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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  The greatest compact sport car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Lunchbox - February 18 - 2:00 am

  to start off. i love my escort gt. its the most wornderful car to drive. its really quick when you want the power its there. handles great. i do plan on making it handle better by putting some strut bars in front and back, and makeing it a little more powerful but i love it. its a perfect sleeper i guarentee itll beat a 97 honda civic ex coupe.

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  Best car ever owned - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Horst Odparlik - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a tremendously reliable vehicle. I would have bought 10 of them if I had known what little this car would have cost me over the course of these 4+ years.

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  cant beat it - 1991 Ford Escort
  By groundeffx - February 2 - 2:00 am

  this is by far the best car i have owned ihave owned many cars in my time and i enjoyed this one the most in 8 years and 89000 miles i never had to do any repairs to this car only normal wear and tear items i regret ever trading it in i am looking today to buy another one it will be hard to find a clean one but it will be worth it.if you are looking and find one buy it ! well worth the value esp.if clean

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  After nearly 5 years, its been great!! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By wje - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 98 ZX2 Sport brand new. After nearly 5 years, Ive put 40K miles on it. Im using Mobil1 sythetic oil in my car. Its never been in the shop for a repair. Sadly, my daughter is now 9-years-old and I need to spring for a 4-door car, so Ive got to sell my ZX2 :( The car has been a fun car and my red paint shines as good as (or better) than the day I purchased it due to my extensive upkeep on the car. Im not young - nearly 40, but this has been a fun car to drive.

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  great - 1999 Ford Escort
  By scott wamsley - January 29 - 10:00 am

  great car reliable good on gas

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  I want another one! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By wondrme - January 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car in Dec96 w/ 50k miles on it. Now, in Jan03, the car has 118k miles on it and runs nearly as good as the day we got it!! The 5 speed manual transmission has never been a problem, clutch is still tight. Only had new pads put on around 80k miles. New pulley @ around 70k ($129). New timing belt @ 80k as well. Other than that, weve only done routine maintenance. A/C & heat still run perfectly!! My brothers old escort has nearly 300k miles on it. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a cheap, reliable compact car!

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  My new ZX2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By amysZX2 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escort ZX2. It has all the power, room, and features that a college student like me needs. I have the moon roof, 6-disc CD changer, cruise, tilt steering, AC, and custom wheels, what else could I want?

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  Perfect Car For Me!!! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By cheergal91a - January 19 - 2:00 am

  It was perect!!I LOVED it it is the best car i ever had My son wants one too!!!

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  Very good car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By newb - January 17 - 2:00 am

  i liked it a lot, it was the best!!!

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  Holy Smokes Batman! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Slat43 - January 15 - 2:00 am

  After reading reviews of the Focus/ZX2 here and at other sites/publications I was pretty convinced that was the car for me. So I went to the local dealership and took some test drives. You all know what I ended up buying. :) I certainly *WILL* buy another when this one kicks the bucket. . .if Ford doesnt do something stupid like keep the Focus before the ZX2. The Focus needs some serious refinement in build quality before Id consider it again.