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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  174000 - 1999 Ford Escort
  By lchandler - July 18 - 10:51 am

  My car has 174000 and it still runs. This is great I know people that did drive Hunda Toyota Dodge and other makers and their cars did not last as long.

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  Awesome little car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jackie - July 7 - 1:52 am

  I bought this car when it had 14,000 mi. It now has over 100,000. Now a friend was driving it and has wrecked it, was so upset. I never had to change or repair a single thing on the car except a set of tires. Not once did it ever break down. Only complaint is the idling, which is normal for these cars.

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  Excellent Escort Wagon LX - 1995 Ford Escort
  By lonewlf118 - June 22 - 7:52 am

  The escort was one of the best and most reliable cars I have ever owned. It is a great utility car and rides equally as well.

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  A great little station wagon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By JJ - June 17 - 10:21 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new in 1995 and we have kept up with the the oil changes every 3000 miles. Had only minor electrical problem in the beginning, but over all little maintenance was required. In 15 years only changed batteries, 2 set of tires and routine maintenance. Gas mileage is great in the city averages 24 on the open road averages 30.

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  Best car to learn how to drive on! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Nikki - June 9 - 1:54 pm

  My parents bought this car for me to learn how to drive on in 2005. 4 years later, weve put about 20K miles on it and it still runs great. It gets me back and forth between school and home whenever I need it to, and even survived large tree branches falling on it during an intense wind storm with just a few dents and a broken windshield. It has its quirks, but its an old car at this point and will. My parents bought my sister another escort after I got my license so I could drive this one, never had any problems!

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  167,000 miles and still going strong! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By EHWRYN - June 8 - 2:41 am

  I bought this car used with around 70k miles on it and so far in the past 5 years only have had 1 major break-down ( pullies for the serpentine belt broke)since this is a non-interference engine - no engine damage. Other than that I have had very little trouble (alternator went out and a PC valve - around 120k miles). It is very reliable and starts every time! For a 11 yr old car, it still has power and is fun to drive. The engine has never overheated, even when charging up a hill with the A/C on full blast while it is over 100 degrees outside. I never worry when I have to drive long distances - And a mechanic told me it was a "throw-away car not built to last".

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  Reliable than its looks like - 1994 Ford Escort
  By krgr - May 19 - 11:05 am

  I bought this car in 2006 with 88K and owned it for about 3 yrs. I never had any major problem with it, so reliable. Excellent on gas. I got about 36-38 mpg consistancly on highway. Very inexpensive to buy and maintain. So much comfortable handling stuff like furniture, groceries etc with its fold down second row.

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  Best Ford Ive owned yet. - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Jackie - April 2 - 1:19 am

  I bought my Ford new in 1995.It was priced right got great gas mileage still does. Ive never had any problems with it only regular maintenance. Hubby wants to buy me new car I said no.Love my car..

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  Great car! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Ryan - March 29 - 1:35 pm

  We now have almost 178k miles on this little gem. A few minor repairs and few there, plus regular maintenance and WOW. Shes been a good runner for us.

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  2003 Ford ZX2 Deluxe - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Aaron43 - March 29 - 1:16 am

  I love my zx2. Its a great running car. Its comfortable, reliable, and it looks good too.