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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  best car Ive ever owned - 1993 Ford Escort
  By annieo - September 6 - 2:00 am

  bought this car new - have driven it everywhere - across deserts, over mtns, off-road, in cities. It still gets me through a 60 mi commute over two mtn. ranges, and Im getting 35 - 38 mpg. Ive replaced some stuff - clutch, radiator, timing belt (twice), etc. - but for almost 200000 mi, thats nothing but maintenance. Fun to drive and very trustworthy!

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  Great car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By 1997escortlover - September 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned ford escorts for over 20 years 1981-2001 this car was dependable. it was able to take a beating. We will miss it. we traded this one in 2001. We had over 100k miles and the clutch was on the way out,so was the starter,computer,timing belt, and cv joint

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Agroshwag - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I think the Ford Escort ZX2 is a great car. It performs well and has suprisingly good speed and power.

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  All American Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JX2 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Got the car in March. Its a gem and I would like to say that it is a Ford ZX2 not an escort. Runs awesome and the 0- 60 times kill Civics,Cavos,and even those damn eclipses

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  what a strong car! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By keep on truckin - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i bought my escort from a family friend. i have had it for 6 years. i have nearly 193,000 miles on it. when i got it there was 125,000 and it is still ticking. the only things i have to do to it are just regular tune up stuff and also changed out the timing belt, water pump and transmission in 6 years time...pretty good!

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  Fun To Drive!!! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By bordercollie - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Escort 6 months ago, And have enjoyed it a lot. It acelerates nicely and handles well, even at 85mph, A very good car for the money.

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  Wonderful 2nd car! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By 506nc - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 a year ago to drive back and forth to work. And save miles off of my truck. This car pays for itself in fuel savings. I drive 22 miles each way to work, and 80% of that is interstate, I am getting an average of 37 mpg, and have gotten as much as 40! But when the A/C is on, the power goes. But that is expected of a 4 banger.

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  best for the money - 2000 Ford Escort
  By DBO - July 13 - 2:00 am

  After 2 1/2 years I have had only 1 problem, the seat material was threading around the edge (drivers seat). The dealer fixed this under warranty and I have had no other problems. The Car is fun to drive and gets good gas milage and doesnt look like an econobox...

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  FORDS GREAT ZX2 - 2002 Ford Escort
  By JACKIE - July 12 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS FORDS BEST BUILT HIGHEST QUALITY CAR IN MY PERSONAL OPINION. I HAVE OBSERVED THE ZX2 SELLS AS SOON AS IT HITS THE DEALERSHIPS, WITH LITTLE OR NO ADVERTISING. THIS FACT BY ITSELF IS VERY INTERESTING. THIS IS A VERY WELL BUILT CAR A TRUE VALUE FOR THE MONEY. I HOPE FORD ALWAYS BUILDS THIS FINE CAR.

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  Totally Satisfied - 2002 Ford Escort
  By JasonAtCSU - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I researched my new car purchase for two months before I made a move. I wanted into a Subaru, but my college kid budget wouldnt let me. I was looking to stay in a sporty 2-door with good mileage. The ZX2 has come through -- cheaper than the comparable Chevy Cavalier and every import (except Hyundai, but we wont go there). Premium package has great sound, comfy seats. Great power on the Interstate, great mileage, just a great car!