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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  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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  Alaska owned - 1993 Ford Escort
  By anchmike - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. I am an active outdoor enthusiast and have taken this car places where others with two wheel drive wouldnt go. The front wheel drive is excellent. I have had virtually noproblems with this car until recently when it started missing. Turns out the plugs and wiring and timing belt were all still original and should have ben replaced 30,000 miles ago anyway! So now that it has been it is running great again.

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  48 year old female - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Treesx2 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th escort. I had ground effects, tinted windows and chrome rims put on this one. I get out of it and people ask me if that is my sons car! I love it. They all ask the same question, what is that? When I say an escort, they all say NO WAY!!! Its as if I wait on people to ask me the same questions, it happens with such frequency. I love this one more than I have loved my last three. And I thought I loved them, I put over a hundred thousand miles on each of my escorts. Reliable and thats why I keep coming back.

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  ZX2 Hot - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Meri - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I use this car to commute to New York Metro area from Pa. I have put 90,000 miles on it in the 3 years I have owned it and the only thing that I have had to do on my ZX2 was change the oil and once the brakes. It has been a great car to own in terms of reliability and it is also a fun little car to drive. The Zx2 has a lot of pep and handles well on corners and in all weather conditions. I would recomend this model to anyone looking for a fast, fun, inexpensive form of transpertation.

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  1995 Escort GT - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Young Ma Hubbard - October 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a friend. It had been wrecked but I got it for a good price and it only had 20000 miles on it. Years later it has 101250 miles it and it is still going strong. It has a powerful automatic transmission. I have had to do little maintenance on this car. My kids are grown now and the only negative thing I can say is there isnt a lot of leg room for folks stuck riding in the back seat.

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  ford zx2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Dashbrdluvr - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my car for a few months, and i really dont have anything bad to say about it. It has a lot more power than I thought it would have and its performance is exellent.

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  small but mighty - 1993 Ford Escort
  By chsmn - October 12 - 2:00 am

  car came from michigan. on way back the car averaged approx. 35 mpg. since ive had it has been back and forth to west virginia. my wife drives it every day, to and from work and personal use. it is an absolute incredable car. overall a complete two thumbs up! i dont intend to get rid of it.

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  I miss my ZX2 - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Jamie Lynne - October 9 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car even though i only had it for 2 weeks i love it the only problem was it was my first car and i was soo happy it was layed out for my bday and 2 weeks after driving it i got in a horrible car wreck and it was totaled....

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  More than you paid for - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Roadkill - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Been driving this car for 50,000 miles and havent spent a dime on it except for regular maintenance. Alas its too weak to drive on the highway with more than one person in the car, but if you spend most of your time in the city, you cant do better bang for your buck. Highway fuel economy averages to 35 mpg.

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  Zippy and Fun - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Grendeth - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I have a manual ZX2 and its a wonderful fun car with great kick for a small car. Great tight looking car.