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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  Love My Escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By SCMunchkin - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my escort & it has been very reliable. Have taken many road trips with it & never had any problems.Other than normal maint. I have only replaced the clutch,the dr side cv joint and heater core. I have never been stranded in all my travels. In 02 it finally gave out w/163000 miles. Had motor replaced runs great now and odometer reads 200589 (actual is 63000 on new motor). Interior good cond and exterior no rust just some scratches and bumper damage from some idiot backing into me and not said a word. I have used and abused this car for multiple purposes. Think of buying another car but not sure I want to part w/my baby.

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  I love my Ford Excort!! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Dottie J. - January 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a dependable little car - easy to handle and gets good gas mileage. I have owned three of these cares in a row now, and I have found all of them to be very dependable. Routine maintenance charges are the only costs I have ever encountered in any of them.

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  Not a bad Car! - 1990 Ford Escort
  By holland1115 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Got the car at 12 years old with 76000 miles. Put 34000 on it and it still starts every time. Only needed regular maintenance, parts wore out, oil, filters and a tuneup. I also put in a fuel pump. It has 100000 mile and is still going strong. Hope my next cars is as reliable.

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  good for the money - 1998 Ford Escort
  By triniman - January 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun little car that is good on gas and cheaper to maintain. problem free if you ask me

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  Good Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Mpboyd49 - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I brought this car to have my first car. I have used it to go back and forth to school everyday. I have not had many problems. I brought the car with 119,000 miles on it, it now has 135,115 miles. Normal oil changes and etc.

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  Good car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Billy Rad - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Good car, reliable, it is a good little car for the money. I will keep this car for years to come.

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  Best car Ive ever owned. - 1997 Ford Escort
  By lovemyescort - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for almost 5 years. 5 trouble-free years. Have only replaced tie-rod ends and front brakes. Have put 50k miles on since I bought it. Outstanding reliability. Exceptional fuel mileage. Just change the oil and keep driving it.

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Ford Escort
  By loyalhall - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought it as a used ex-lease car at 3 yrs and 35K. Compared to other small economy cars it is excellent. Peppy, good handling, excellent in snow, gas miliage ave 30mpg, and a very tight turning radius. On the downside, it takes the most expensive parts. Sparkplugs were double a normal economy car and likewise with tires. I did have to replace the alternator ($125 part) and drive belt ($30) but otherwise have had no problems. The oil filter is just about impossible to get to so you will be taking it to the lube shop. Good amount of road noise and gets uncomfortable on long road trips, but 2-3 hour trips are ok. But what do you expect for $6.5K, a BMW?

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  Better than expected - 2001 Ford Escort
  By elgringo247 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was bough in a hurry because I was looking for the cheapest car fast. well I really like this car. 63,000 miles, no mech problems. What suprised me is the peppiness of this car. It will get up an goand handles extemely well in 90+ mph. Just watch for the cops when driving this car. The only neg is it really bogs down with a lot of weight in the car

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  Escort are excellent - 1994 Ford Escort
  By RSnchz - January 3 - 2:00 am

  I never thought this car was going to be a good buy, but it has taken my family all around the country with no problems.