Overview & Reviews

Packages are reshuffled on Ford's entry-level cars. Available this year as sedans, wagons or stylish coupes, the Ford Escort now qualifies as a low emissions vehicle, thanks to the car's split-port induction 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

• Economical, reliable transportation in a package that is vastly improved over the previous model.

• Poor resale value.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 116.00

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  Great little hauler! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Byron - August 13 - 3:10 pm

  Bought this car new in 1998 wish I had bought two of them! Only major work in 12 years was replacing timing belt and rear brake lines. I put snow tires on their own rims on for 6 months of the year to help save original rims and tires (replaced twice). Live in New Hampshire, so a little rust has shown up around wheel wells. For less than $500 in body work, Ill have a car that should last for several more years. Gets mid 30s mpg on highway with manual transmission. Wish that Ford hadnt discontinued the Escort line. Will consider the Fiesta down the road for my next car, but am in no particular hurry.

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  Great little wagon - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Rod - June 26 - 8:33 pm

  Bought this car new in 1998. As of June 2011, it has 193,000 miles on it. Only failing were the rear springs at 150K in 2005. Regular maintenance and regular (3K interval) oil changes. Starting to show its age (some rust), but still gets 29-32 mpg to/from work in mixed highway city driving.

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  Great little car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Dan - June 11 - 8:18 pm

  Brought car with 96,000 mi and have 128,000 now. Only part replaced was a inner tie rod and with labor less then $100 No rust on the car after 2 northeast winters. AC still blowing cold and never serviced.

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  A sleeper - 1998 Ford Escort
  By ford escort wagon - May 27 - 3:18 pm

  Bought Ford wagon 2002 used with 48,000k miles drove it to 155,200k doing courier deliveries gave it to my daughter she drove it for 3 years, then she gave it to grand daughter for college later she gave it to younger sister then the care was sold in 2008 with 243,000, this car is still running only routine maintenance tires brakes timing belts tune ups

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  This car is solid - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Heathro21 - February 26 - 2:29 pm

  She is at 109,000 kms - just change the oil every 3K kms - only have had to change out the tie rods - that is it. I was going to buy a new car, but I dont have any need to. Great little car.

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  Horrible Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Will - February 25 - 4:22 pm

  This car is the most "Gutless" piece of machinery I have ever encountered. My dog can accelerate faster than this car. We have been stricken with repair after repair. Now the entire exhaust system is shot and needs replacement.

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  This car wont die - 1998 Ford Escort
  By kennedys - January 24 - 10:47 pm

  I put about 500 miles a week on this car on my daily commute to work. I have been waiting for it to die since I graduated college and got my long distance job. I have never broken down in it yet. So far since I took it over I have only had to replace tires and the tape deck/Radio which I was going to do anyway. One year I didnt even change the oil from inspection to inspection and it still ran like a champ. I wish I had a reason to get a new car but it is so reliable even at 130K. Who ever said foreign cars are more reliable than domestic really needs to check the date it isnt the 80s anymore.

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  Great basic transportation! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JPH - October 8 - 2:00 am

  We have really enjoyed this car. We have 75,000 miles on it and have no problems. It is great basic transportation. Excellent gas mileage 34 city, 39 highway

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  realibility plus - 1998 Ford Escort
  By monty - September 27 - 10:17 am

  i purchased this auto from my employer 6 years ago with 74k on it. i now have 140k. i get 25mpg around town and 35mpg highway.the timing belt broke at 110k. did not cause any engine damage as with many autos. purchasd new belt for $20 at auto parts store.alternator went this year,very easy to replace. ($45used with 1 year warrenty)as with most drivers i would like a newer auto but the escorts reliability and very reasionable replacement parts cost will have me driving it for a few more years.

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  cabin car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Jerry - August 6 - 11:21 am

  Purchased 5 years ago at 29000 miles. It had been dealer maintained, driven as second car, never in salt, paid $3600. I have alloy wheels (I had on a Mazda)and hi performance tires. We drive summers only as our (2 people) only car during that time. Now with 86000 miles replacement tires and front brake pad only. Nothing has failed. It is a great car for local use. Mileage with automatic, driven in a spirited manner is 30mpg locally, 33-4 at 73mph using cruise. On extended interstate trips it is acceptably comfortable, shifts out of lockup on hills when using cruise. Very reliable, economical utilitarian vehicle. Nowhere as comfortable, peppy, sporty handling as our 2004 Mazda 3.