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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  Ruby the racecort - 1998 Ford Escort
  By angel_marie03 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  It is a nice little car. Very fast for a V4. I have only had it for a little bit but it seems to be pretty realiable.

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  Great Short Term - Careful long term - 1997 Ford Escort
  By MightyMet - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car didt give me one problem at all and I never had one item ever break on it and it was never in the shop for anything other then routine maintenance until just recently and it was a big one. The car has 121,000miles and the #1 Piston is hitting the valve and the only solution is total engine replacement. Car was VERY reliable until it hit the 120,000 mark. If the miles are low and the price is right you should go for it as I really enjoyed owning it but once you hit that 100,000 you should be thinking about selling it or trading it in.

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  Hard to say goodbye - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Nort - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I think it says a lot for this vehicle that other than the fact we have abused the exterior over the years, there is no common sense reason to let her go.

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  1995 Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
  By john15 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Difficult to get in and out of car without tilt steering wheel. Poor pick up in highway driving

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  The less miles the better! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Amanda H - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I had my Escort for around 3 months before the timing belt broke at 140,000- leaving me with a worthless car. Granted this was my fault, but even before the car had its problems. The check coolant light was always on- but it had plenty of coolant and never ran hot. Also had the steering wheel light always flashing, mechanic thought that it probably had to do with the sensors. The rear defroster button also stopped staying in the on position. It worked, but you had to hold the button down yourself. However, having said all that- I believe an Escort with about half the mileage of mine would be a fine starter car for someone.

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  I must have got a lemon - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Katwman - June 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1998 XZ2 in the spring of 1997. I have had continual problems with the brake system throughout the life of the car. Ive had it back to the dealer at least 5 times for the same intermittant clunking noise, that the dealer cant seem to pin down. Ive gone through two sets of rotors in 40,000 miles. In April of this year, the timing belt jumped off, for no known reason, to the tune of $700 repair work (it is out of warranty). That should not have happened at only 38,000 miles. The radio on-off switch is malfunctioning, half the time the radio wont shut off.

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  unreliable - 1992 Ford Escort
  By ford_lover - June 5 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive but it has overheated and now blew the manaul trans after it seems all the trans fluid leaked out. Also, I hate the automatic shoulder belt system!

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  Not what I expected - 1995 Ford Escort
  By danguy - May 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car needing something to haul stuff in. While the car has been okay it has not lived up to my expectations. The paint on the rear bumper is badly oxidized and both rear seat belts stopped retracting after 3 years of owning it. Ford was no help in trying to get them fixed. The sprayers on the front windshield wipers wont stay in place. Worst experience has been dealing with Ford dealer and Ford help line. Id think twice before buying a Ford again.