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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  Review of my 03 ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By FoXyGrL969 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  My experience with this car has been great, my previous car was a 91 escort, and just as that it has showed great potential. Ive had no problems so far, i personally find it a very comfortable car(no ive never had to ride in the backseat of it, haha), it is great with gas, and i think will last a long time. Not to forget... it was a great price, for being 17 trying to buy a new car, i think this was perfect.

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  My ZX2ner - 2003 Ford Escort
  By HTH9LY - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have had my zx2 for over a year and have yet to have any mechanical problems. With a few minor engine upgrades it can kill hondas and acuras. It gets great gas milage, and handles very well. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to have a fun, fast car. It is also a safe car, believe me i know....

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  Interior Room - 2003 Ford Escort
  By targetshooter - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I am 62 / 260 and I fit just fine. I drive it on long trips and the seats are fine. Great get you there car with enough power to handle what you run into.

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  96 Escort is a great car - 1996 Ford Escort
  By d357r0y3r - December 1 - 2:00 am

  ive got a escort, and have had it for a while, and it is a great car. sure, its not exactly a speed demon and it doesnt look that cool, but for someone that wants a practical, economical, and overall good car, this is a good choice. in all the time ive had it its been very reliable, and other than routine tune-ups and some minor timing belt issues, it hasnt caused any problems. if youre looking for sheer power or speed, then the escort isnt for you, but if youre just looking for a good car thats good on milage and is reliable, this is a great option.

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  good hauler - 1993 Ford Escort
  By michiganman - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I used this car to haul 8ft lumber in sdie with hatch close. Also. I installed a hitch to haul small trailers with home improvement items. The car was abused, I guess, but kept going strong. I replaced the exhaust and struts twice, and clutch once but little else. To keep the AC from running constantly, I tinted the 7 windows. Big winter boots tended to rub the brake pedal when using the gas pedal. A small seat cushion helped smooth out the rough Michigan highway roads and is required for long trips. The car was worth every penny I spent on it. Great gas mileage.

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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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  Good Little Car - 1992 Ford Escort
  By wapnlht - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been very impressed with this car.It has had only 3 problems:gas tank had a hole in it,a/c broke,and torque converter went out at 90ks.Even with those problems I think its a good commute car.Its comfortable,handles great,roomy,and fairly safe.I have been in 4 fender benders and after the fix it still looks great.Routine mantinace and it will last forever.

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  Good Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By SSOASS - November 21 - 2:00 am

  Note: My reliability rating are based on my past 99 escort. Good littel car, fun to drive. Interior recalls all the American sports coups of the 1980s, this car doesnt look at all foreign, unlike some newer Fords. Nice pickup, great handling.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 1995 Ford Escort
  By talford1 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  The Escort has to be one of the most bulletproof designs Ford ever put on the road. The GT ups the ante and makes an econobox into a really fun package. The interior comfort is great. My car has over 120,000 on the odo and I drove it straight from Florida to Michigan with no discomfort. Great seats. Some of the items are indicative of an earlier mindset (i.e. cupholders that are only large enough to hold a can), but the interior is still roomy and functional. You cant beat a hatchback for functionality. This thing swallows just about anything with the seats folded down.

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  Great Car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By ford-4-me - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car. Orginally bought after a divorce when needing an in-expensive car to get me by. Well, 10yrs later, still have it. Minimum maintainence, Replaced tires & battery & rear springs. Thats it!! Great, dependable car, fun to drive especially in snow. Still looks (near) new today.