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:
Showing 51 through 60 of 835.00-
Beware the 1.9 Engine!!!! - 1996 Ford Escort
By ofcgddss - April 23 - 2:00 amThe 1.9 engine is the WORST piece of junk EVER! I bought the car with 30,000 miles on it...at 70,000 miles the heads had to be rebuilt at 80,000 the entire engine blew. This was the most unbelievably unreliable car ever owned. According to websites, MANY people have reported this problem with the heads as early as 50,000 -- yet Ford refused to do anything about it. Common symptoms -- shaking, rough idling, dying suddenly ... dump this lemon as quickly as possible and do what Im doing -- buying a HONDA
-
Good Get Around Car - 1995 Ford Escort
By escortdude - April 22 - 2:00 amI bought a 1995 Escort in 98 when I was in college, and it took me from Missouri to the East Coast, Maryland to Maine, to the West Coast, back and forth several times, all with no major repairs except for the tranny. And lets face it, the trannies go out around 80 or 90k anyway. Betty the Red Escort was very reliable, had GREAT gas mileage, had GOOD pickup for a 4 banger, several tickets attest to that, and although my woman made fun of me for it, I enjoyed this car. I could haul a lot of stuff and barely had to refuel the tank. And she never left me stranded.
-
Not bad for 175k miles.. - 1997 Ford Escort
By gLaze - March 18 - 2:00 amI picked the car up for 700$ with 175k miles on it. To hold me over till i got a new car. Ive driven it every day for about a year, about 50+ miles a day. And after 175k the only things wrong w/ it were wheel bearings needed replacing, and the rear spring was broken. And the tranny is acting up now.. but not TOO bad. All in all a reliable car.
-
RETAIL PRICE - 1993 Ford Escort
By Lisa LAmbert - February 10 - 2:00 amI would like to sell my car to purchase a newer one. The car has been depaendable but 10 years old and time to move up to a little nicer car. I just need to know what price I should consider selling this car for.
-
Fun But Cheap - 1999 Ford Escort
By fordzx2blue - February 3 - 2:00 amPoor manual transmission and headlights. The seats are made for women (lots of lumbar support). But, it is zippy!
-
bye bye ford - 1999 Ford Escort
By unhappy with FORD - January 29 - 10:00 amThis car has been nothing but trouble. My sister has an eight year old escort in better shape. After taking it for repairs every few months, and it is EXPENSIVE now that it is off warranty, I am getting rid of this piece of junk! Honda here I come
-
Its not quite perfect - 1994 Ford Escort
By ba - January 15 - 2:00 amIts a long lasting car. Acceleration is poor and only seems better during night time. Does not do well against hills. The most gradual hills will cause the car to deaccelerate even when the gas pedal is pushed all the way down. Burns gas quickly and the gas reader begins to shake. The speedometer stick shakes when reaching speeds over 70. The car also lidles too high it goes 10 miles and hour when just put into gear with automatics. Radiator uses a lot of coolant and often leaks when parked. For some strange reason the car actually keeps on truckin.
-
Its not quite perfect - 1994 Ford Escort
By BA - January 15 - 2:00 amIts a long lasting car. Acceleration is poor and only seems better during night time. Does not do well against hills. The most gradual hills will cause the car to deaccelerate even when the gas pedal is pushed all the way down. Burns gas quickly and the gas reader begins to shake. The speedometer stick shakes when reaching speeds over 70. The car also lidles too high it goes 10 miles and hour when just put into gear with automatics. Radiator uses a lot of coolant and often leaks when parked. For some strange reason the car actually keeps on truckin.
-
Depreciating Asset - 2002 Ford Escort
By ZX2NOT - December 24 - 2:00 amI actually purchased the automatic deluxe model and wish I had the manual transmission. This car is extremely under powered. Both window seals leak air when driving at highway speeds. The engine vibrates severely at stoplights due to faulty engine mounts (Per Ford Service Techs) The body style is great, good handling, dependable, but - lacks horsepower, expect HUGE depreciation loss! I Tried trading in my 2002 ZX2 for something better but found out that it had depreciated 60% in 4 months. Most dealers only offer $7,000 tops on trade.
-
Stay Away - 1992 Ford Escort
By metrolover - November 24 - 2:00 amCar has left us stranded a few different times in the past five years. Twice with transmission problems and once the timing belt broke. Car has run good most of time but I dont dare drive too far from home anymore. I have heard from others that transmission is problem for this car.
