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:
Showing 231 through 240 of 835.00-
This is a hidden gem! - 1996 Ford Escort
By Escortfun - May 23 - 2:00 amThis gem is fun todrive, very economical (38mpg in hwy450mi one tank). Costs nothing to maintain, other than the oil changes etc., and it is reliable and practical (it easily fits my bicycle). The manual I own is peppy and accelerates with the 5th from 55 to 80 very quickly. It can go (tested recently) over 110 mph! I have driven this baby accross the US (it has 140K) for 6 years, and it NEVER left me stranded. I love this car so much, that even though I am buying a brand new sports car, I will keep it, because even a price as high as $4000 is little for it. You found a 96-Escort? Buy it and do not think about it. A REAL bargain!
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Whoaaaa. - 2003 Ford Escort
By Echer - May 21 - 2:00 amExcellent vehicle. Top choice. Bang for your buck, indeed.
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Great Purchase! - 1999 Ford Escort
By Vette man - April 28 - 2:00 amI bought the car for less than $10K brand new in 1999. Really quick, have had it over 100 mph often. Its almost as quick as my 84 Corvette. Have 80K miles on it and no problems what so ever. Bought my daughter one. She got into a head on collision at 50 mph and walked away from it. The crush zones and air bags worked as well as a BMW. The best value Ford every sold.
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Best money I ever spent - 1995 Ford Escort
By sgriffin - April 9 - 2:00 amThis car is our 3rd Escort and we recently purchased another to make 4! We have changed the oil and serviced it. That is it. It gets 36-40 mpg and is the most dependable car I have ever owned. Its easy to park and corners on a dime. I love my car!
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2nd gen Escort GTs RULE! - 1991 Ford Escort
By FordMan - April 5 - 2:00 amAquired car 1/99 and average 25,000 miles annually. By the end of 03 it will have 200,000 on. ALL ORIGINAL except air filter, belts and water pump. Still has original plugs, wires, sensors etc. Thought about replacing them, but averaging 35 mpg (and 40.8 on trips) I ask myself...WHY? This car sees mostly highway miles, and occassionally the local drag strip.
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Very reliable car - 1993 Ford Escort
By Genorama - March 19 - 2:00 amI have had this car for 7 years and have done nothing to it but routine maintance. A/C still works, all power accessories still work, doesnt smoke or leak oil, still has good power and mileage, interior still looks good.
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zx2 is great!!!!! - 1999 Ford Escort
By dragonslayer - March 9 - 2:00 amI think the zx2 is the best compact car out. I belive that the zx2 is reliable and i have had no problems. also i know the zx2 is a good racing car atleast against the honda civic (which isnt all that great) the zx2 is under rated and should be higher rated than the civic. also the escort zx2 is not really a escort it was put on fords production line to replace the ford probe the escort zx2 should not be viewed and shuned by people just because its and escort view it as ford zx2 just forget about the escort part because its better and faster than the regular escort.this car should be respected more than the honda civic because this is a great car to get.
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minor problem, great car - 1991 Ford Escort
By Wolfdio - March 5 - 2:00 amI have been through a lot with this car. I just love it. I have had it for years before i bought it. my dad bought it in 95 for $2000. In 98 we had to buy a new tranny, and when 2003 came around we had already gone through 3 alternators... ive learned how to fix alternators, and im glad i did.
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the perfect first car... - 1998 Ford Escort
By CodyB - March 5 - 2:00 amI love my car!!! I bought one as my first car last year, and its great. Its great to find the S curves on back roads and fly by my friend with a civic. The only reason I only put a 9 for performance is because it doesnt really compare to my dads nissan 300ZX, but its still a peppy little sports car and I love it.
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96 escort lx 2dr hatchback - 1996 Ford Escort
By herb campbell ii - March 4 - 2:00 amgreat vehicle. fun to drive. dependable. looks great. very economical to operate. lots of compliments. not sorry i bought it by far.
