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 501 through 510 of 835.00-
This Car Rocks, Dudes!!!!! - 1991 Ford Escort
By Autobon Maniac - December 31 - 2:00 amI drove this car on the German Autobon for several years. 40,000 miles with my foot so hard to the floorboards, I would get leg cramps (you laugh.) Top end...maybe 140 going downhill. Those big ole Granddaddy 5 series Mercedes and 7 series Bimmers would pass me so fast they would suck me out into their lane, but the Escort was a hoot nonetheless. 7 hours to Italy....4 1/2 hours to Amsterdam....Ahhhh the good life!
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Dont Want to Give It Up!! - 1996 Ford Escort
By The Rave - December 29 - 2:00 amI dont even want to sell this old car!! Ive had it for 2 years, it had high mileage on it when I bought it, plus I put 1000 miles on it in one trip from NY to Ohio, and back. It never gave me any problems, always started right up, the AC and heat are phenomenal, and the gas mileage is great. I drove this car through two bad winters and it still never failed. I just graduated college and my father urged me to purchase a brand new car, but Im afraid it wont be as reliable as this one!
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Not bad for a 1st car... - 2001 Ford Escort
By sjtrackin - December 27 - 2:00 amMy first new car, not too bad. Love the look of it and it handles well. Great gas mileage. Interior a little uncomfortable. Had problems with power windows, doors, and hood release. Speakers could be better. Other than that, no complaints. Very smooth ride.
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I love my Zx2 - 2003 Ford Escort
By Isabella - December 13 - 2:00 amMy very first car was an EXP, and my father bought a five speed so that I would learn to drive one. I LOVED that car, and my ZX2 reminds me of it in the way it drives. Its a fun car. Its very well made, and although I said when we were shopping that I didnt want a 2 door, and I didnt want a 4 cylinder, I didnt even want a small car...But you know? I am happy with my little car, and I am upset that Ford has discontinued them.
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timing belt - 1993 Ford Escort
By timingbeltwarning - December 7 - 2:00 amAll around economical and reliable veh. Starts excellent in cold weather -35 celsius. Recommended timing belt change=60,000 miles Mine failed at 69,000 Luckily no damage. Dennis
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A real escort! - 1991 Ford Escort
By Big Fool - December 7 - 2:00 amThis is the only car that sold itself to me! The salesman didnt have to do anything. After the air conditioner was fixed in only 1 year, the next big problem was the air flow meter did not read right, causing the the engine go lean and sputter once the engine warmed up-fixed under the warranty just before it expired. At about 99 the tiny coolant lines that run to the air intake (these set idle speed fast when coolant is cold)busted and my coolant boiled out (see improvement sugg.) It may wear on you cruising the interstate by the hour, the suspension is a bit stiff. But for anything shorter it rides just fine and is good at handling curves.
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My First New Car - 2002 Ford Escort
By Lorin Salter - December 7 - 2:00 amI 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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Skeptical at first, but VERY happy - 1996 Ford Escort
By escort owner - December 5 - 2:00 amI bought this car, intending only to keep it for a few months. Well its 2.5 years later and im still driving it. I have over 160,000 miles on it and it still runs great. Only things ive replaced have been tires and the serpentine belt, regular oil changes and 1 tune up. This is a great college car, its cheap to buy, run, and maintain. The 5-speed has a lot of pickup after 1st gear, so its a nice ride. Good in the winter and rain, no complaints, i would recomend this car to anyone who doesnt mind driving an escort.
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review of my 91 excort - 1991 Ford Escort
By FoXyGrL969 - December 3 - 2:00 amI am the second owner of this car, my aunt bought it brand new and took excellent care of it, and when i turned 16 the car became mine. I had no problems at first but since ive gotten it weve had to replace the alternator 3 times...going on 4 soon. the battery has been replaced many times due to the alternator draining it. Other than the alternator ive had no big problems with it.
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Nice little car - 2003 Ford Escort
By NorthFace - December 3 - 2:00 amFor the price you cant beat it
