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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  Power within. - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Kasdan - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Some may have good opinions of Escorts, Some may have bad, but my opinion, on the other hand, is great. I love my escort. Nobody expects it to be as fast as it is with the 5- speed, and its just plain fun to drive. Sure, Ive had some problems with it, but thats because i used to dog it. Great, reliable car which is a blast to drive and gets awesome gas mialage. And Ive never had a problem with the head.

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  I Love My Racescort! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By KarenD - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Scort while in college a few years ago, and she paid for herself several times over - what a deal! All repairs were minor and due to regular wear and tear. I replaced the clutch once (it was the original), and other than tires that was my only big expense. She gets great gas milage, and shes fun to drive, too. Ive never known a more reliable vehicle.

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  Unbelievable, except I lived it - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Exgweagle - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have driven lots of similar cars from the competition, but they do not compare. Ford did it right with this one! The belts were to last 100k, but gave out at 199950...close enough for me. Change the oil evry 3k and she purrs like a kitten. Thank you ford for making Quality Job 1! At 166,750 now and still charging! Hope all my cars work like this from now on!!!

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  Hate to give her up! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By rancocas - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Most reliable car I ever owned! Routine maintenance only. Body/paint integrity remains excellent. Original exhaust and clutch at 148K miles. Would have bought another one but they stopped making the wagon!! Cant afford insurance on two cars so Im trying to sell it to a good home!

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  Focus is better??? - 2003 Ford Escort
  By track7bo - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I have to disagree with Edmunds opinion that the Focus is a better car. I couldnt wait to get my car back when I had to rent a Focus for a day because my ZX2 was in the shop. It was so boring to drive and styling of the Focus just doesnt compare to that of my car. You wonder "why the ZX2 has lasted this long" ? Because its replacement would be the UGLY EGG that they call the Focus ZX3! The only Focus that may be better than the ZX2 is the SVT Focus (which costs a considerabe amount more). The only thing the ZX2 is lacking is an SVT option. It is a GREAT car. Ford has continued production of this car for good reason.

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  Great car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Chelle - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new and have not had one problem with it. It drives smooth, gets great gas mileage, and looks very sporty!

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  My new escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By jalange - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the car three days ago from the dealer. Used to be driven by a little old man in town and the car only had 21,450 miles for a 1997 LX Sport. Looks like showroom new. Read reviews about quality, fuel economy and design and all have been correct, Ford has a great car here. I used to be turned off by Escorts since m-i-l picked me up at airport with a 1985 which died every 10 miles. Ford has really turned it around.

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  Great Economical Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By mreniceguy - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Ever since Ive had my car, I have been impressed for the value. I have only had to make some minor repairs along the way but so far its performed better than I expected. The gas mileage is great, especially since I drive a lot between my home town and where I am currently working. A one way trip is about 215 miles. Ive put a lot of miles on my car since Ive had it and I cant complain. A great car for your money

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  ZX2 - 2002 Ford Escort
  By UBer HAGS - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car for the price. The 2.0 Zetec is a great engine design that comes standard on the ZX2 but must be bought as an option on the Focus line. Not only does it have better aerodynamics but its also lighter than the Focus. Driver and Passenger seating comfortable even on non stop (except gas and food) trip from Austin to Philly with my brother.

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  Been Great for the Long Haul - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JennyFL - May 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my ZX2 since buying it new in 98--its been great! Ive put over 100000 miles on it with few problems-- had to replace the alternator. The 5spd is zippy and tight. Nothing better than knowing its gonna start up every time I need it to. Im sooo pleased to have gotten so much out of this little car and hope Im driving it for a few more years b/c Ill hate to give it up!