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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  I love my GT - 1995 Ford Escort
  By A.J. - December 14 - 11:35 am

  My Escort GT has been an excellent car for nearly ten years. It is fun to drive plus I can throw just about anything in the back. I feel its as functional as an SUV but much more fun to drive.

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  My Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Sonia - December 8 - 11:33 pm

  Ive had my Escort for 6 and a half years. I bought it brand new and it is as reliable today as it was back in June 1998! It has almost 130,000 miles and going strong. It even survived about two years of being used by my wild teenage son. When this car finally retires, I will definately want to buy another Ford. Wish they still had Escorts.

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  hooray for the ZX2 - 2000 Ford Escort
  By electroniceyes - November 30 - 5:42 pm

  I got my ZX2 used in February 04 so I dont have the years experience with it. I love how nicely it handles and the gas mileage is a real plus stereo is awesome for a stock stereo. I only wish my ZX2 had power windows/door locks the crank windows are a real problem sometimes and its a real pain having to reach across to let people in my car. I also wish is didnt vibrate like one of those massage chairs when at idle.

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  after 3 different vehicles its the best! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By gokartsrule - November 29 - 6:12 am

  I had a 1992 Mustang 2.3l with duelspark... then a hyundai elantra 2.0 dohc... now this zx2. Wow... finally a manual again... fastest I have ever driven. Stereo is pretty good.

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  Going and going and ....... - 1996 Ford Escort
  By sasam - November 28 - 7:56 pm

  Bought it hoping to keep for a year, but after three it is still running without any problems, other than oil changes and basic maintenance.

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  Excellent car, no problems ever - 2001 Ford Escort
  By wwolf - November 24 - 11:00 pm

  ZX2 looks good, drives well, very easy on gas. Have had it for almost 4 years and not a single repair. I recommend it to anyone who wants a sporty smaller car that performs well.

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  Transmission problems - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Shane2001 - November 24 - 10:05 pm

  Great car when it is running, great fuel, good comfort. But I have had the transmission rebuilt Once already, and it is on its way out again. Its only got 39,000 miles on it, it should be able to take what little power that is coming out of the engine. I have heard about some other poeple have the same problem in the years around mine also.

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  Good First Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By looks best in black - November 24 - 5:48 pm

  Its my first car. Bought used with 40k miles. Gets amazing gas mileage and its pretty fun to drive. Back seat is a bit roomy for a car of its size. It gets up and goes for a car with a 130hp engine. Has a lot of low end torque, but when it gets in 2nd and 3rd gear it slows down a lot. Then up again in 4th. Older people might not like how low this car is (makes it hard to get in and out of). The ZX2 sits at least a foot lower than a Civic. Aftermarket parts are limited, but there are some. All in all if youre looking for a smaller car with great gas mileage and a little more "get up and go" then this is the car for you.

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  practical sports car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By crash86 - November 17 - 4:31 pm

  i purchased this car for $6500 with around 23000 miles, 5speed, the whole package. accelerates and turns very well. a lil rough but its a small car so no surprise there.

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  Can last forever - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Good mpg - October 26 - 2:00 am

  My family bought our escort brand new in 1991. So as a hand me down it is a great car, unfortuantely half the engine got replaced within the last 3 years(belts/hoses/alternator), but with the new parts I plan on driving the escort for another 5 or 6 years.