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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  For the Price, is the Best - 2003 Ford Escort
  By LHEAT - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I got the car brand new with a 2,000 dollar rebate (I paid 10,000) No other new car that is this good is going to cost you this low, I would rather spend 10,000 on a zx2, than 12,000 on a Focus that is hatchback (i dont know why Ford does not make them Cupes). They both have the same engine and they both run the same.

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  BUY THIS CAR - 2003 Ford Escort
  By ESommers - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Finest small sports coupe money can buy. Incredible performance and reliability for the price.

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  great car for under 15k - 2003 Ford Escort
  By boneybunion - November 27 - 2:00 am

  had the car for 6 moths now and still cant wait to get in it every morning. Its my second car, first stick. Im still not quite used to the cluch yet and burns rubber alot easier than my probe! Great acceleration in any gear city or freeway.Push it to the floor and the speedo jumps. I highly recomend it its a great car for the money.

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  Great Car for the money - 1998 Ford Escort
  By langevette - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for college transportation. and it is great! I now have over 72000 and still runs great. I bought it with trans. problems and fought the dealer till he rebuilt if for free. ($1500 worth) Gas milage in the mid 30s, but I drive hard.

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  Why not? - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Sage289 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought my Escort, no one seemed to like it! I was called a traitor (I used to have a Honda), and I used to hate Fords. The Escort really brought me around. It had low miles, and it was at a good price and it had everything I wanted! Sunroof, 5-speed, 2-door, power windows and locks, and keyless entry. Its a cute car, and it has really good pick up. I really like this car, and they really dont get the credit they deserve.

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  Good lil car, I already miss you - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Luisito - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the little Escort hessitantly, but in dier need of a car. At 44,000miles. It was great! I enjoyed it and gave me new hope in Ford products. I would recommend this little car to anyone who uses it for school or even small travel trips. Great fuel, I did have to replace a serpentine belt and before selling it the fan. No complaints, and Im glad to say so! We grew out of it so thats why I sold it.

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  Great Wagon - 1996 Ford Escort
  By allanjmac - October 8 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the greatest cars weve owned.Great fuel milage,fun to drive put it can get away on you,good comfort.Only problem is the speedometor will jump from 100kms to 120kms for no reason also it makes a wirring noise--any sugetions? Thanks

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  First Car Buyer - 2003 Ford Escort
  By LDowns23 - October 6 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent first car for a new car buyer. I love it!

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  Pleased as usual - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort Fan - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Our poor Escort has been through a lot of abuse, unfortunately, so it is reaching a need for premature repairs-- not its fault! We have to put it though apartments without garages, storms, bad roads, rail tracks, highway speeds before warmup, city driving and long trips. It has handled it very well and at nearly 70+K, it is only now having mechanical issues.

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  Gonna Miss My Baby! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Djh - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Finally going to sell my first and only car that I ever purchased new. Had this one since buying it as a dealer demo in Late 1993 with only a few thousand miles on it. Just turned over the odometer a couple weeks ago and decided that its time for something bigger and quieter on the highway. Only thing ever replaced was a rear brake rotor, the clutch sensor, three sets of tires, and the recommended other maintenance including the timing belt exactly on schedule. Now that Ive written this, maybe I wont sell it after all!!! Boy did I rip up some back highways with this one!