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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  Started out nice. - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Amanda - March 19 - 2:32 am

  Have only put 29,000 on it in the 4 years Ive owned. Total mileage at this point is 50,000. In the past 4 years the only repairs were to BOTH tie rod ends. Also have a tensioning belt that isnt centered. Then my engine starting chirping/squeaking when idling. Turns out I need my timing belt and all components replaced. They also found my head gasket was leaking. $1,400 estimate to repair. Seems a bit ridiculous on a car with so few miles that was babied.

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  4 Transmissions in 5 Years? - 2001 Ford Escort
  By No More Ford. - March 18 - 12:55 am

  Ive had this car for about five years now and its got 64,000 miles on it. I am on my FOURTH transmission (Ive got a manual), and Ford isnt interested in hearing about it. While everything else about the car is fine, I am at the point where I may as well buy a new car since repair costs just about equal payments on a new car. At first the car was perfect, but now I dont trust it and I wouldnt recommend it to anyone.

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  DO NOT BUY - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Hatemycar - March 12 - 10:25 am

  I have had such a bad time with this car. I have put two transmissions in it and it had left me stranded numerous times.

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  Useful & reliable - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Boston driver - March 3 - 9:50 pm

  Bought this car new in 98. Its been very reliable and a great city car for maneuvering and parking and mileage. Decent pickup with the five-speed manual. Wet-road handling got better with new tires at 50k. The trunk opening is very small, but with the back seats down you can stuff a lot in. E- brake is starting to fail at 73k.

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  Good basic car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Godboldm - March 2 - 2:15 pm

  I got this car after graduating college. Basically because I wanted an economical car that could move stuff. The Escort wagon seemed like the perfect choice. I was really impressed by how well it starts in cold weather conditions. With a new battery, it has started up great, even with a windchill of -30. The cold did take a toll on the interior, one of the rear locks (the thing that sicks up) snapped off. I guess it got really brittle in the cold. So be careful! It is a bit sluggish, but what can you expect from a basic economy car? It has delivered what I expected. So far, I cannot complain.

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  The Everyday Scort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By TMoney - March 1 - 11:01 pm

  The Escort LX 2dr is a nice small car for a beginner or anyone. I was surprised how well it kept up with rush hour traffic. The 1.9 liter may be a small motor but it will move. The Escort is tight in steering which is good because it handles the corners well and its very fun and easy to drive. Its easy to park. An Escort may not be like a real high performance sports car but its still a nice dependable car. I currently drive my car to school and work and Im happy to say that its a good running car. Hard acceleration is zippy. It may not be as fast as some other cars but itll do. Now I see so many Escorts around now its like its a popular compact car.

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  14 years, going, and going... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Ivo - February 28 - 4:51 pm

  I got excellent deal on this lease return from Ford dealership, with 45000 miles in 1997. For ten years and 90k I dont think I spent more than $2500 on maintenance and repairs, not more than two of which wouldnt be considered regular wear and tear. Engine still runs smoothly and quietly. I now have to replace the clutch, which I blame mostly on my driving habits (like holding the car still uphill by balancing the clutch, instead of using brakes). I am just reluctant replacing the car, afraid that with a next one, I will pay back for all the good experience I had with this one.

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  158,000 miles so far - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 158,000miles so far - February 18 - 4:39 pm

  Great car! My wife and I have been driving this one for a few years now. Bought it at 70,000 miles and have driven it nearly trouble free to 158,000 miles presently. I have no complaints about this car. Here are the few small repairs. Water pump replacement, some small A/C module to restore normal ac function, serpentine belt of course, radiator leaked a little when it was real cold outside, I finally replaced it after watching it drip during startup for two winters and a small water leak in the cab and trunk. Lastly, emergency brake cables are sticking some, the rubber is breaking on them and the weather has gotten to them. This is normal STUFF. THIS CAR IS GREAT! I used to be a mechanic.

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  Little BIG Wagon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By ak - February 13 - 1:16 pm

  Bought in 2002 with 105K miles while in school. Was well maintained by previous owner. It currently has 155K miles and had to replace Alternator, Clutch, Tie rod ends, Rear Suspension, Front brakes, Cooling Fan and Thermostat so far. The last maintenance was at 130K miles and never had to do anything after that. I still consider this a extremely reliable car and still gives me 38mpg highway! The engine is rough and noisy, but will start in one try even on coldest days. Have made many long distance trips, a couple of them over 1500 miles one way, and this car has never ever left me stranded. Too bad have to sell it now, am sure the next owner will put another 50K miles easily on it!

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  no regrets - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Jay - February 11 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Escort brand new over 10 years ago. It had a whopping 76 miles on it. After the initial nit picking during the warranty period, it has done well. It still gets over 30 mpg. I have replaced the struts, heater core, radiator, and the timing belt (twice). All these repairs happened after the warranty and I did the work myself. Parts are cheap for this car. I have never balked at its reliability during its now 172,000 miles. This car has seen a lot of my life, its almost sentimental. My main regret is that I got the sunset red (pink) color. It was cool at the time, but not so now.