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 601 through 610 of 835.00-
Check out ZX2, better than Focus for now - 2003 Ford Escort
By gkxp - June 29 - 2:00 amI like my ZX2! Styling being subjective inside and out and everyone will have their own opinion on it. I think the ZX2 is just better than the current Focus because it is MUCH quicker and that is fact! The ZX2 Escort to me is basically a car that has lived on for a decade ignoring the recent "taller is better" philosophy and is now a reliable, quick 90s car for sale in 2003.
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Unbelievable, except I lived it - 1995 Ford Escort
By Exgweagle - June 27 - 2:00 amI have driven lots of similar cars from the competition, but they do not compare. Ford did it right with this one! The belts were to last 100k, but gave out at 199950...close enough for me. Change the oil evry 3k and she purrs like a kitten. Thank you ford for making Quality Job 1! At 166,750 now and still charging! Hope all my cars work like this from now on!!!
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Hate to give her up! - 1993 Ford Escort
By rancocas - June 27 - 2:00 amMost reliable car I ever owned! Routine maintenance only. Body/paint integrity remains excellent. Original exhaust and clutch at 148K miles. Would have bought another one but they stopped making the wagon!! Cant afford insurance on two cars so Im trying to sell it to a good home!
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My Green Escort - 1998 Ford Escort
By Julieturtle - June 23 - 2:00 amMy hubby & I bought our 98 light green Escort LX in 2000 and weve put a lot of miles on it. In 3 years alone, weve doubled the miles. It has been a great, reliable car for us and our growing family. I tend to have a lead foot, so I wish it had more balls, but its probably better that it didnt. Its a great car, anyway, and were very sure itll be our family vehicle for a long time.
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Good for a Student - 1998 Ford Escort
By BDbuddy23 - June 23 - 2:00 amIve had my Escort for about 2 years now and I have to say it has been a solid experience. The escort gets excellent gas mileage, and has a reasonable ride for a no frills type of car. Ive only had one problem and that was a radiator hose break.
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Love My Car - 1995 Ford Escort
By Alyssa - June 18 - 2:00 amIlove this car. It is my favorite car that I have ever owned. As a matter of fact I plan to trade it in the future but only for another one like it except newer with lower miles.
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Focus is better??? - 2003 Ford Escort
By track7bo - June 17 - 2:00 amI have to disagree with Edmunds opinion that the Focus is a better car. I couldnt wait to get my car back when I had to rent a Focus for a day because my ZX2 was in the shop. It was so boring to drive and styling of the Focus just doesnt compare to that of my car. You wonder "why the ZX2 has lasted this long" ? Because its replacement would be the UGLY EGG that they call the Focus ZX3! The only Focus that may be better than the ZX2 is the SVT Focus (which costs a considerabe amount more). The only thing the ZX2 is lacking is an SVT option. It is a GREAT car. Ford has continued production of this car for good reason.
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Great car - 1999 Ford Escort
By Chelle - June 17 - 2:00 amI bought this vehicle brand new and have not had one problem with it. It drives smooth, gets great gas mileage, and looks very sporty!
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1999 Escort SE Sport - 1999 Ford Escort
By JFE - June 12 - 2:00 amOwned it a little over 2 years now. Had repeated water leaks in both headlights. Finally corrected. Water in trunk. Replaced inner & outer tie rods on Drivers side. (thanks to hit & run driver) Vibrations from somewhere beneath the car. That was checked and nothing was found. Occasionally the left speaker cuts out.
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Very Reliable Car - 1996 Ford Escort
By Happy Camper - June 10 - 2:00 amI bought this car brand new in 1996. It had 12 miles when I got it, and now has 110,000+. The only thing I ever had to do was keep the oil changed. Once I hit 110,000 miles, I did replace the timing belt and fan belt, but those are the only mechanical problems Ive ever had. All in all, its been a super reliable car.
