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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  It has served me well! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By kaisharif - December 13 - 3:11 pm

  This was my first car in college and it has served me well. Very reliable, very good on gas. Minimal upkeep, just standard maintenance. Just made my last payment and plan on keeping it until it falls apart.

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  I liked it until... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By x2b4 - December 3 - 1:30 am

  This car has been fine since I bought it, but with only 55,000 miles the darn thing died on me last week. The poorly made engine had a problem with a cylinder head, and now the thing is dead.

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  Nice little wagon - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Eric - December 2 - 2:34 pm

  We purchased our Escort wagon used, with approximately 35K miles, from a local Toyota dealer. It was my wifes daily driver for seven years and it never gave her a problem. Two years ago it became my stepsons car and it continues to be an economical and reliable vehicle. With regular maintenance, a Ford Escort of this vintage will reward you as an economical and fun-to-drive car. Our car has needed the typical replacement items over the years such as brake pads, batteries, plugs, and bulbs. Unfortunately, I also had to replace the heater core recently (which is a monstrous job), marring an otherwise excellent history of reliability. Overall, our Escort has been a great little car.

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  Great Car For the Money - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Matt - November 29 - 1:13 am

  Bought this car in Aug. of 05. So far it has been a good investment since it has taken me back and forth from work and school with little complaint. It is definitely a good car to have with the uncertain gas prices although the engine could use more power. The only major problem I had with this car is the heater core and the AC still doesnt work but I consider this pretty good for an almost 10 year old car. Overall Im satisfied with my Escort and would definitely buy one again.

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  great car, bad seller - 1997 Ford Escort
  By worldgirlorbit - November 12 - 2:10 pm

  I really enjoy my Escort, except for one thing. The oil system. I havent heard of anyone else having this problem, but I have had so many problems with the pump, the sender unit, the filter. Ive had three oil changes in the past two months alone, and Ive only driven it a few times. Other than that I have had no problems.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2000 Ford Escort
  By headwinds - November 8 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this car off the lot (with 15 miles on it) it was fully loaded with options (power locks and windows, moon roof, 6 CD player). So far, its been great to drive and very reliable, with only routine maintenance (tires, oil change, etc) needed.

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  Shes good - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Lovemycar - November 5 - 11:59 am

  My first car, has held up very well. Bought her with 39,000 on it, so far am at 52,000 in a little over a year. Very few maintenance problems, and any problems were minor, like windshield wipers. Excellent for all of the driving that I do between school, work and home (over 60 miles daily M-F) and I only fill up about once a week. Shes always been there for me.

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  Cheap, Fun & Upgradeable - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Whoda - October 24 - 2:30 pm

  Its a fun car to drive and easy to maintain. My ZX2 gives out good handling and power, mostly due to its low weight.

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  Wicked Little Ride! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By anubisankh1031 - October 23 - 2:50 pm

  Mine has 58,500 miles. Been hearing some squeaks. Strange vibration near the drivers side front when I turn the wheel all the way to the left. Transmission has a "hop" in it when starting from stand-still off the line. Had a 92 Escort LX and at 57K it did the same thing. MAINTAIN YOUR TRANSMISSION! Also, rotate tires & maintenance alignment regularly or it will PULL SHARP to one side because it is so light. Hydroplanes when wet out. Put weight in trunk to prevent this during winter. Engine run better on premium grade fuels. Fuel injectors cause drag if you use cheap fuel over time. Other than those typical high-mileage issues -- its fast, fuel-economical, and stylish.

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  My kids hate this car! Mom loves it! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By LKB - October 20 - 12:28 pm

  This car has been very very loyal to me. Great gas mileage and very few repairs. I have driven it for 6.5 years and it has proven to be very reliable. Its not a pretty car my kids dont want to be seen in it. I told them theyll be begging my to drive it when they get their licenses I would have done backflips at 16 if this was my car. But I wont review the cars I had to drive with the rusted floorboards. It is great for a small person with 1 or 2 kids nothing fancy and you do get plenty of road noise -- so turn up the radio!