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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  So so - 2000 Ford Escort
  By fee1234 - April 24 - 7:28 pm

  This car started off pretty good for me and I put a lot of miles on it but after about 100,000 the motor started ticking and the transmission started to go. The car always had a bad shake to it and would not make a good family car (too small> good for getting around town and not long trips.

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  Fun car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By eric - April 18 - 10:06 pm

  Love this little car. Wish I still had it. Hit a deer. Still driveable but looked like crap. Bought the car in 1999 with 54,000 miles and drove it till 170,000 mile when I got rid of it. Best car I ever had. Fast little thing also. Only Grand Am or Grand Prix I could find that could keep up was the one with the supercharged motor. All the others fell behind. The only problem I had was brakes, ball joints, cluch, rear bearings. All replaced once. Lost third gear in trans, never did get it fixed. I just went from second to fourth. I would tell anyone to get the GT. Do not get the auto, go form the manual

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  Very trusty, reliable car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By artbkward - April 11 - 9:38 am

  Ive driven my 98 Escort since I turned 16 (8 years ago), it has never required any more than routine repair. Its got 147,000 miles on it now and still has alot of life left in it. Gets good fuel mileage although does have small spot of rust on the door. I added a CD player since it came with AM/FM radio only. Its been a great little car for me, I would highly recommend.

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  Black and Beautiful - 1999 Ford Escort
  By turboDREAMS - April 10 - 9:56 am

  My Escort has almost 180k on it now and has never let me down. Ever. She sees high rpms on a daily basis because of how fun this ride is! 5spd is definitely the way to go and the response is outstanding. I thought escorts were grandma cars until i noticed civics trying to keep up! The handling is so smooth that i sometimes forget that I am in an Escort. All my friends look to the ground with rising gas prices as I enjoy the day no matter what with my easily captured 35mpg. Fuel economy is simply amazing in this car! If you want an affordable car that just wont leave you in the dust or stranded, and out runs half the hybrids in the mpg test, i can confidently say "go with the Escort!"

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  12 years and still running - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Drew - April 6 - 3:55 pm

  I bought a new, base model April, 1996 with automatic transmission. It did not come with AC, or a radio. I have 118,000 miles on it. Pretty good runner. I put a radio in it. With basic mainatanence it has been pretty dependable. It did have to be towed away the first day I bought it though, but was repaired in two weeks and really, no major problems since. I have put new brake lines, new master cylinder, new catalytic converter, new radiator on the care. Only in the last year or so have the Ohio winters started to cause the body to rust (I didnt have it rust proofed when I bought it).

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  Great - 1999 Ford Escort
  By HERB - April 4 - 9:31 am

  Drives and handles great. Looks great. Drove it to New Orleans and back last year with no problems at all. Didnt even have it checked out before I left, I have that much faith in it. Just routine maintenance, nothing more.

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  Good While it Lasted, but in Shop a Lot - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Breaks Every 3 month - April 3 - 2:42 pm

  I bought this car with 71,000 miles on it. Now, 3 and a half years later, it has almost 103,000 miles. However, I have spent over $1,500 in repairs in the years I owned it. (Bought it for $1,200). I have replaced a ball joint, the fuel pump, spark plug wires, starter, brake line, and the throttle. When I replaced it with a Nissan, the exhaust (at the exhaust manifold) was going bad. Good car, but only if you want to spend lots of money in repairs, and only if you want to be in the shop with it every other month.

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  Great MPGs, Fun to drive - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Bailey - April 3 - 1:44 pm

  This car has excellent fuel economy and is so much fun to drive. For being a four cylinder its pretty zippy and definitely stylish. Great car for work, school, or play. Definitely worth the money.

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  Best Little Car! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Jen - April 2 - 3:58 am

  I bought my car brand new, other than normal maintenence, Ive had no problems, never been stranded. Its getting older and the seats arent what they use to be, but old age will do that to you. Im wondering how many miles my Black Beauty will see.178,000 and counting.

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  Super Dependable Transportation - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JVZX2 - April 1 - 4:58 pm

  I bought this car because it was all I could afford at the time. After seven years I have only replaced the tires, a lightbulb and one door hinge (fixed free of charge). Even the brakes are still good. Unbelievably dependable. Bought it in California, drove to the desert the first week. The engine is loud above 75 mph but the mileage is unbelievable at 34 MPG. This car drove to Washington state and crossed the country, no problems. Around town it handles like a sports car with great pickup and excellent turning radius. Engine really cranks up to 5000 rpm and gets to 60 in no time. 5 speed standard transmission is very dependable and the clutch is still tight at 60,000 plus miles.