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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  zx2 s/r - 2000 Ford Escort
  By zx200 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall the zx2 has been a great car, no problems in any area, I have been very happy with it. Fully loaded and best price..

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  What will I do when its gone? - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Gukchuck - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Im the OEM buyer of this car and its been great. The mileage, the performance and just the sheer fun of the vehicle. I can stash any of my bicycles into the back (including my recumbent) and the only time its ever been towed is when the missus parked it badly. The biggest improvement I made was to replace the sport Eagle GT+4 tires with touring tires and replacing the OEM struts with gas charged struts.

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  MY GIRL - 1994 Ford Escort
  By GLORY - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE OWN THIS CAR FOR ALMOST 10 YEARS AND I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS. THIS CAR HAVE SERVED ME WELL. OF COURSE I WAS THE ONLY DRIVER OF THIS CAR. THIS CAR WAS JUST THE RIGHT SIZE FOR ME.

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  The most reliable car ever made. - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Rob k - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my escort for almost 2 years now and it is the best purchase I ever made. It only cost me $1400 to buy and I have only had to replace 1 tire for $35. So far it has averaged out to less than $70 a month for the time Ive had it. I dont have any doubt it will last me for well over another year. I plan on driving it until it breaks down, I may drive it for another 5 years. If anyone is planning on buying one I strongly recomned it.

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  my gt - 1991 Ford Escort
  By jeremy - September 17 - 2:00 am

  had mine with no probs for over 200 thousand miles

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  13 Years and only two repairs - 1991 Ford Escort
  By julields - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Escort GT for 13 years! I bought it brand new in 1990, have put 160,000 miles on it, and in all that time, Ive had only two repairs. One $98 ignition switch and one oil leak (recent) for $300. Less than $400 in 13 years ... not bad. Ive taken good care, of course, with oil changes and all scheduled maintenance, but its still got umph when I need it and the most comfortable seats Ive ever found. Huge trunk and room in back seat are bonus, too.

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  good car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By boles - September 15 - 2:00 am

  this is a surprising car if you dont think about mercedes. It does things quite well and we got a loaded model for $11607 with power windows, locks, CD, Tilt and remote. And i think it drives well, this is a good car for young people if you want to get the most car for the least cash.

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  Cheap and fun - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Admiraltogo - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the ZX2 as basic commuter transportation. With a $2,000 rebate offered by the dealer the price was a steal. Ive found the ZX2 to be a very fun car to drive (I drive 80 miles a day, on mostly country roads). It has also been trouble free. I have to fight my wife to drive it on some days (she drives our GM truck).

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  I love my ZX2! - 2000 Ford Escort
  By AZRoadRunner - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ZX2 brand new and put 17,000 miles a year on it. Its so much fun to drive, very nervous for an automatic car. At 60,000 miles I never had any mechanical problems. The bucket seats are super comfortable, including for long trips, but its difficult to access the back seats. The exterior design is far less boring than equivalent cars and the tan interior is very relaxing.

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  a good car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By rpm2424 - September 12 - 2:00 am

  150000 and going strong it great!!!