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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Puddle jumper - 1996 Ford Escort
By Luv my scort - January 12 - 2:00 amThis car is a JOY to drive.I LOVE THIS CAR! 5sp and my GOD is it peppy for a 1.9L! I had a few problems, mostly due to the fact it had been totalled before I bought it. The speedo jumps and makes a scratching noise due to a frayed cable, the 2nd gear synchro is off so downshifting always grinds going into second, and that DAMNED check engine light! it came on a week after I bought it, I had a cylinoid replaced, and that fixed it for another week. I had it checked twice, both times no codes. after that I just ignored it. many fond memories with this car. GREAT MILEAGE! and TONS of fun to drive. Id get another one in a second!
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Wish All Cars Were As Enduring - 1992 Ford Escort
By redrider31730 - January 11 - 2:00 amThis was my first car. I hope I get as much satisfaction out of my future vehicles as I got out of this 1992 Ford Escort LX. The only thing I had to replace was 2 timing belts and the AC stop working in this past year. It took me and my own 250000 miles. Thats the same distance to the moon. I just traded it for newer vehicle. To the workers of Ford. . .Salute.
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My Civic Racer - 1993 Ford Escort
By JW - January 9 - 2:00 amI bought this car as a second car. It has since become my primary car. What a fun car. I cant say enough about the fun to drive factor. It surprises most drivers out there. They see Escort and laugh. When the light turns green. Im the one laughing. It is easy to maintain. Fun to drive.And Very reliable. I bouught it with 66,000 miles on it and within a year put 30,000 miles. It has never even seen the inside of a service shop beside for oil changes. Good job Ford and Mazda!!
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Impresive Great Car - 1994 Ford Escort
By IOM - January 8 - 2:00 amThis is the second 1994 Escort GT I owned. Both cars have been simply great. I could not resist buying in OCT/2001 my second 94 GT, it only had 40,800 miles. Today JAN/2003 the car is 9 years old and 50,400 miles and in perfect condition. So far I only replaced the original Goodyear GT+4 tires for excellent Goodyear Aquatred 3. I got new ceramic brake pads (no black dust!) on all wheels. My only complaint is that the driver power window is working slow, probably an early indication of failure. It is a lot of fun to see how many new 4 cylinder cars still fall behind my GT when drag racing.
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LOVED IT! - 1993 Ford Escort
By BSKET - January 5 - 2:00 amI HATED to part with this car!! There were so many wonderful memories tied to it (and with 151000 how could there not)! We took this car everywhere. In NE where the winters can be hell with cold and snow...this car never quivered once! IT always started and scooted around when others were stuck. For a car that was 10 years old, we had done less that $1000 in repairs. AMAZING for a car with that kind of mileage. I never gave taking this car anywhere I wanted a second thought.
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! - 1991 Ford Escort
By EGT owner - December 28 - 2:00 amSweet car, had it for a while, no problems. Thing has a great engine.. excellent saftey tests. I definetly recomend this car.
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Pauls review - 1999 Ford Escort
By Paul Mcknight - December 26 - 2:00 amA very good all around little car.Not much leg room in the back though.
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nice choice - 2003 Ford Escort
By eLY - December 14 - 2:00 amSo far it has been a great little car!
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My Little Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
By michellethewonderful - December 4 - 2:00 amIve had my Escort LX for 5 years. I just paid it off and it is still going strong. I enjoy driving the car. The gas mileage is excellent. Im so attached to my car that when I bought a Ford Mustang in 98, I took it back to the dealership to reclaim my Escort!
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zx2 is cool - 2002 Ford Escort
By kevin Horick - December 1 - 2:00 amawesome car with many after market products available
