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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  No more Fords! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Frank - March 8 - 12:31 am

  Had an 87 Escort wagon made in New Jersey, got good basic A-to-B transportation & made it to 250,000 mi. So I got this newer 1998 replacement but only made it to 150,000 & had to junk it. Was made in Mexico & had many poor quality problems (rust, bad dash & dome lights, replaced P/S, etc & finally internal engine damage). Have had other Fords before & know theyre generally lesser quality than other brands, but this was worst experience. Now Im an angry ex-Ford customer.

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  Second Escort Ive owned - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Nicole - March 4 - 8:15 pm

  This is the second Escort Ive owned and if they still made them, Id buy another. I average 30-35 mpg, once getting 38. And this car has been so reliable Always starts, although sometimes hesitantly if its below zero. I have only done regular maintanence on it, no major repairs. I did have some minor tranny trouble that a flush and new fluid took care of.

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  Best 2nd Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By COKLRider - February 24 - 10:27 am

  Bought 8/07 w/94k miles. Only had to replace the MAF sensor when I bought it as the previous owner put tape over the check engine light. Use it for commuting (35 mi/day) mostly. Great AC, fun to drive, cheap on gas (better than my 72 Bronco). No oil leaks. This is my 2nd Escort SW, first being an 84 diesel. Both have been great.

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  Why buy anything newer? - 1995 Ford Escort
  By yellowtail3 - February 19 - 9:30 am

  Good car, very low cost of operation. The wagon is roomy. If youre shopping for one, get the 5spd - it will give much better performance & fuel economy that the automatic. Wagon is roomy think of it as a 35mpg SUV, without the ground clearance. Run tire pressure little high - 40psi or so, and drive gently - and youll see regular high-30mpg in town, and over 40mpg on highway. It can be done, Ive done it. Fairly easy to work on. Good ergonomics - the wheel/shifter/pedal relationship is good, much better than the 95 Caprice I owned prior to this one. Escort Wagons are a great used car value, if you find a 5spd.

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  250,000 miles and still going - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Jan - January 26 - 9:42 pm

  I love my wagon. Never anything major gone wrong. It is a 5 speed manual and still has original clutch. Yep, the ol gal has been a trooper. Im thinking of getting a new vehicle now but I will not get rid of my old faithful. I never would have beleived when I bought this car new that it would reach 250K miles. What a car!

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  My new car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Gary Grove - January 24 - 9:21 am

  I like the size and the handling.The gas mileage is great. All maintance was normal. The price fit into budget. I like the color.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort Owner - January 22 - 8:50 am

  Have had no major problems other than blowing a head gasket at 130K miles. Fixed that for less than $300 with a box of wrenches and a Haynes manual. Drove crosscountry twice, and was main travel vehicle for years. Have hauled 1000 lbs of concrete in the back. Busted the shocks! 4x8 plywood fits nicely on the luggage rack. This car has carried the mail for me and my family for a long time. We used to joke about it being my sons first car. He was 1 when we got it. In a few years he will be old enough to drive it so it just may be. Its not fancy by any means but peppy for a small car. All in all its been worth every penny.

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  5 years later - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Used 2001 - January 16 - 9:29 am

  I bought a 2001 ZX2 in 2003 used for $9000. The tape player didnt work...still doesnt, but who uses tapes anyway? Radio is good, AC is super cold. It had 32,000 miles on it then, now has 75,000 and still runs great. Gas mileage is awesome, and Ive had the serpentine belt replaced once. It has to be replaced again soon. Overall, this has been a great first car, it saw me through college and Im going to keep it until it dies.

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  1997 Ford Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Unice Redd - January 11 - 12:25 am

  I love to drive and this car was a challenge at first, (5 sp) but once I got the hang of it...Had only one mechanical problem, needed a check up. Durable, dependable, great on mileage, low maintenance.

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  Sporty, economical & less than a Celica - 1999 Ford Escort
  By teriana - January 7 - 11:57 am

  I purchased the car with 93,000 mi on it and paid $4,300 out the door with every option available (over half the price of the Celicas I was looking at). The car has an awesome stereo with premium sound. I drove it until 119,000. The only thing I had to replace was the thermostat. When I bought it, it did have a slight transmission leak that I always meant to have fixed. Instead I just put more fluid in every once in a while. When I sold the car, it did seem like it had the beginnings of real transmission trouble, but Im not positive. Trans problems are the one thing that can plague this vehicle. I cant ignore the fact, though, that my brother-in- law owned two with over 250,000 miles.