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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  Best money I ever spent - 1995 Ford Escort
  By sgriffin - April 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is our 3rd Escort and we recently purchased another to make 4! We have changed the oil and serviced it. That is it. It gets 36-40 mpg and is the most dependable car I have ever owned. Its easy to park and corners on a dime. I love my car!

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  91 Escort - 1991 Ford Escort
  By joe777 - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car ! If your looking for power and performance look elsewhere (obviously) But if you just need a reliable car that wont cost much at all to maintain and is absolutly amazing on gas, this is a great car to own.

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  2nd gen Escort GTs RULE! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By FordMan - April 5 - 2:00 am

  Aquired car 1/99 and average 25,000 miles annually. By the end of 03 it will have 200,000 on. ALL ORIGINAL except air filter, belts and water pump. Still has original plugs, wires, sensors etc. Thought about replacing them, but averaging 35 mpg (and 40.8 on trips) I ask myself...WHY? This car sees mostly highway miles, and occassionally the local drag strip.

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  Great Car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By philmie - March 30 - 2:00 am

  My ZX2 is a wonderful car. Since I have had it I drive it 50 miles a day to and from school and then I deliver pizzas 4 days a week. My car is up to the abuse and I treat it to regular oil changes usually a few miles before 3000. It has good pep when accelerating even though it hada small engine. Sporty look too especially when it is given some tint and premium rims.

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  Broke 9 months later!!! - 2000 Ford Escort
  By eadllnean - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my ZX2 with 28,000 mls on it. After 10,000 mls my transmissions broke and I had to replace it. This was 2,000 miles after my warranty expired! Two days after I picked up my car with the new transmission I had to take it back to the dealer for further transmission repairs!! I will never buy another Ford again!!!

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  95 Escort LX - 1995 Ford Escort
  By ssantos - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Good experience. A good car for value- conscious consumers.

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  Very reliable car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Genorama - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 7 years and have done nothing to it but routine maintance. A/C still works, all power accessories still work, doesnt smoke or leak oil, still has good power and mileage, interior still looks good.

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  Not bad for 175k miles.. - 1997 Ford Escort
  By gLaze - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I 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.

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  GREAT CAR - 1998 Ford Escort
  By fromthetown - March 13 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been great with my ZX2. It is fun car to drive and gets great mileage. I have put very little money into the car except for regular oil changes and a K&N Air Filter. My only complaint is the spongy feeling brake pedal. Besides this the car is awesome. I would recomend this car to anyone, but especially to any college student who needs reliable transportation like me.

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  zx2 is great!!!!! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By dragonslayer - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I think the zx2 is the best compact car out. I belive that the zx2 is reliable and i have had no problems. also i know the zx2 is a good racing car atleast against the honda civic (which isnt all that great) the zx2 is under rated and should be higher rated than the civic. also the escort zx2 is not really a escort it was put on fords production line to replace the ford probe the escort zx2 should not be viewed and shuned by people just because its and escort view it as ford zx2 just forget about the escort part because its better and faster than the regular escort.this car should be respected more than the honda civic because this is a great car to get.