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 First Car...still going strong! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Kerry3 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  My Ford Escort is the first car Ive ever owned. I loved the style and now I love the car! I bought it brand new in 1996, and finally got a tune-up (2001)! Im not that nice to it, but the only problems Ive had were after 4 -6 years of Michigan driving, and 4 or 5 trips to Atlanta, GA. She now has almost 100,000 miles. The mileage is great, the ride is great shes reliable, especially considering what I havent done. Routine stuff? Nope, havent done them. Sometimes I do the oil. Shes a beaut!

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  zx2 is cool - 2002 Ford Escort
  By kevin Horick - December 1 - 2:00 am

  awesome car with many after market products available

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  For the Price, is the Best - 2003 Ford Escort
  By LHEAT - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I got the car brand new with a 2,000 dollar rebate (I paid 10,000) No other new car that is this good is going to cost you this low, I would rather spend 10,000 on a zx2, than 12,000 on a Focus that is hatchback (i dont know why Ford does not make them Cupes). They both have the same engine and they both run the same.

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  BUY THIS CAR - 2003 Ford Escort
  By ESommers - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Finest small sports coupe money can buy. Incredible performance and reliability for the price.

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  great first car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By schmidt - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as my first car i bought it whith every option available. I love it! It handles great with alomst no body roll. It has great acceleration, I love racing it on the streets it has just the right amount of power. The only thing that I dont like about the car is that I think it should get better gas mileage for being such a small car and the interior looks to much like the escort sedan. It also handles great at speeds over 100 mph. I highly recomend this as a first car. Its a great car for the money. (So easy to burn rubber even with the auto!)

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  great car for under 15k - 2003 Ford Escort
  By boneybunion - November 27 - 2:00 am

  had the car for 6 moths now and still cant wait to get in it every morning. Its my second car, first stick. Im still not quite used to the cluch yet and burns rubber alot easier than my probe! Great acceleration in any gear city or freeway.Push it to the floor and the speedo jumps. I highly recomend it its a great car for the money.

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  Problems - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Amanda Segura - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. To begin with, I had to take it to the dealer to replace the AC control valve and the starter. A couple of months later, I had to take it back to have the fuel pump replaced. I will never own another Ford Escort ZX2.

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  Stay Away - 1992 Ford Escort
  By metrolover - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Car has left us stranded a few different times in the past five years. Twice with transmission problems and once the timing belt broke. Car has run good most of time but I dont dare drive too far from home anymore. I have heard from others that transmission is problem for this car.

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  Great Small Car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Lavararo - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a 1991 Honda Civic Dx with auto transmission. I am comparing that with my 1991 Ford Escort Gt Model.One thing that I like is the great gas milleage I get on it. In the city I average about 20 Miles a gallon and I live in NYC, lots of traffic. I like the suspension which makes the ride rigid but rather sporty. The car is equiped with a 1.8 L engine dual cam. It has 128 HP which makes it quite faster than the Civic. Even a brand new civic doesnt have as much power as my GT. Well, I purchased the car in Good shape, I only did minor tune up on it. I strongly recomend buying the GT.

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  Biggest Bang for the Buck - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Dawey - November 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my EGT in early 2001 and loved every moment I owned it (up untill a TAXI wrote it off, you bastard). The car is a BLAST to drive (if you drive it normally your happy, if you like to have a bit of FUN with your car then youll be laughing, Trust me). The car accelerates VERY good for a compact (thanks to the Mazda engine) and it handles very well (thanks to 4 wheel independent suspension). Braking is phenomenal (thanks to 4 wheel disc brakes). All in all, if your gonna buy one, look to see if it was taken care of (oil changes, regular maintenance, and stuff like that). Take care of it if your get one and you wont be disappointed. Trust me.