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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  Worth a second look. - 1995 Ford Escort
  By speed racer - April 1 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this little 1.8 16 vlave 127 hp engine makes you take a second look. Although not the fastest of the line, once you hit 4500 rpms. it comes alive ! It is smooth reving all the way to its 8000 rpm redline. Handling is fun a predictable once you get used to the cars limits. Optional electric sun roof and GT spoiler package gives this little car an aggresive look. Matched with the factory 15 in alum alloy wheels makes quite a stance for a littel car at any red light. Only had to change alt. and timming belt. and at 127000 fun miles i look forward to another 100000. Great little care for college student on a budget and wanting the performanc of much more expensive cars.

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  www.escortracing.com - 1991 Ford Escort
  By julianja - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a very reliable car,definitly an improvement over the first gen escort. It has been refined and restyled to be a moderatly beautiful car as well. it has exceptional fuel efficiency, and very low maintenence costs. Proper preventitive maintenance is a must. The seats are comfortable for short trips only(50 miles or less). The 1.9L provides ample power for the car. Owners of the escort should go to www.escortracing.com and check out our message board at the Escort Racing Development Team.

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  Nice economy vehicle with lots of option - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Band Man - March 31 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Escort Wagon in June of 97. Only one visit to the shop since then for a mechanical problem, and that was to replace a failed emission control part (after 3-year/36,000 mile warranty expired, of course - our cost was $175.00). During a brake job at 43,000 or so we had to replace the front rotors - they were too thin to turn. The car is fun to drive, but not exceptionally quiet. The stereo AM-FM cassette is pretty good, and the options available are great. Our Escort is loaded - every option but a CD player. I use the cruise control daily!

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  Great Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By bark - March 15 - 7:16 pm

  I would have to rate my 97 Escort as execellent. It has racked up around 85000 trouble free miles. This particular Escort has a manual tranmission and gets around 30/36 mpg. The only drawback I can think of is related to the manual transmission. The manual tranny is a real hassle during rush hour traffic, stop go.

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  Cheap, sporty, fun! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By zx2 - March 3 - 4:10 pm

  Mine is a 99. Great build quality, very peppy, engine pulls very strongly,quick steering, good looking exterior and interior. Smooth ride for a small car. Car has a battery saver. Good snow traction even with the optional 15 inch Eagle GAs. Car is very easy to drive and control. Rumored to be just as fast the Focus SVT. Magazines rate 0-60 7.4 - 7.8 seconds. Great gas mileage I get 29mpg minimum in the town. I have the 5 speed. Zx2 is very reliable. This car is cheap and fun.

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  one hullavu car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By jmdz06 - March 1 - 4:39 pm

  i bought my 98 zx2 with 50k plus miles on it. ive had it now for about 18 months and all i can say is: ford has a winner! i have not had a single problem with it. the best part of the car is when you tell someone you bought an excort and their jaw hits the floor when they see it. Thats not an escort! Oh yes it is, and its MORE reliable than grandmas apple pie!

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  ZX2 is the greatest! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Kristi - March 1 - 1:14 am

  I bought my ford Zx2 a few weeks ago and I think its all excellent. There isnt any other car that can compare up to the ZX2. Its great in the styling, the fuel, everything. Edmunds shouldnt downgrade the ZX2, they dont even know what their talking about.

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  Sweetness! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By K - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Its Cool. I turbod it so it runs like 267 Horsepower now. I put racing parts on it. It runs like a 12-13 second 1/4. Probably Closer to 12

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  Been good to me so far.. - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 2 Ford Owner. - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1998 Escort in Nov 1997 when the new models came out. I paid about 13K. This car has been very good to me, I have never been stranded, the car runs great, of course I did not put alot of miles on it and I do get the maintenance done as instructed by Ford. I have since bought a 2002 Taurus SEL premium (and kept my Escort too) which blows my 98 escort away in comfort and power. However, when filling up at the pump, the Escort wins hands down.

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  cheap mans acura integra - 1999 Ford Escort
  By zx2 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Over 63K with oil changes and no major repairs. I think I am still on the original brakes. Engine noise is high. Car rides smooth and not harsh over bumps. Agressively geared really flies. Hardly have to press on the gas pedal. Trunk is reasonable size. Very reliable in the three years I have had it, just starts and runs. I think this car thinks its a honda or a toyota, often gets mistaken for one. Only will sell because I need more room.