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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  MY LITTLE GT - 1993 Ford Escort
  By JWILLI - March 7 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS CAR WITH 65,000 MILES ON IT. THIS CAR IS SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE. I PUT 40,000 MILES ON IT IN JUST A YEAR AND A HALF. WHAT A GREAT CAR. FUN TO DRIVE.GREAT TO LOOK AT.0 PROBLEMS SO FAR. CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD.PAINT LOOKS BRAND NEW, NO RUST. AWESOME SHAPE 105,000 MILES ON IT AND STILL FEELS VERY STONG. IVE BLOWN AWAY LOTS OF TEENS DRIVIN THERE SUPED UP CIVICS AND ACCORDS. YOU SHOULD SEE MY SMILE!!

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  minor problem, great car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Wolfdio - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have been through a lot with this car. I just love it. I have had it for years before i bought it. my dad bought it in 95 for $2000. In 98 we had to buy a new tranny, and when 2003 came around we had already gone through 3 alternators... ive learned how to fix alternators, and im glad i did.

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  the perfect first car... - 1998 Ford Escort
  By CodyB - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my car!!! I bought one as my first car last year, and its great. Its great to find the S curves on back roads and fly by my friend with a civic. The only reason I only put a 9 for performance is because it doesnt really compare to my dads nissan 300ZX, but its still a peppy little sports car and I love it.

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  96 escort lx 2dr hatchback - 1996 Ford Escort
  By herb campbell ii - March 4 - 2:00 am

  great vehicle. fun to drive. dependable. looks great. very economical to operate. lots of compliments. not sorry i bought it by far.

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  Good car - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Mo and Steak - February 20 - 2:00 am

  I was surprised at the reliability of this little car. We actually never had any very major repairs needed - engine and transaxle still going strong at 119000 miles. Problems: timing belt went at EXACTLY 80k miles (give or take a few). Bad thermostat caused fan to come on just before the car ran hot. Suspension took a beating in Boston - 2 sets of tie rods, axles.

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  Forced to retire it. - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jacque - February 20 - 2:00 am

  After 160,000+ miles it finally started to lose or burn enough oil that I was afraid it would not pass emissions test. Even then, always started on first try no matter what. On original clutch and transmission. Only engine work was head gasket at 130,000. Original ignition module. Hope my new car gives me the same life.

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  The greatest compact sport car - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Lunchbox - February 18 - 2:00 am

  to start off. i love my escort gt. its the most wornderful car to drive. its really quick when you want the power its there. handles great. i do plan on making it handle better by putting some strut bars in front and back, and makeing it a little more powerful but i love it. its a perfect sleeper i guarentee itll beat a 97 honda civic ex coupe.

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  Best car ever owned - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Horst Odparlik - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a tremendously reliable vehicle. I would have bought 10 of them if I had known what little this car would have cost me over the course of these 4+ years.

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  ZX2 Automatic - 2003 Ford Escort
  By ronalt - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has lots of engine noise. Seating is very comfortable up front, but back seat is small. Car has plenty of power, and it will scat.

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  RETAIL PRICE - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Lisa LAmbert - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I 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.