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 41 through 50 of 835.00-
the best - 1996 Ford Escort
By patas - March 19 - 10:50 pmthis car are the best on gas,cheap parts easy to fix i love my ford escort i dont need i new car
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Bring em Back, Ford!! - 2003 Ford Escort
By zx2mom - March 17 - 8:03 amThis is my 3rd zx2 (all leased as new, in 1997, 2000 & 2003. When I found out this is the last year, I bought it. So sad that this will be my last, I love this car! As already noted several times, the rough idle is a drawback. The steering wheel sometimes vibrates so hard at a stoplight that my hands get tingly. But since that is my only complaint, I can live with it. The most comfortable seat Ive ever seen (felt) in a small car, it fits like a glove, with great lumbar support. I do think of it as a sports car, Ive never subjected anyone to having to ride in the back seat, it just seemes too cramped, although it would probably be fine if you have kids.
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GREAT - 1998 Ford Escort
By tink - March 7 - 8:58 pmI bought this car used 3 years ago i had to do very little mechanical work the major thing that went wrong was the timing jumped i am getting ready to buy a 2nd ford escort if that tells ya how much i loved this car my son(teenager) drives the one i bought 3 years ago and loves it i would reccommend this car it very realiable and trustworthy
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BEST VALUE CAR EVER - 1997 Ford Escort
By Fuzzyhotdog - March 2 - 2:40 pmI bought this last year sometime. Paid 600 bucks for it. Small hole from rust in the transmission line under the radiator but easy fix. It was so cold that the rest of the familys vehicles did not start at all. This little ford fired up no problems. It has over 179,000 miles and still running on factory parts. Am looking for another.
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My Ex isnt around but my Escort ZX2 is - 2001 Ford Escort
By LJW - February 20 - 2:45 pmMine has 143,000 miles on it. The only thing I have mechanically get fixed was my timing belt and chain shot craps..but that just happened. Been a great little car. Bought it New with 5 miles on it. Planning to get another at least 80,000 out of it. Had an Escort before this one same thing great little car..sorry they stopped making them. It was a cheaper car only cost me $14,000 so you cant really knock it down. Great gas mileage is been worth it today!
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Great Little Car! - 1997 Ford Escort
By mcaldwell - January 24 - 9:16 pmWe bought this car brand new in 1996 when I was just four years old. This car has never failed to get us where we need to go! We even took it up to Canada one summer and it drove superbly! The gas mileage is a definite plus, however now that Im no longer my little four-year-old self, and am 6ft tall, the back seat is extremely tough to get into. Its now our secondary car and we almost never put the whole family in it. I share it with my mom and it is a great, easy, reliable car with just enough get up and go to get me out of trouble and keep me out of it! The clutch is amazing its lasted over 106,000 miles and its still like new! The only comlaint is a loss of power with the AC on.
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Cheap, affordable, and great - 1998 Ford Escort
By Nambow - December 31 - 10:03 pmI got this car after it had been sitting for 1-2 yrs. I had to replace the tires and tie rods. It drives good, and is a manual. I average anywhere from 31-35mpg. My car has 119k and shows no sign of giving up.
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hauling Goods & Dogs - 1998 Ford Escort
By SEwagon - December 8 - 10:00 amGreat in town -peppy drive if you stay in torque range (3750 & up)--easy lane changes, great visibility, intr. noise low. seat best in near upright. Yoko Avid Touring tires are a perfect compliment to this wagon! Frim, stable, grip, and corner. Wagon will oversteer if you dont go spritely into the corner--waking up stablizn rear assembly. Ford means 80lbs in the boot! Heavy loads off the axle are nerve racking. Drop the seat --pull it out! Smart pack can put 625lbs of goods in; predictable ride follows. Very Utilitarian w/smart looks--Ford really did a nice exit w/the escort wagon!
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Original satisfied owner. - 1998 Ford Escort
By Joe - December 4 - 2:26 pm98 SE Wagon. This has been a good economical vehicle. Simple interior design. 24 to 34 mpg. Scheduled maintenance routines were followed for normal usage. Fair to good handling in moderate snow conditions. Final assembly, U.S.A. (I purposely avoided the non-U.S.A. assemblies). Original tires, Uniroyal Tiger Paw, lasted 70K. OEM battery, 8 yrs. Uncomfortable seating on long drives.
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Powerful little car - 2000 Ford Escort
By KcoonZX2 - November 17 - 7:38 pmI bought my ZX2 about a year ago. It had damage when I bought it and the previous owner was careless about maintaining the vehicle so I had to put some money into it. After putting in a new transmission and new clutch at 130,000 miles I have not had a single problem with the Ford Escort. I deliver pizza and put about 300-400 miles a week on my Escort.(The big trunk helps!) I havent had to do anything mechanical after fixing the previous owners problems.
