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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  My Review - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Geech - May 23 - 2:00 am

  A very good first car for younger drivers. Enough power for safe handling but not too much to get out of control. Runs very good, very reliable and very good fuel economy.

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  GOOD CHEAP PERFORMANCE CAR - 1999 Ford Escort
  By jkk1 - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car. NO warranty or mechanical problems at all.

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  Well it got to me to and form work - 1995 Ford Escort
  By FunkySaceCowboy - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Always started, nothing in the drivetrain ever broke in the 15 months I owned it. Cargo space and flexibility sold me on the hatchback design for future cars. Great milage. Bad points: Noisey, bad sound system, very uncomfortable for longer (30 minutes) trips. Lots of interior features were broken: auto-seatbelts, hi-beam switch, rear defrost button (fell into dash), thermostat etc... Ford seemed to put a lot of effort into building a reliable, low maintenance drivetrain in the Escort this year but really cheaped out on the interior bits and driver comfort features. It never ceased to remind me that I was driving an economy car.

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  Reliable - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Lindsay_Kis13 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car from a private owner in September of 2003 and I can honestly say I did not want the car. I wanted more of a sports car. But I have been completely satisfied with my car. It is not the best looking car out there but I have had absolutely no problems with it. My car has high mileage and is still very reliable. I drive it alot and I definately dont drive it easy. My 1993 Ford Escort is a strong and very reliable car. I am pleased.

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  Zippy - 1998 Ford Escort
  By cb - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive and great on gas. There is a small rattle in the engine that is from a cap that cannot be removed so it hits the hood of the car causing the rattle.I also had to change the front left tie rod on only 33000 miles. Those were the only problems that have arised Otherwise I have had no other problems with it.

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  A fun car with reliability - 1997 Ford Escort
  By BTA - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Our second car. Fuel efficient and low cost to maintain. Our first Ford and a pleasant surprise. Dont put many miles on it. Reminds me of our dog always starts up immediately and is ready to go when we are. Used much to drive and leave at airport, and we know that it will start in all weather to get us home.

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  Escort... possibly the BEST Ford vehicle - 1997 Ford Escort
  By CPL - May 3 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle used from a Ford Dealer with about 50K kilometers (30K miles). We still have it. The car is now just under 200,000 kilometers and runs like a charm. Other than the regular maintenance (oil changes, flushes, brakes..etc), we have put in less than $1000 in unusual maintenance over the 5 year period. I would still recommend anyone to purchase the escort used.

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  ZX2 is a great coupe - 2000 Ford Escort
  By rainbow - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car 4 years ago back in 2000. I have enjoyed having this car around. It is a fun car to drive back and forth to work. I have had no problems with the car. It has been a very reliable car. I would buy another one if given the chance. Out of all the compact coupes I would say the ZX2 is a great coupe. I spend most of my time around cars, so yes I know what Im talking about.

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  Dependable - 1996 Ford Escort
  By jrossodi - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car wont die. It has had a few minor expectable problems, such as brakes, tires, battery, etc. But the engine is tough, the mileage is great, an it has NEVER missed a start in its 8 years of life. I am now looking for another one for my son, same year. I know what to expect from the Escort.

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Pauline Stewart - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for less than a year and it had a lot of miles on it when i bought it. i bought i for $3,000. i though that was a good deal. i am a senior in high school and use it everyday to go to school, work and sometimes the mall. I really like my car. It is depenable, has great gas milage and it is just a perfect car for someones first car.