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 691 through 700 of 835.00-
A Great Car - 1995 Ford Escort
By MyRoomie - December 27 - 2:00 amIve had this car for 5 years. Ive replaced the battery, the timing belt, the radiator (only because I never flushed it), the tires, and the plugs. Otherwise, this has been an outstanding vehicle to own and operate. I highly recommend this for a college student or teens first car.
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Pauls review - 1999 Ford Escort
By Paul Mcknight - December 26 - 2:00 amA very good all around little car.Not much leg room in the back though.
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Depreciating Asset - 2002 Ford Escort
By ZX2NOT - December 24 - 2:00 amI actually purchased the automatic deluxe model and wish I had the manual transmission. This car is extremely under powered. Both window seals leak air when driving at highway speeds. The engine vibrates severely at stoplights due to faulty engine mounts (Per Ford Service Techs) The body style is great, good handling, dependable, but - lacks horsepower, expect HUGE depreciation loss! I Tried trading in my 2002 ZX2 for something better but found out that it had depreciated 60% in 4 months. Most dealers only offer $7,000 tops on trade.
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Unexpected - 1997 Ford Escort
By KC0178 - December 20 - 2:00 amI bought this car with about 33,000 miles on it, for my 18 year old son to use in central Florida. We put a CD player in it. Apart from oil changes every 5-7,000 miles, a battery, tires, a change of belts @ 57,000, and a $700 rear end repair when a strut gave out, this car has been through 105,000 miles. The A/C still blows cold. The brakes need replacing. Id say we got our moneys worth out of this car. Too bad they dont make them any more.
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Great car for Getting Around - 1995 Ford Escort
By The Artist - December 19 - 2:00 amI have had some problems with my little scort, but we are working them out. I had a intensly bad problem when I was at an idling speed the car would begin to jolt, this was especially scary on the highway at fast speeds. My mechanic told me that it was the EGR (exhaust gasket registor), it is a emmisiions control device that was causing the exhaust to plug up. Now that I have this problem taking care of I have fallen in love with this car. I am currently adding performance parts under the hood. I also plan on painting it Emerald green in the summer of 2003!
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Watch out Ferrari! - 1998 Ford Escort
By Jeffro - December 15 - 2:00 amOverall, the car has been great since day one. Put more than 35k in one year and it just wont die!
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nice choice - 2003 Ford Escort
By eLY - December 14 - 2:00 amSo far it has been a great little car!
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Praise for the Ford Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
By EBS - December 4 - 2:00 amAlthough many people malign Fords, I have been very happy with mine for the past 6 years. It has 138,000 miles on it, and it is still running strong.
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My Little Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
By michellethewonderful - December 4 - 2:00 amIve had my Escort LX for 5 years. I just paid it off and it is still going strong. I enjoy driving the car. The gas mileage is excellent. Im so attached to my car that when I bought a Ford Mustang in 98, I took it back to the dealership to reclaim my Escort!
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ESCORT IT IS - 1999 Ford Escort
By JRJNJLB - December 4 - 2:00 amAS A FAMILY MAN I ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF DRIVING THIS CAR. PLUS I NO LONGER HAVE TO USE MY BMW TO HAUL OUR KIDS AROUND. NOT THAT THE KIDS CARE THEY THINK THE ESCORT IS CUTE-ER. ITS DEFINATELY WORTH EVERY CENT. GAS MILEAGE IS ABOVE AVERAGE 38 HIGHWAY 28 CITY. DESIGN IS MODERN AND NOT LIKE THE OLD ESCORTS. IF YOUR LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FANCY GO SPEND YOUR MONEY ELSEWHERE, IF YOUR LIMITED ON CASH AND LOOKING FOR A GOOD VALUE-THE ESCORT IT IS.
