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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  Fun Car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jack - May 21 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car 6 1/2 years ago with 132,000 miles on it. Now has 172K. Very reliable and fun to drive, stands out in a crowd. It gets decent gas mileage, 25 mpg in the city stop and go traffic. (Auto 3 spd) I will keep this car for a while and I have been pleased with it

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  The best car I own - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort_is_good - May 18 - 2:41 am

  I have a 2006 Grand Caravan SXT and a 2002 Eldorado ETC, but they simply dont compare to the 1997 Escort wagon. Shortly after I bought it the rear suspension began groaning over bumps. I never worried about it, but eventually it turned out to have broken rear springs -- relatively cheap to replace. Absolutely wonderful engine: I have the 2.0L SPI (split port injection) and it makes the correct amount of power. The chassis is still firm, steers straight, no squeaks, though it wont be long until the rust starts at this age. Ill just keep er going indefinitely as a winter-beater, top-notch reliability and ease of maintenance.

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  My Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By fubar1 - May 15 - 11:36 am

  I really like my 1997 Escort. It has lots of power and I really like the handling on dirt and asphalt roads. My only complaint is that the back of the car is too light and it likes to slide when going through curves on dirt roads at high speeds. But I added weight and it is great now.

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  A great car, and Ill miss her - 1993 Ford Escort
  By ohmless - May 6 - 12:31 am

  I recently had to give up my Escort for a newer vehicle, but not without some reluctance. I purchased my Escort 4D Hatchback in September of 2003 and it proved to be one of the most reliable cars Ive ever owned. I drive some serious miles for work and recreation, and aside from a few minor problems over the three and a half years I owned it, it was always reliable and got me to where I needed to go. I did have some problems with the tires and tie rods (which Ive heard is a common Escort problem) and anti-freeze would leak from time to time (also another common Escort problem), but I never had to deal with any major mechanical problems.

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  Not bad - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Mike - April 22 - 9:21 pm

  Looking back, I probably should have bought a Civic or Corolla, but this car has been good basic transportation. As long as you keep up the maintenance, it is a very reliable car. Ive had to replace a wheel bearing, but other than that, just basics like tires, filters, etc. Still gets great gas mileage (25-30) and drives smooth. Complaints: Noisy, no armrest, and totally unacceptable amounts of vibration when the car is in Drive and idling. It doesnt vibrate any other time, but at a stop light the thing feels like its about to come unhinged. I guess I didnt notice it during the test drive. Quality fuel, and on time fuel filter changes keep it to a minimum. Overall - Fair.

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  Reliable, Reliable, Reliable - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Christopher - April 4 - 9:13 pm

  This has been the most dependable car I have ever owned. It is not a cool ride, but when it is as inexpensive as it is, and never costs you a dime once you purchase it, I feel pretty cool driving it.

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  Very good first car - 1992 Ford Escort
  By that guy - April 4 - 1:27 pm

  This car was a gift from my parents as a first car. The car is great. It gets good gas mileage and is fun to drive. For being only a 2-door the back seats are still roomy and I was able to fit my friends who are over 6 feet tall in it. But its a good car and recommend it to first drivers because its safe.

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  Good Little car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By tmoore - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This has been a good little car. Ive had one problem(wheel bearing needed replacing). It has 93,000 miles on it and Knock wood no other problems. Now my wifes 2000 focus on the other hand has been pain with mutiple recalls. Overall Im satisfied with the 99 Escort.

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  This is my 2nd Escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Ford Escort Wagon - April 1 - 6:18 pm

  This is my second Escort, loved my first one, very reliable, both the drive tyrain and chasis was bulit by Mazda. Ford built the body. I had a 4 door 1.9 now a wagon 1.9 i seem to have lost a bit of power. The wagon only has 50kgs of more weight, but lacks of power accelerating. I would love a 5 speed but very rare. This car is very pratical and reliable. I love my Escorts. My 1991 had 250,000ks on it and was still going strong. Thats why I bought an another one. My opinion? Buy an Escort, good and reliable cars.

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  The little car that could - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Bigmann - March 29 - 8:28 am

  Bought last year with only 23,000 miles on it. Since then I put 3,000 miles a month on it. This is a great little car. I get around 34-35 mph on the highway. This car now has 50,000 miles on it and besides normal oil changes i have replaced both tie rod ends, and put a new set of tires on it. Thats it!! My only gripe is that mine has a sunroof that leaks badly. The Ford dealer I took it to wants way too much money to fix so I had to permanently seal it. The sunroof trim also constantly comes unhooked. It never comes off but comes unhooked in the corners leaving a small gap. I am 6 5" tall and the I have enough room in the front seats but barely. Overall a great car to go to work in. This is a great car I would buy this again if Ford still made them