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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  Great econo-box - 1996 Ford Escort
  By missouri_escort - February 14 - 2:58 pm

  I purchased the car new on April Fools day of 1996. It has been great with no major problems. I replaced the speedometer at 84,000 miles, a weak point with all Fords of this era miles and timing belt, it will happen to all of them, at 100000+ miles. I replaced the ignition pack at 110,000. It will do 30+MPG on trips and 26 MPH town and country. With 113,000+ miles it still runs like new on original tune and spark plugs.

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  Its a great car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Christy - February 7 - 12:14 am

  This car has been one of the best cars I have owned. Its like driving a race car. My car is a 5 speed. It drives really smooth. It handles curves really good.

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  My Ford - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Blair - February 1 - 2:30 pm

  This was my first car that I bought. I really like it but seem to always have a problem with it. It has always gotten me from here to there.

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  It has been a great little car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Scott R - January 28 - 7:17 pm

  200,400 miles and 11 years! I changed oil every 3,000 miles, waxed twice per year and use Chevron Supreme. Dash lights have not worked for about 5 years, but it still runs and rides great. 3 sets of tires, 2 brake jobs and 2 timing belts. With that, I could not of done better with any other car manufacturer. It will be a sad day when I trade it in ... I mean 11 years!

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  Great Little Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By great car - January 13 - 7:11 pm

  This has got to be the best car I have ever owned. Phenomenal reliability and durability, especially for an American made car in the early 90s. Other than brakes and exhaust, this baby has everything else original, and I cant ever remember a time it has refused to start, drive, or generally perform like I wanted it to. Too bad they dont make the Escort any more, as the Focus appears constantly plagued by a slew of problems, both cosmetic and mechanical. If you can find a used Escort anywhere between 92-99, grab it & hold on to it you wont regret it.

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  Basic Transportation, Noisy on the Road - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Ken H - January 11 - 9:25 pm

  We bought this car for our daughters use while at school on the east coast. It spent three years in Philadelphia, crossed the country three times ending up on the west coast. The car has 101K miles on it currently. Weve had two major engine repairs. One involving an internal governing device in the engine and the other was a head gasket that had to be replaced at 80K miles. One thing that does stand out with this car is the high road noise especially at freeway speeds. Only other item that is an irritant is the seat belts are attached well behind the front seats and are very difficult to reach with the doors closed.

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  Sweet Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By J - January 11 - 2:27 pm

  Just bought my ZX2 in November with 17,000 miles on it. It came loaded with everything leather seats, cruise control, 6 disc cd player, and a sunroof. My car also has the 5 speed transmission. This is an absolutely amazing car it has power to spare and looks good too. Mine just hit 21,000 miles on a trip to Texas from Pennsylvania ... it ran superbly. I averaged over 40mpg the whole trip! I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a quality car (there have been NO recalls), with performance, and good looks for not a lot of cash.

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  Mediocrity at its best - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Kuri - January 3 - 3:13 am

  Bought my 99 Escort with 24k on it, thinking it was a good buy. Less than a month later I had bad vibrations in the car during idle. Had to rip out and replace the motor mounts, a problem that Ive read other people having online. Horrible console design, cup holders wont hold anything bigger than a 20 ounce cup. Bad acceleration and Im already having transmission problems thanks to it. For some reason gas mileage plummets with city driving from 30-35 mpg to about 25 or so. I like small cars so this is actually a bit big for me Id have preferred a ZX2 if anything. Back seat has no room for comfort. My issues with the exterior looks were solved with a body kit. Speakers didnt even survive 2 months.

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  So far, so good! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Dover ZX2 - December 27 - 10:53 pm

  Sporty, quick car thats fun to drive! I bought my ZX2 with 30,000 miles in 2001 for $8K. I have put 90,000 more miles on it in 4 years. This car gets great gas mileage on the highwayÂ… my best was 39 mpg. Some gripes: tends to drift on concrete pavement. Engine is loud over 70 mph. I agree with a few reviewers, this car has a mind of its own. My cruise control will stop working randomly. The horn went off by itself Â… I had to pull the fuse! I bought an extended warranty which was a great investment Â… it covered the cost of replacing the entire AC system, alternator, radio/cassette, tie rod, and horn.

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  Good Little Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By matt - December 23 - 1:20 am

  We bought this car with only 61K. It needed nothing from the dealer and currently needsnothing besides brakes. Its been a solid and reliable car. Acceleration is only adequate and it idles quite rough. The interior is comfortable although theres not a lot of room in back. Fuel economy is definitely a plus.