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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  great little car with get up and go - 1998 Ford Escort
  By slats - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the escort five years ago and have had no problems whatever. It has more get up and go then would be expected and the gas mileage has been 27 to 29 pg. Just this past month the generator failed. first time I had to send money on it other then tires and windshield wipers. Currently 95,000 miles.

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  My Little Red Machine - 2003 Ford Escort
  By bumble bee - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in 2004, but it is a 2003 model. This car had only 17 miles on it when I bought it. I have have 2000 miles on it now, and I love it.

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  Good car, but too small - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Madmatt55 - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had a good experience with this car, but I have outgrown it. I have had very few repairs to make in the 3 years of ownership. Watch for rear brake caliper leaks. Finding replacement tires can be expensive as the tires are of an odd size. I am using a slightly taller tire and it works out fine. I also advise any owner to buy a K&N air filter for this car. It does make a difference. If I had the choice, i would get this car with a 5 speed.

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  great first car! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By pacothechihuahua01 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  When I had just turned 16 I asked dad for help getting a car. He didnt tell me but went out and bought a 95 escort that was a company car and had 153000 miles on it. To top it off it was purple. I wasnt crazy about the color but i was glad to have my own wheels. I no longer have this car because it finally died, but i cant complain since it had over 200,000 miles on it, not sure of actual milage because odometer broke and i have to get a new one that read 100k less than what i had on it. great car, few problems , inner tie rods. brakes!

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  Good little car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Yves St-Louis/Joe - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I recommend this car to anybody who need good reliable economical basic transportation. After 125k other than normal maintenance the only part i changed was the alternator rear coil spring and front wheel bearings. But parts are not cheap Hope the focus is as good as this one

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  cant complain - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Ben Smith - March 31 - 2:00 am

  i purchased this car from a family member with 105k on it. At that time, the car had never broken down, and ran like a dream (especially w/105k). Every 3k, the oil had been changed and all maintance recommendations were followed. I would average 28+ MPG, even while i was driving like an idiot. After 130k, the transmission begin slipping quite often and fuel economy began to fall off quickly. I cant complain about the cheap parts and quality when an escort makes it to 135k.

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  Wifes Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By GJGJ - March 29 - 2:00 am

  Wife Loves the car No costs other than oil changes It is a second car for us which is conveint

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  Springs Scort - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Spring - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a used 1996 Escort. It was a steal and the mileage, 40,000! This simple and economic and RELIABLE car gets me places. I see a lot of elderly people driving around here in the 80s Civic hatchbacks and other subcompacts, so Im guessing that this particular Escort was one of those "elderly cars," being operated within the warranty as long as possible. This ones gonna last me a long while, I know it. So, if theres a 96 Escort out there for sale, - dont be a fool - buy it. Its the last of its kind. Great mileage, decent looks, easy to maintain.

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  My 2000 Ford Escort Zx2 - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Nickc1178 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Ford zx2 brand new in 2000 with 34 miles on it. In the last 3 and a half years I have put 70,000 miles on it. The only major problem I have had is the automatic transmission. The transmission is not very good. I have had to have it flushed twice already. The thing shifts hard all the time out of first even when the fluid is full. The only other problem I have had is to replace the left front tie-rod. Otherwise the car has been pretty good. It protected me in a nice 45mph accident when a soccer mom pulled out in front of me in her mini van. 27mpg on average.

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  Regret buying a Ford Escort - 1999 Ford Escort
  By "S"CortsSuk - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I leased a Ford Escort SE back in Oct of 1999, and I totally regretted my decision a few days later. I had so many problems with it in the beginning. I also had to replace the suspension after two years, which cost me $1,000. Back in Dec of 2003, I had to replace the engine too. That cost me a lot of money. It is a cheap car to own, but no resale value. It is also an ugly car. I dont recommend American economy cars. Get a Civic or Corolla instead.