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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Not to shabby for a compact - 1995 Ford Escort
By ChevyMan - October 2 - 2:00 amI am only 16 and this is my first car. Dad bought it because it was $300 expecting to do hardly anything to it but someone street raced it and it was stolen therefore we had to buy a new clutch, ignition, door lock, spark plugs, tires and speed sensor(thanks to potholes in west virginia that busted both front tires and sensor). It had pretty much brand new brakes on it but they must be cheap because I have hit them hard a few times and they just dont grap hard enough but the pedal is nice and stiff. It can handle like a dream since the guy upgraded the struts and it can do 60mph on a 25mph rated on ramp(thats the fastest i have tried). 32-45mpg
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I LOVE my little car - 1996 Ford Escort
By ajoneen - October 1 - 2:00 amThis was my first NEW car and I took alot of ribbing for getting an Escort, but I am Sooo glad I did. Had one front end accident, everyone was OK and repairs were completed easily. I can fit just as much stuff in the rear as my husband can in his SUV!! Its a breeze in the snow and easy to get out of tight places.
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escort - 2003 Ford Escort
By trish - October 1 - 2:00 ammy ford escort has been a great car to me. i have put alot of miles on it and it is great on gas!!!!!
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Crap - 1997 Ford Escort
By AlisonE - October 1 - 2:00 amthis car has done $86,000/miles and is on its 3rd transmision.. inside parts are falling off.. DO NOT buy this car.. more trouble than its worth.. although it did run fine for the first 3 years.. after that it just fell apart. IT was one thing after another..
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Definitely a Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
By ZX24ME - October 1 - 2:00 amI have 90000 miles and no major repairs or maintenance issues (5speed Manual). Sporty and stylish with a modest price tag. I bought it at a time when I never imagined I would own an American manufactured vehicle, and voila, I have been duly converted. Cheers to the designers and engineers. Great Car!
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Love My Wagon - 1993 Ford Escort
By LoveMyWagon - September 30 - 2:00 amIve had my navy blue wagon since I drove it off of the dealers lot. This car has never left me stranded. Replaced heater core (leaking coolant in 99 $400), and the ignition (03 $200). The ignition gave out when I was at PepBoys so, I wasnt really stranded... Other than these items and routine maintenance, everything else is original. The A/C still blows ice cold air during hot TX summers, never serviced. Ive since bought a new car but couldnt bare to trade it in. In fact, I drive this car more than my new minivan. ODO - 114K.
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does good for drifting - 1990 Ford Escort
By just got one - September 30 - 2:00 amonly bought it for $350 and blue book is $1000.
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1999EscortSe - 1999 Ford Escort
By Ed Ivey - September 30 - 2:00 amThe car rides and handles like a much larger on the highway. Its no monster on take off but once on the road it has plenty of power.
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ZX2 Kicking Ass On The Street! - 2003 Ford Escort
By mac3546+54 - September 27 - 2:00 amI love everything about my car...for the price, dependability, style and last but not least quality performance. My car gets app. 30 mpg and still has the power and handling of a sports car that makes it fun to drive.
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Excelent Economy Car - 1999 Ford Escort
By Leavenworth_Boy - September 26 - 2:00 amThis is a second For Escort I have owned. I have never had any problems with this car. Change the oil, and it goes any distance.
