Overview & Reviews

The Ford Escort is totally redesigned this year with improvements across the board. The most noticeable improvements are in the powertrain and ride quality. New sheet metal gives the Escort a rounder, more aerodynamic appearance as well. The GT hatchback version is dropped.

• Attractive new design. Good cargo space. Zippy new engine makes driving this car fun.

• Not much rear seat room.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 93.00

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  Alright Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By daf58 - August 8 - 10:12 pm

  Purchased this car at 30,000 miles. Has been very good to me, only minor repairs have been needed. Have owned this car for almost 10 years and I am very pleased, I now have close to 180,000 miles and this little Escort is still running strong.

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  The best car I own - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort_is_good - May 18 - 2:41 am

  I have a 2006 Grand Caravan SXT and a 2002 Eldorado ETC, but they simply dont compare to the 1997 Escort wagon. Shortly after I bought it the rear suspension began groaning over bumps. I never worried about it, but eventually it turned out to have broken rear springs -- relatively cheap to replace. Absolutely wonderful engine: I have the 2.0L SPI (split port injection) and it makes the correct amount of power. The chassis is still firm, steers straight, no squeaks, though it wont be long until the rust starts at this age. Ill just keep er going indefinitely as a winter-beater, top-notch reliability and ease of maintenance.

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  My Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By fubar1 - May 15 - 11:36 am

  I really like my 1997 Escort. It has lots of power and I really like the handling on dirt and asphalt roads. My only complaint is that the back of the car is too light and it likes to slide when going through curves on dirt roads at high speeds. But I added weight and it is great now.

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  Reliable, Reliable, Reliable - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Christopher - April 4 - 9:13 pm

  This has been the most dependable car I have ever owned. It is not a cool ride, but when it is as inexpensive as it is, and never costs you a dime once you purchase it, I feel pretty cool driving it.

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  Good basic car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Godboldm - March 2 - 2:15 pm

  I got this car after graduating college. Basically because I wanted an economical car that could move stuff. The Escort wagon seemed like the perfect choice. I was really impressed by how well it starts in cold weather conditions. With a new battery, it has started up great, even with a windchill of -30. The cold did take a toll on the interior, one of the rear locks (the thing that sicks up) snapped off. I guess it got really brittle in the cold. So be careful! It is a bit sluggish, but what can you expect from a basic economy car? It has delivered what I expected. So far, I cannot complain.

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  Finally giving up the ghost - 1997 Ford Escort
  By frata - November 13 - 10:45 pm

  I inherited this car from my sister when it had 95,000 miles one it. Now it has 130,000. It is the "fancy" model with power windows, power locks, keyless entry, alarm, power mirrors etc. Until now it has been absolutely reliable with no problems whatsoever. Recently the service engine soon light came on and I took it to the shop and they replaced the oxygen sensor. This solved the light for about a day until it came on again and the engine started to act like it was trying to cut out. It was a great car but it is not worth putting any money into. I would recommend this car to someone looking for a used car. Make sure it is a low mileage one though, it is an economy car and falls apart with old age, apparently.

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  5 stars...out of 100 - 1997 Ford Escort
  By snowdozer - November 3 - 4:59 pm

  This car is a piece of junk. We went through not just one, but two cars: 97 Escort wagon, white. Same problem: the engine seized! Oil level was checked religiously. All preventative maintenance done. Welcome to the Ford family! Have I mentioned that this car is a piece of junk? Propriety prevents me from properly conveying my complete and heartfelt disgust at this putrid broken-down bucket of bolts. I would love to level both barrels of my indignation at the pinhead engineers that designed this car. Have I mentioned that this car is a piece of junk? Treat yourself right for once and DONT buy this money-burning horror show! Not one but TWO cars, both donation material now

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  Great Little Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Rachel - June 11 - 1:33 pm

  This little car has been great! It was my mothers car and now mine and weve pretty much run it until it could go no more. Ill be replacing it soon, but its been super reliable. The only problems Ive had have been recent...once it was over 110,000 miles!

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  unbelievably reliable - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Sab - April 29 - 7:29 pm

  I have owned my Escort for 7 years now, and have no complaints. I am a hard driver. I brake hard, drive fast, do a lot of u-turns, and am just plain aggressive, and my car has withstood it all. Ive always maintained it well, with regular oil changes, fixed the brakes every few years, but have never had to do any major repairs. Ive not rust-proofed it, and it only started to rust a couple of years ago, which I think is good. There seem to be virtually no blind spots either (with the exception of the usual one). I would recommend to anyone that they purchase this car. It would make a great starter car. Im not parting with mine, unless she finally kicks the bucket.

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  Sooo Reliable! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By christie - April 29 - 3:05 am

  This Escort is my first and only car I have ever owned, and it has been amazingly reliable. In 6 years, I have only had to get new tires and replace the battery there have been no major mechanical problems. I paid it off 3 years ago, but will probably drive it for one more year before replacing it.