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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  LEMON - 1990 Ford Escort
  By alll - January 27 - 2:00 am

  Engine rebuilt at 50000km, tranny at 150000km, fuel pump twice, timing belt twice, ball joints and tie rods twice, numerous oil leaks, floor rusted right through

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  Escort LX - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Ford Power - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 95 and have only replaced the tires. Now that I have a 198,000 miles on it without problems...I cant convience myself replace the car for a new one. Problem area: Rust and holes in the hatch which brings in the exhaust gas into the cabin. Summay: Very good car

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  would buy another one - 1995 Ford Escort
  By car trader - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine at auction 5 months ago for $900. The car was fairly trashed by the previous owner, but I was looking for something cheap and good on gas. It has 132,000 miles and still runs strong. Leaks a little oil and antifreeze but it still gets 35+ mpg running back and forth to work. Shame it wasnt taken care of, but Ill run it till it drops and find another one. The A/C is awesome, a must for living in the south.

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  I want another one! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By wondrme - January 20 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this car in Dec96 w/ 50k miles on it. Now, in Jan03, the car has 118k miles on it and runs nearly as good as the day we got it!! The 5 speed manual transmission has never been a problem, clutch is still tight. Only had new pads put on around 80k miles. New pulley @ around 70k ($129). New timing belt @ 80k as well. Other than that, weve only done routine maintenance. A/C & heat still run perfectly!! My brothers old escort has nearly 300k miles on it. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone looking for a cheap, reliable compact car!

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  My new ZX2 - 2001 Ford Escort
  By amysZX2 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escort ZX2. It has all the power, room, and features that a college student like me needs. I have the moon roof, 6-disc CD changer, cruise, tilt steering, AC, and custom wheels, what else could I want?

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  Perfect Car For Me!!! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By cheergal91a - January 19 - 2:00 am

  It was perect!!I LOVED it it is the best car i ever had My son wants one too!!!

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  Very good car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By newb - January 17 - 2:00 am

  i liked it a lot, it was the best!!!

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  Its not quite perfect - 1994 Ford Escort
  By ba - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Its a long lasting car. Acceleration is poor and only seems better during night time. Does not do well against hills. The most gradual hills will cause the car to deaccelerate even when the gas pedal is pushed all the way down. Burns gas quickly and the gas reader begins to shake. The speedometer stick shakes when reaching speeds over 70. The car also lidles too high it goes 10 miles and hour when just put into gear with automatics. Radiator uses a lot of coolant and often leaks when parked. For some strange reason the car actually keeps on truckin.

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  Its not quite perfect - 1994 Ford Escort
  By BA - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Its a long lasting car. Acceleration is poor and only seems better during night time. Does not do well against hills. The most gradual hills will cause the car to deaccelerate even when the gas pedal is pushed all the way down. Burns gas quickly and the gas reader begins to shake. The speedometer stick shakes when reaching speeds over 70. The car also lidles too high it goes 10 miles and hour when just put into gear with automatics. Radiator uses a lot of coolant and often leaks when parked. For some strange reason the car actually keeps on truckin.

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  new car for me - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jeffrey - January 15 - 2:00 am

  good car for the money