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:
Showing 281 through 290 of 835.00-
great on gas - 1995 Ford Escort
By Cathy - July 9 - 2:00 amBest car I have ever had for gas mileage and reliable performance. All manual five speed shift really has done what the label said upon purchase 38 mpg on highway and 30 mpg other.
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Good car - 2000 Ford Escort
By ma dan - July 7 - 2:00 amIve had mine for 2yrs but only put 26,000 miles on it. I had to purchase an automatic transmission for my wife. I wish that I had just brought a 5 speed home :] Its been a good car. No problems, no interior parts broke nothing. Been a great 2yrs of service. But I dont see where the "lazy boy" comment comes from. My rear is numb an hour into driving it. Something that annoys me is that it is a completely different ride with a full tank of gas vs 1/2 or less.
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escort - 1992 Ford Escort
By taisha stevens - June 30 - 2:00 amthe car was excellent
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ZX2 - 1998 Ford Escort
By adam okay - June 24 - 10:00 amI love it!
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Owned it for a while - 1996 Ford Escort
By jhmIII - June 20 - 2:00 amOnly owned this car for a while before I gave it to my mother,and it was a prety okay car.
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Keep ZX2 In Production! - 2002 Ford Escort
By jpeno - June 19 - 2:00 amI have owned escort sedans since 1997 for use as a commuter car and they have proved to be the most reliable car I have ever owned with virtually zero problems. I purchased my first ZX2 after driving a friends and find it to be one of the most fun to drive, best looking, reliable, and cost effective vehicle on the road today! FORD - please keep the ZX2 in production at least until you produce a good replacement for the Focus. Currently, the ZX2 beats the focus in every category. Thank you Ford, for the ZX2.
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No Contest - 2002 Ford Escort
By 2002ZX2man - June 16 - 2:00 amI test drove the Focus SE Comfort and the ZX2 Premium, and walked out with the ZX2. Great for single men after college-turns a lot of chicks heads. Im not sure why its getting such bad reviews. Handles great, economically sound, eye-catching. All-around the best car I could ever have bought.
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Love My Escort - 2000 Ford Escort
By Jdup - June 13 - 2:00 amA ford escort is usually a car that people joke about but to tell you. I had good luck with mine. I had a 1997 escort wagon and currently own a 2000 sedan. There are real good cars. Im 62 and yeah its kinda tight but it dont stop me from driving it. I longest I spent driving it was about 15 hours. Its got a peppy 2.0 inline 4 cyl. But who needs all that power anyway. The fastest you can go is 65mph.
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well kept secret - 2002 Ford Escort
By jonsid - June 4 - 2:00 amJust bought my 2002 ZX2 loaded with all options except leather seats. The dealer traveled 200 miles to get one with ABS for me. Handling is exceptional with virtually no body roll while cornering. Pickup is brisk and super on the hills in these mountains. Ride is quieter than my Mitsubishi Mirage and Ford put all controls within easy reach. I cant wait to see what I get for gas mileage.
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2001 Escort SE - A Great Little Scooter! - 2001 Ford Escort
By Roland St.Germain - June 3 - 2:00 amI had an 88 Nissan Sentra which was on its last legs when I bought this car. It has "bare bones" extras: A/C and Automatic. Despite this, I enjoy driving it - this car makes my daily commute comfortable as well as exciting!
