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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One of the better Fords - 1998 Ford Escort
By Bob315 - May 26 - 2:00 amVery fuel efficient and reliable - almost 5 years old and no mechancial problems - far superior to its replacement the Ford Focus
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This is a hidden gem! - 1996 Ford Escort
By Escortfun - May 23 - 2:00 amThis gem is fun todrive, very economical (38mpg in hwy450mi one tank). Costs nothing to maintain, other than the oil changes etc., and it is reliable and practical (it easily fits my bicycle). The manual I own is peppy and accelerates with the 5th from 55 to 80 very quickly. It can go (tested recently) over 110 mph! I have driven this baby accross the US (it has 140K) for 6 years, and it NEVER left me stranded. I love this car so much, that even though I am buying a brand new sports car, I will keep it, because even a price as high as $4000 is little for it. You found a 96-Escort? Buy it and do not think about it. A REAL bargain!
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Not a fun car - 2003 Ford Escort
By jillers - May 22 - 2:00 amI hate this car and cant wait to trade it in for something else. I have had it for 3 months now and thought that it would grow on me. It doesnt. I get passed on the freeways all of the time cause it has no power. For some reason the exhaust goes into the car when you turn on the aircon. What is with that? It looks like a sporty little zippy car but it is not. I am going today to trade it in for something else. I hate this car.
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Whoaaaa. - 2003 Ford Escort
By Echer - May 21 - 2:00 amExcellent vehicle. Top choice. Bang for your buck, indeed.
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Crash Review - 1998 Ford Escort
By KarenRottie - May 20 - 2:00 amI was involved in a 60 mph crash and the design of this vehicle saved my life! While the car was totalled in the accident, I walked away with only some serious bruises.
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Great inexpensive car. - 1996 Ford Escort
By Sara @ UGA - May 12 - 2:00 amThis is a GREAT car for a student. I spend practically nothing maintaining it. All I pay for is gas (and its great on gas) and oil changes. And its SUPER RELIABLE. My biggest problem so far is leaving my lights on! And even then somestimes it starts. I would definately reccomend it to anyone who doesnt want to spend a fortune on a car.
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1998 Ford Escort Sedan - 1998 Ford Escort
By Christina Williams - May 10 - 2:00 amReliable. Good gas mileage. Dependable. Great trunk space.
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Awesome Car - 1991 Ford Escort
By piper1979 - May 9 - 2:00 amThis car has been through thick and thin with me. Never had a major problem. It is pushing 200,000 miles and will be with it until it dies!
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I like my ZX2 ok - 2002 Ford Escort
By Nicole Jordan - May 9 - 2:00 amWell, if youre wondering what the purpose of the ZX2 is and how its superior to the Focus ZX3, Ill tell you... its a great looking car. People look at mine all the time and say that they cant believe that its a Ford Escort. But its performance is limited. But then again, its a very inexpensive car thats obviously made to look good.
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a real surprise - 1996 Ford Escort
By mbern51 - May 8 - 2:00 amThis car was picked up for town use but has quickly become our everyday ride. The Escort performs far better than expected in every way and is very reliable. We have recorded up to 50 miles per gallon across Nevada(5 speed) with more than 150,000 miles on the odometer. A/C is ice cold and the heater is a furnace. One of my better auto purchases and there have been many.
