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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  Reliable but cheap - 1997 Ford Escort
  By kris - March 30 - 2:40 pm

  We have had this car now for three years. It is reliable and easy to fix ourselves when it breaks down. It accelerates fairly nicely and the steering is nice and easy. The ride is rough you really feel every bump and sometimes it feels like we are riding inside of a bouncing ball. The interior quality is lacking, but it was never meant to be a top of the line car. The seats are uncomfortable for long drives.

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  A better roller skate - 2000 Ford Escort
  By jemjunior - March 29 - 10:16 pm

  I needed a car in a hurry. I had good working relations with a local car rental dealer. Picked up the Escort with 32,000 miles for a good price. It has been a very reliable mode of transportation. My teenage daughter learned to drive in it. I still use it every day for back and forth to work. I plan on fixing it and driving it until the wheels fall off. I havent had any trouble besides normal wear and tear items. Be advised - the Escort doesnt "DO" anything. It just starts up, drives, and comes home.

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  Good looking,reliable, gets the job done - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Drive it to the bone - March 23 - 9:12 pm

  I got this car after high school graduation and had it throughout college. My dad used it to drive pretty far to work everyday while I was away, and this whole time nothing bad has gone wrong. Besides the usual wear and tear, the worst thing that happened was the horror that was installing my CD deck over the old trim. I would change some small things, but overall, its a fun, reliable and good looking vehicle considering some factors.

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  A good little car. - 1997 Ford Escort
  By FlyByPC - March 16 - 2:41 pm

  Although a big step down in size for me, (from a Chevy G20 van, and a Mercury Colony Park wagon which I really miss), the Escort has been a good little car, so far. OK (but not outstanding) economy, good reliability, and acceptable performance. From the reviews, I hear the 97 is significantly more responsive than the 96. I would hate to drive the 96 model, as I find the 97 performance acceptable, but far from impressive. As a fairly big guy (6, 240lb), I was surprised how much room there is up front. It holds quite a bit of cargo, too. The lack of cruise, power locks and windows is quaint, but at least it has A/C! The one truly BAD feature is the USELESS front cupholder. (See below).

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  Not a fan of the look, LOVE the rest - 1998 Ford Escort
  By MikeMG - March 9 - 1:38 pm

  I bought this car last September. I was originally looking for a ZX3 but this one was CHEAP. I test drove it and bought it the same day. The performance is unbelievable for a stock car, if only the aesthetics could be comparable. If youre young and want a tough, quick car, then this is it. I cant seem to break it, which is hard to believe. Parts are cheap too ($25 Cdn for a wheel bearing). Service it regularly and this car will last forever.. And if you live in an area where salt is used on the roads, undercoat it every year.

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  Trade before 140,000km! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Lynne - March 9 - 12:36 pm

  I have to admit that my ZX2 has been a good car. Bought it new in 1999. Safe and solid (i hit a tree and walked away). So Ford builds tough thats for sure! However, it seems no one tells you that around 140,000 kms that your automatic transmission will blow up. Oh heres the stinger - $3000 to fix! I had to take out a loan to fix it. I talked to the dealer and they laughed and said they knew this would happen when the sold it to me.

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  American-made reliability! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Eric - March 1 - 11:29 am

  Absolutely reliable. Not the most quiet or refined automobile in its class, but VERY cheap to fix and maintain. The perfect utility-type vehicle for work/students/grocery chasing. Excellent mileage. The standard for dependability! This is my third Escort. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one.

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  Super flag car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Terrys flag car - February 21 - 8:08 pm

  I own a flag car business and escort oversize loads from Pennsylvania up and down the east cost. I went right to Mobile One and Slick Fifty when I bought this car. I average 11,000 miles a month, ha and you think you have a long drive to work. Plenty of power, 40+ miles per gallon at high speeds, fairly comfortable, plenty of room and Im 6 ft. Great little car. I do use 5 speeds for my work. Automatic transmissions would not hold up to to the pounding we give these little cars. I had a 91 wagon and put 300,000 miles on it. Again, a great little car.

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  Cant kill this --except the tranny : ) - 1992 Ford Escort
  By David Pasette - February 20 - 2:46 am

  Religious 3,000 mi oil changes & front brakes every 30,000. Thats all this reliable vehicle required. I never liked the transmission, and its clear that many Fords suffer the same fate as mine... it went before anything else did. Since I had 144k miles on it, I felt the car didnt owe me anything. Before I donated it, the wiper relay went ($140 to replace by special order from the dealer) so I gave up the good fight. When the final tow removed the vehicle from my possession, I was sad. I sincerely believe a $1,000 investment in the car would have bought another 144k miles. Averaged over 30 mpg throughout its lifespan, & took me from my 1st job out of college (92) to my 2nd child (05).

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  Great College Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Ben Reed - February 11 - 3:32 pm

  I bought my 1999 Escort with 90,000 miles on the odometer. I was looking for a late model car that would be easier on my wallet than the Pathfinder I had been driving. I average about 37-38 MPG on the highway, but have noticed a dramatic drop in city driving. The car has enough power to move it down the highway at speed, but acceleration, even with the 5 speed, is somewhat lacking. Road noise is minimal, and the sound system works exceptionally well, considering the rural environment I live in. My only complaint so far is a scrubbing/grinding noise when the brakes are spplied. I suspect either the rotors are warped or the brake pads are worn. Easy fix in either case.