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 661 through 670 of 835.00-
An oldie but a goodie - 1993 Ford Escort
By adrienne - February 5 - 2:00 amThis escort has been an extremely reliable car and has never had any problems starting and never died out. When driving this car I was confident that I would get where I needed to go.
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An oldie but a goodie - 1993 Ford Escort
By Adrienne - February 5 - 2:00 amThis escort has been an extremely reliable car and has never had any problems starting and never died out. When driving this car I was confident that I would get where I needed to go.
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Not a fun to drive, but it never dies - 1998 Ford Escort
By likesoccer - February 5 - 2:00 amI bought my Escort because it is what I could afford at that time. It had only 20K and looks almost new. I have been driving this car on daily basis for 2 years and put 30k on it. Escort is a plain, compact, low-priced seden. There is really not much fun to drive it. The engine, transmission and brake system works fine for commuting daily, but performance is mediocre. Overall it is a reliabe car and gives me great gas mileage (~28 city and ~36 highway). I have never had any problem with its mechanical quality, even after one collision and one weather disaster. I changes the oil regularly at local Ford dealership. A great car for daily life!
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so-so - 1996 Ford Escort
By K560 - February 3 - 2:00 amIve had the hard for about 5.5 years and have gone 100,000 miles with it. Overall the car has been good- but then again Ive done all the maintance. The past 2 years though the car has started to have problems at this point Ive put in over 3,000 and the car never seems to run right. It was a good little car but now it seems to be on its last legs.
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Fun But Cheap - 1999 Ford Escort
By fordzx2blue - February 3 - 2:00 amPoor manual transmission and headlights. The seats are made for women (lots of lumbar support). But, it is zippy!
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cant beat it - 1991 Ford Escort
By groundeffx - February 2 - 2:00 amthis is by far the best car i have owned ihave owned many cars in my time and i enjoyed this one the most in 8 years and 89000 miles i never had to do any repairs to this car only normal wear and tear items i regret ever trading it in i am looking today to buy another one it will be hard to find a clean one but it will be worth it.if you are looking and find one buy it ! well worth the value esp.if clean
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After nearly 5 years, its been great!! - 1998 Ford Escort
By wje - February 2 - 2:00 amI purchased my 98 ZX2 Sport brand new. After nearly 5 years, Ive put 40K miles on it. Im using Mobil1 sythetic oil in my car. Its never been in the shop for a repair. Sadly, my daughter is now 9-years-old and I need to spring for a 4-door car, so Ive got to sell my ZX2 :( The car has been a fun car and my red paint shines as good as (or better) than the day I purchased it due to my extensive upkeep on the car. Im not young - nearly 40, but this has been a fun car to drive.
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Great little car - 1992 Ford Escort
By Male Escort - January 31 - 2:00 amAmazingly reliable car for the price if you can find one. It is by far the best car I have ever owned (thats why I still have it). It has only cost me app. $600. in repairs in the 6 yrs. Ive had it. It has paid for itself over & over again!!
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great - 1999 Ford Escort
By scott wamsley - January 29 - 10:00 amgreat car reliable good on gas
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bye bye ford - 1999 Ford Escort
By unhappy with FORD - January 29 - 10:00 amThis car has been nothing but trouble. My sister has an eight year old escort in better shape. After taking it for repairs every few months, and it is EXPENSIVE now that it is off warranty, I am getting rid of this piece of junk! Honda here I come
