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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  Broke 9 months later!!! - 2000 Ford Escort
  By eadllnean - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ZX2 with 28,000 mls on it. After 10,000 mls my transmissions broke and I had to replace it. This was 2,000 miles after my warranty expired! Two days after I picked up my car with the new transmission I had to take it back to the dealer for further transmission repairs!! I will never buy another Ford again!!!

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  LEMON - 1990 Ford Escort
  By alll - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Engine rebuilt at 50000km, tranny at 150000km, fuel pump twice, timing belt twice, ball joints and tie rods twice, numerous oil leaks, floor rusted right through

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  Problems - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Amanda Segura - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. To begin with, I had to take it to the dealer to replace the AC control valve and the starter. A couple of months later, I had to take it back to have the fuel pump replaced. I will never own another Ford Escort ZX2.

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  I got a lemon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By DR - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Im 18, purchased my first car last year, a ford escort, hunter green. First thing I should have noticed is that the last owner had a rebuilt engine, no biggie I thought, then it cost me $3500 in pure repairs after one year, the car has a new engine, transmission, radiator, alternator, brakes, a/c system and cooling fan, all replaced by me out of pocket. The car will cause you problem after problem and when you do finally catch up on the payments from the repairs it will break on you again and again.

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  Piece of trash - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Lenzius - October 11 - 2:00 am

  I had to replace the original engine at 100K. The head warped on this new engine when the heater core, the fan, and thermastat all went out! No AC, no heater.The gas tank cracked and had to be replaced. The drivers side seatbelt motor locked up mid track. I have done extensive front end work. Oil has leaked out all over the floorboard. The sun visors both broke off. There are no left side speakers. And now the UV joint or transmition or clutch or something is about to go out. If you think this car is so great I will sell you mine.

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  Had enough - 1997 Ford Escort
  By hopping mad - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in brand new in June of 1997. I have had nothing but problems with it. At 18000 miles the drive shaft belt went and crank shaft. Luckily it was still under warrenty. At about 20,000 miles the check coolant lite went on and stay on. So far I have had a new radiator installed, new rear rotators put on and new cv joints which still are not working right. Plus new brakes. As far as I am concern I am ready to trade this car in.

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  Dont keep long - 1990 Ford Escort
  By novice - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Its my first car, too. Bought it cheap. Then it sucked huge amount of money in repair, almost triple my purchase price. Bad engine, burn oil. Rattling auto transmission. Narrow interior space. Loose door knobs. Troublesome ignition system (its history showed that it was recalled by manufacturer for this problem, but I didnt know it when I bought it). Slow acceleration.

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  it broke my heart - 1990 Ford Escort
  By dontbuyanoldFord - August 26 - 2:00 am

  It was my first car. There was a little bit more than 100,000 miles on it when I bought it and it was 12 years old. The engine began to rattle after about three months. Then the ignition module broke down. The starter was changed as well. About four months after the purchase the "check engine" light came on. It just could not pick up any speed. The mechanic said it burns oil and is not worth further investment. I was heart- broken. I also found out that I bought it from an unofficial dealer. He must have known the engine was worn out. It was a waste of money and a lot of time at the mechanics.

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  Should Have Been Recalled - 1997 Ford Escort
  By gtrbernie - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Escort in 2000 with 13,000 miles on it. After 19,000 miles of light duty, I was told that I needed new rear coil springs. I spoke to several people that owned the same vehicle, and several mechanics (including the service manager at my local Ford dealership), and was told that this is a common problem that Ford is aware of, but not footing the bill for. Otherwise, a reliable, but not very interesting, econobox. Total lack of ergonomic ingenuity.

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  dont buy a gt model!! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Fix Or Repair Daily - June 7 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car after hearing great things about escorts, but in the three months that ive owned it, ive put $500 into repairs. now, the engine totally burned out and the stupid thing wont go anywhere with only 110,000 miles on it and a rebuilt engine 80,000 miles ago. the car was a total mistake on fords part. go look for an LX model if you want an escort.