! The car still runs great, no problems. I am having an extremely difficult time finding a replacement that has the same features & functionality(its now 12 years old).

• 

  Just OK - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Matt - July 29 - 7:59 pm

  I have no complaints about the car other than the fact that the performance is basically non-existent. But for a 2L four, what can you expect. The mileage is ok, I usually get around 26 combined city/highway. Over the years its just been routine maintenance: oil, filters, belts, and the water-pump.

• 

  Great car! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Ryan - March 29 - 1:35 pm

  We now have almost 178k miles on this little gem. A few minor repairs and few there, plus regular maintenance and WOW. Shes been a good runner for us.

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  Never liked it, but it keeps going - 1997 Ford Escort
  By never liked it - March 27 - 8:44 am

  Cup holders are too shallow, things always spill. I have had a number of O2 sensors and other such things replaced. Had to take it back to the dealer a week after purchase...entire top end replaced under warrant at about 34,000. It now has 150,00 on it. It leaks/burns oil, the radiator leaks, the AC compressor self destructed, the trannyis starting to slip, Ive had two exhausts put on it, Ive done a couple brake jobs. Like all these cars the rear springs are broken and the front end wears. Also, I have always found this car to be incredibly underbraked. I could, from day one, slam the brake pedal with both feet and not lock up the brakes.

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  BEST VALUE CAR EVER - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Fuzzyhotdog - March 2 - 2:40 pm

  I bought this last year sometime. Paid 600 bucks for it. Small hole from rust in the transmission line under the radiator but easy fix. It was so cold that the rest of the familys vehicles did not start at all. This little ford fired up no problems. It has over 179,000 miles and still running on factory parts. Am looking for another.