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:
Showing 481 through 490 of 835.00-
Love my ZX2 - 2000 Ford Escort
By Victoria Lindel - February 10 - 2:00 amIve had this car for 4 years, and shes been good to me. My favorate features are the 5 speed transmission - it makes the little engine perform wonders. I would never want an "economy" car with an automatic transmission. I like the small size as well, it makes parallel parking a breeze. The fold down seats make it possible to transport skis, yes SKIS if you have 3 people or less in the car.
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Fun to Drive Expensive to fix. - 1998 Ford Escort
By Erinf - February 2 - 2:00 amI bought this car back in 2000, off a lease. Got the extended warranty. Until 60k the car was fine. I had one transmission problem, which the dealership fixed and gave me a rental for a week. At around 60k things got scarey. Repairs in the 2-3k range, all over the place. It like the car had been built to survive just past the warranty then totally fall apart... hondas and toyotas dont do this, why do fords?
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weee - 1998 Ford Escort
By iced98lx - January 31 - 2:00 amThe 5spd helps with performance, and it never breaks down, get 38mpg on the road, what more do I need?
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My Favorite Car Pick - 1999 Ford Escort
By AngeMSU - January 30 - 2:00 amThis is my second escort and I love it. I bought it used with especially low miles, and I havent regretted it for a minute. Defiantly worth more then its priced at.
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dependable/ good value - 1994 Ford Escort
By island rose - January 27 - 2:00 amI get 28-34 mpg, have had very few mechanical problems, good stability in difficult, almost accidents. very inexpensive transportation for cost per miles, including purchase price. Has lots of room for hauling things around.
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Goods and the Bads ! - 2002 Ford Escort
By Mike Shirley - January 25 - 2:00 amThe vibration is annoying..suprised Ford didnt have enough ambition to fix it before letting it out of its cage !..It is reliable though and has ample power and handeling ! gets me from point A and B.
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Mechanical deficiencies - 2000 Ford Escort
By Wayne Hopp - January 25 - 2:00 amI leased my car for two years before I purchased it in Dec02.Sincr the leased ended,I have replaced inner,outer tie- rods,replaced bushings on the right rear,replaced the brakes three times on 38000 miles.I now am faced with replacing the ABS motor sytem controller.The car runs hard and noisy.I would not recommend a ZX2 to anybody as the kinks were never corrected.Ford Motor Co.,completely turned there assistance away claiming warranty.This was my fourth Ford and LAST Ford
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Best $2300 ever spent - 1993 Ford Escort
By The Great Bison - January 23 - 2:00 amUsed to drive my moms 96 LX around with the weak 88 hp engine, my GT makes 40 more hp and the difference is unbelievable! I drive this car around 100 miles per day for both work and school and at 100,000 miles, it still refuses to leak a drop of anything. The only repairs have been the replacement of maintainance parts such as brake linings, and rotors. The mazda engine, 5 speed, and sport tuned suspension makes this car a blast to drive.
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Best Car I have ever owned! - 2000 Ford Escort
By John Free - January 22 - 2:00 am2000 ZX2 finally a US manufacturer has produced quality equal to the japanese. Purchased brand new from a large dealer 9-00...on sale for $8888. Yeah I know I got a terrific deal. 30k miles today and never a problem...nada...zip.
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Drive One... Youll see! - 2001 Ford Escort
By JustZx2 - January 21 - 2:00 amThis is a sweet car! This is my 2nd one I had a 99 ZX2 but hit a deer and traded it in for my 01 ZX2..The 99 was strip model however this is power everything and manual.. IF ya can drive stick GET IT! Its black fav. color and really good against a LANCER, Poor guy thought he could take a ZX2...he was wrong! lol! Its NOT a ESCORT <-- those suck, This has a 130 hp engine that can move it along, However escorts have 110hp and suck! So yea THIS is called a ZX2 so dont be ashamed when telling your friends you own a ZX2 (Showem the back bumper "says" "ZX2") LOL! Enjoy it if ya OWN ONE! Cuz I AM!
