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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  Hope I get it back! - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Doxdad - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car. Inexpensive and reliable...a real Model T. I put 90K on it before I gave it to my daughter. MPG is very good. Few things have gone wrong with it. Great in the snow. Simple to work on. Its not the most comfortable car on long trips, but a roomy little hauler great for getting to work or school. Regular oil changes have helped it to last. Rust has to be looked after now and then. K&N air filter really improved performance! I hope I get it back when my daughter is done with it! Too bad they dont still make them.

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  I love my Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Escort Lover - July 20 - 2:00 am

  What an outstanding vehicle! This is the second Escort we have owned and this one has been even better than the last one. Currently showing 115K on the clock. Maintenance schedule has been: change the brakes, oil, sparkplugs and air filter -- nothing else. Only non-predicted failure has been alternator and battery at 110K -- $200. Timing belt went at 90K should have been changed at 60K anyway. Total repair bill $240. The car needs no oil between changes still returns 32-36 mpg. Basically, the car has been a dream. The only visit to the dealership in 7- years was for the timing belt. What more can one ask for in a vehicle?

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  love/hate relationship - 2003 Ford Escort
  By bebop - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This cars my first car ever, used but was in good condition. Driving it was fun. However theres a flaw to my right front wheel that drives me insane. This loud *SQUEEK-SQUEEK- EEEEEE* sound that comes from it everytime I step on the break.This noise makes people around me turn their heads. Im stuck with this horrible noise prolly till I get rid of my ZX2, and thats all thanks to wonderful mechanics everywhere, including Ford dealership mechanics who wont fix it because they dont know what it is/or they say its nothing. Trust me you can hear me coming from miles away, its that bad. Other than that the cars alright.

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  quality - 1997 Ford Escort
  By p botich - July 17 - 2:00 am

  it appears ford used quality parts on these cars. even with high mileage thecar is very healthy and reliable.their just to slow for most drivers.

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  Beats the heck out of a KIA! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By goldiespeople - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I like driving the ZX2. I can go two weeks on a tank of gas. The "pep" of the engine is just right for me and my needs. Not to mention the affordability.

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  low initial cost and fun to drive - 2002 Ford Escort
  By struckhoff - July 14 - 2:00 am

  It is just a fun car to drive.

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  Power within. - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Kasdan - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Some may have good opinions of Escorts, Some may have bad, but my opinion, on the other hand, is great. I love my escort. Nobody expects it to be as fast as it is with the 5- speed, and its just plain fun to drive. Sure, Ive had some problems with it, but thats because i used to dog it. Great, reliable car which is a blast to drive and gets awesome gas mialage. And Ive never had a problem with the head.

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  Top Economy Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By 99LXSPORT - July 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is just like any other basic economy car with a kick. The car has an awesome look from behind and side but from front looks really girly, but that all can be changed by taking the orange plate out of your headlights. The 2.0L Split Port Induction engine produces a solid 115 HP and 125 lb/ft of torque good for the SOHC 8V valvetrain. The interior style is solid, just a CD player and you have a solid car.

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  I Love My Racescort! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By KarenD - July 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Scort while in college a few years ago, and she paid for herself several times over - what a deal! All repairs were minor and due to regular wear and tear. I replaced the clutch once (it was the original), and other than tires that was my only big expense. She gets great gas milage, and shes fun to drive, too. Ive never known a more reliable vehicle.

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  good value, great on gas - 1995 Ford Escort
  By squeebles - June 30 - 2:00 am

  a fine reliable vehicle for transporting kids and/or dogs around. This car has never left me stranded and I would recommend it to anyone at this price range.