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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  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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  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.

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  Fun to Drive Expensive to fix. - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Erinf - February 2 - 2:00 am

  I 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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  Mechanical deficiencies - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Wayne Hopp - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I 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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  My First New Car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Lorin Salter - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as a way for me to get back and forth from school. Shortly after, however, I moved out of town and, to my displeasure, found that this car is not a long drive type of car. In the city, it does alright, except the fact that it has a horrible vibration that Ive been told cant be fixed. But as far as driving, it is good and saves me quite a bit on gas.

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  transmission - 1999 Ford Escort
  By mess - November 30 - 2:00 am

  transmission went out on my 99 after 78,000 miles. It was well maintained.

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  This car should be taken off the lineup - 2003 Ford Escort
  By sweety89 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Well the main reason why i dog this cra is because atfer driving mine for like 3 months it started breaking down i take it to get looked at and i find out that it has no motor mont then it took 3 months to get one because they claimed it was an international part. The other part i do not like is how things are so low you do not even have a arm rest you have a little hole and the stero is awful and when you put a after market one in they have to put a ugly black stero holder

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  Wont buy another one - 2003 Ford Escort
  By De - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 ZX2 jerks when going slow such as a slow take off or stop n go on the frwy. Service Mgr told me thats normal. Feels like it wants to stall. Taken it in 7 times. No leg room in back seat and if youte tall your head hits the top of the car. Air conditioner stopped working at 35,000. Good on gas, reliable. Great take off. The jerking has turned me off. Can feel like Im learning to drive a stick and cant balance the gas and clutch. Other than that - its okay.

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  94 Escort - 1994 Ford Escort
  By 94fordman - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this car is not a bad car to drive

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  Not a fun car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By jillers - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I hate this car and cant wait to trade it in for something else. I have had it for 3 months now and thought that it would grow on me. It doesnt. I get passed on the freeways all of the time cause it has no power. For some reason the exhaust goes into the car when you turn on the aircon. What is with that? It looks like a sporty little zippy car but it is not. I am going today to trade it in for something else. I hate this car.