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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  94 Escort - 1994 Ford Escort
  By 94fordman - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this car is not a bad car to drive

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  Sensible Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By squad57 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the first new car that I have ever bought and it was a great investment. I had it paid off in 4 years which was great. I have never had anything major go wrong with the Escort and it rides smoothly. I get great gas mileage down the highways.

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  not gooood - 1998 Ford Escort
  By LikesALittleMonster - August 16 - 7:06 am

  man i got a 98 with 50k and all ready MAIN Body Frame rusting (inside under Fenders) engine loud as hell, drive is horroble, inside look - looks like from a STONE AGE when ppl live in caves, seat are SUPER UNCONFTEBLE my back hurts from 10 min drive in em, its got a nice out side look ill give a + to that and the rest is horoble a sport car with 130 horse and inside looks like crap

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  Never AGAIN - 1996 Ford Escort
  By jghg - August 13 - 2:00 am

  WOW...I see people writing good things about the escort....SHOCKED....The WORST car I have ever owned. I did the maintance, took care of it and what happened problem after problem after problem. Until the engine went with 85,000 miles. Talked with mechanics and was told that is just how the ford engine is made not to last!!!

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  Perfect commutor car! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By SDK - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car new in 1999, have over 100K on it now with only 2 repairs, A/c condedensor and a tie-rod. Last tank of returned 35MPG. No squeeks, no rattles Faster than the Focus SVT, in fact faster than almost anything in its class. You need to go with the something like the Tubo Subaru or the new SRT Neon to go quicker, of course you will spend thousands more.

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  Great Car - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JoshStud - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Great handle! Awesome Car!

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  Fun little car - 1992 Ford Escort
  By Keithc - August 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is quick and very fun to drive. This car also has style with its fog lamps, alloy wheels, and spoiler. This car is cheap and youll have a blast driving it.

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  great to drive - 2002 Ford Escort
  By cspeedy976 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  it fun to drive and good on gas.this is my second car. the last one was a 1998 now i have a 2002

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  ZX2 Mania - 2000 Ford Escort
  By R Jewell - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought as second vehicle. Low mileage and 3 yrs old. Fun to drive. Good cornering ability, good gas mileage. Cruise control works seamlessly. Wish I had bought one with manual trans though. Automatic labors sometimes under acceleration. Car fits my needs like a glove and looks good doing it. Economical and reliable so far. Love it.

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  ESCORT - 1998 Ford Escort
  By JONI - August 7 - 2:00 am

  MY CAR IS GREAT ON GAS, IVE HAD THIS CAR FOR FOUR YEARS AND IVE NEVER HAD ANY THING GO WRONG WITH IT. I HAVE PLENTY OF TRUNK SPACE. AND IT RIDES SMOOTH, HAS PLENTY OF PICK UP AND GO FOR A COMPACT CAR. ID RECCOMMEND IT TO ANYONE.