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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  bargain buying - 1999 Ford Escort
  By jp - August 22 - 4:28 pm

  Good car for the price. Gets usually over 30 mpg if you drive right.

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  Engine and Tranny - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Angelicdreamz - August 17 - 4:15 pm

  We bought this car used and it seems to do ok for the first year after purchasing it, however at the beginning of this summer, our AC went out (bad if you live in phx az), our tranny had to be rebuilt, and now it wont run and needs a new engine. We just passed the mark of to many miles for our waranty, so now we are stuck with a car we still owe 6k on and they want us to pay 3.5k for a new engine. We have no other transportation, we have had 6 tires go bad, (even though we have not been rough on them, its from the heat and they ere rubbing on something), 2 new rims (bent when bought), tranny, ac, engine, and 3 bulbs are bad 1 front and 2 back.

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  2003 ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Patricia Smith - August 14 - 4:04 pm

  I actually love this car because it is my size. If you have people sitting in the back seat its not so comfortable. I like to think of it as more of a two seater with some storage space. It does Idle high and is very loud, passengers usually complain. I have taken in back to ford to have them fix the Idle but it actually seems to have gotten worse. But I really love this car, it hasnt left me stranded yet!!!

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  Trusty Escort - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Mel - August 14 - 1:10 am

  I bought my Escort brand new and it has been an awesome basic car to have. It has only "dumped" me once, and it was my fault because I ignored the dying battery warning signs. I have the 5 spd and it never gets less than 34 MPG no matter what the conditions. It averages 36. Escorts will go forever with care, and I expect to see this one get 150,000 miles.

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  I love my escort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Kelly - August 11 - 4:26 pm

  I really enjoy my escort. I bought it at 33,000 miles. I had no repairs for about a year and that was brakes. Its been a great car. I am outgrowing it. Its great for me, just not big enough for a family of 4.

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  Serious problems ZX2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By caden - August 11 - 10:43 am

  I have had my 98 ZX2 near 3 years now. Since buying it with 70k on it, after 100,000 seems it started having problems, waterpump, tension pulley has broken off twice, thermostat. Other routine maintence. Pretty expensive to have the timing belt replaced. But the biggest problem is the auto transmission. Have to have it rebuilt and still doesnt shift correctly. Some unknown problem has drained all of my power, i have to have it too the floor to barely get going most of the time. Great sound system though, small and compact, keyless entry only on the driver door is weird though.

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  Good, Reliable, and Inexpensive - 1999 Ford Escort
  By ZX2Owner - August 9 - 12:32 pm

  I have owned my ZX2 since 1999. At that time it had a lot of horsepower and equipment for a reasonable price. It has been a good investment. At six years, the car has is still running with its original factory-installed battery. I replaced the tires (because I did not bother to rotate the original ones properly), but have I not invested a dime in repairs. It has been very reliable car. Too bad Ford decided to discontinue it, Escorts in general seem to be reliable cars. I am glad I bought the car and when ready to purchase another car, I will consider another Ford car.

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  Love It and I Have a Heavy Foot - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Toy Soldier - July 19 - 6:00 pm

  I bought it used with 10K miles on it for my ex in 95, but needless to say I have it now. It runs well. I have placed it in the shop twice for acceptable repairs - starter and clutch. The suspension is a little soft so handling sudden swerves might cause some zig-zagging for control afterwards (learned that the hard way) :). All in all it is a reliable car with a strong core and years of engineering behind it. My A/C sprung a leak (in 2000) behind the dash ($800 to replace the entire system). Outside of that it is a great starter car.

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  Born to Last - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Need2know - July 19 - 12:52 am

  My Escort has 129,00 miles and is still going strong. My friends wanted me to purchase a new car years ago, but I am glad I didnt. Beside normal maintenance (oil, belts, brakes, spark plugs), I replaced the water pump and radiator. Sure those last two repairs costs a few bucks, but it is a lot cheaper than a new car payment. The car has always started (even in the MN cold). The car has plenty of power, but I dont believe in going over 65 miles/hour. If you want a car to do 90 on the interstate, this car isnt for you Small cars do not handle the road vibrations and noise at high speeds. My only real complaint is that the speedometer went out in year three.

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  Great first car! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Bryan - July 15 - 12:53 am

  This car was given to me last June and has been an exceptional first car. It was in great condition and still is. For an 11-year-old car, I am impressed by how well the A/C and heat work. It can be loud, and it loses a lot of power going uphill, but thats a small engine for you. Last summer, my mom and I went from KY to NY state with lots of luggage and the A/C running, but it did not miss a beat. It said it was hot, but it didnt seem to be. Everything works except delayed wiper feature. Ive only replaced a battery connector. It is also surprisingly good in snow. Im impressed with this Ford, but Ill probably go Toyota next time. It may have a few flaws, but it is still a nice car.