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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  Keeps On Going.... - 1993 Ford Escort
  By sportster97 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Bought Green 93 Wagon because of excellent deal at dealers auction. I move alot, so dragging my beefed up 78 Firebird w/ V8 not good idea, gas, etc. So thats where this car comes into the picture. So far Ive been pretty happy with it. Interior imaculant and exterior not to shabby. I found the interior to be better in quality than the newer cars today. I want to buy a new car, but none of the Sedans out there seem to satisfy my taste and budget. Hate to get rid of this car being so dependable. Dont much like the new Fords, so looking at Toyota Corolla in future.

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  I want another one! - 1992 Ford Escort
  By meanjean - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Have put 167,000+ miles on my 1992 Ford Escort, 5 spd. Trouble free except for AC problems at 165,000 miles. 33-36 mpg highway. Love it.

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  Love this car!! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By My Great Car - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I went to Florida in March and got 40 MPG consistently on a two day trip. Cant get much better than that! I even get great mileage around my rural area, back and forth to stores, etc. Have not put any money into it, except a tie rod end, tires, and everyday maintenance. I love this car!!! Heats great, cools great, fun to drive!!

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  too bad thy stopped making these - 1997 Ford Escort
  By frozennorth - September 8 - 2:00 am

  bought new, driven to work everyday , 36 miles each way. Tires, muffler, brakes, thermostat, and alternator replaced. Thats it except for gas and oil changes.

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  zx2 review - 2001 Ford Escort
  By dano99999 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  An excellent, fun to drive coupe with eye catching style and excellent handling. The ZX2 is everything teh focus isnt- faster, sportier, sleeker, not boxy. Plus, teh aftermarket produces an incredible array or performance and style parts and accessories.

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  Peppy - 1998 Ford Escort
  By focusser - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I was most impressed with the cars solid feel and responsiveness. The car is 5 years old yet responds with real vigor. Had to replace the front left cable and align the wheels.. otherwise its been trouble free.

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  1998 Ford Escort ZX2 - 1998 Ford Escort
  By RodDogKen - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Features: Automatic and A/C. Front-wheel drive. Only 23,500 miles in 5 1/2 years. Everything still works well! Right front wheel-bearing was replaced/was making a noticable noise.

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  Z-licious - 1998 Ford Escort
  By gucciboy75 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Well, I just purchased a 1998 zx2 "hot" from a private party. The car had 62,500miles when i bought it. The car has every option available except abs because when the seller ordered the car abs wasnt an option then. I have all the service and maintanence records for the car since new. That in itself is amazing. Its a perfect car for me because the upgraded seats hug my back althought I dont recommend it to large frame people. All in all I am very satisfied with my car and never thought I would say that about a ford.

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  needs more power and room - 2003 Ford Escort
  By lucky larry - August 23 - 2:00 am

  nice styling but it needs more power and room. not enough room in console for stuff otherwise a sweet little car thats fun to drive.styling

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  Wont buy another one - 2003 Ford Escort
  By De - August 23 - 2:00 am

  My 1999 ZX2 jerks when going slow such as a slow take off or stop n go on the frwy. Service Mgr told me thats normal. Feels like it wants to stall. Taken it in 7 times. No leg room in back seat and if youte tall your head hits the top of the car. Air conditioner stopped working at 35,000. Good on gas, reliable. Great take off. The jerking has turned me off. Can feel like Im learning to drive a stick and cant balance the gas and clutch. Other than that - its okay.