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:

• 

  Faithful... - 2000 Ford Escort
  By ALG - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had no mechanical problems with my car. I have had to do no more than oil changes, car washes, and fluid checks. I have had to replace my tires once...and they were more expensive than I had figured. Relatively hard to find too. Overall, great car.

• 

  spend your money elsewhere - 1994 Ford Escort
  By kjlnjlnnminoimiojmip - March 16 - 2:00 am

  maybe its jsut the particular car i got, but ive had nothing but trouble with it. 500 miles into my ownership, the ac goes out. dealer replaces compressor (for exorbitant price of $400) but radiator starts leaking. my freakin speedometer doesnt even work! even though ive heard of lots of people that have loved this car, i see no reason to spend the money on it. why bother when you can get a comparable civic (better reliability and mileage) for about a grand more?

• 

  Awesome little run-around! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By adambrunetx2e - March 16 - 2:00 am

  My mom bought the car in 1997 and the only money she has had to put into it was basic maintenance. It was mainly used around town but is great on the highway as well. It is now my college car and a lot of miles have been put on it, and has always been driven very hard yet runs amazingly. The body has always been poor but mechanically it cant be beat.

• 

  DO NOT BUY A ZX2 - 1999 Ford Escort
  By nofx - March 10 - 2:00 am

  After approximately 48,000 mi of driving this car completley went south. I provided regular maintainence and oil changes, yet still had to have the engine and transmission replaced at 48,000 mi.

• 

  Only a crash could stop it! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Bryant & Christy - March 8 - 2:00 am

  155,000 miles and it was still going strong until it got t-boned at an intersection. It was driven pretty hard, over 80 miles a day on the highways at 65-75 mph. It had some significant repairs but overall it didnt have $18,000 in it over almost nine years including purchase price. An axle problem early on was covered under the warranty. The only long-term problem was a flaky electrical system. Recommend tires with higher heat rating to prevent wear if driven heavy.

• 

  This has been a great car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Betty2 - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car since it was new and it has never failed to get me where I want to go. It has been kept outside, and has always started, at 95 degrees or zero degrees, just turn the key. The kids are older now and we need something that holds 6 people, which is the only reason Im going to sell it.

• 

  No Problems with This Car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Kevins432 - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 9+ years with only normal maintenance (oil,filters,air-filter and such). It has performed wonderfully. When I purchased it I wanted a small,reliable car and that is what I got. I could not be happier with my purchase.

• 

  Cheap, but tough - 1995 Ford Escort
  By brewster - March 4 - 2:00 am

  We have owned this car since new, and it has become the car I love to hate. The hatchback/wagon design is immensely practical (why dont all brands have one?) and the mileage, at nearly 40mpg on the highway is great. Also, I agree with other reviewers that the drivetrain is as reliable as a hammer. Unfortunately, the interior noise level, complete lack of power, very weak brakes, and uncomfortable seats make this vehicle miserable to drive for any real length of time. Also, the quality of assembly is clearly lacking--doors dont fit right, wiring was faulty from new, etc.

• 

  ZX 2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JOHN WATSON - March 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this ZX2 in December of 2000 and the vehicle has been excellent and reliable transportation since I have had it. It has only been back to the dealer one time and that was for the hood not opening properly. Other than that all I have done has been change the oil, tranny fluid and gas and go. For a small car the ZX2 has plenty of pep and gets excellent gas mileage. The only negative to this vehicle is when I was looking into trading it had depreciated more than I would have expected. I would recommend the ZX2 to anyone looking for a small car that gets excellent gas mileage.

• 

  great car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By alman - March 2 - 2:00 am

  i had this car my junior and senior year of highschool. it starts up every mourning and never had to worry about it breaking down. All the times i wrecked it due to teenage stupidity, i thought it would break down very soon. but surprisingly it never gave me too much problems. it handled great on any driving conditions. it revs up when you need it to.(all the wat to 7000rpm) It always felt as It had wiped out many wanna be fast cars.