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:

• 

  escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By john geuse - November 13 - 2:00 am

  good car, does not have "cheap" ford economic paint, good fuel economy, reliable engine.

• 

  Great Car for the money - 1998 Ford Escort
  By langevette - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for college transportation. and it is great! I now have over 72000 and still runs great. I bought it with trans. problems and fought the dealer till he rebuilt if for free. ($1500 worth) Gas milage in the mid 30s, but I drive hard.

• 

  FORD - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Drivesem Fast! - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in august for 1200. This was my first car, and i didnt expect much from a ford. All the car needed was new brakes, sounded like a school bus coming down the street. After that, it runs great. 5 Speed manual trans. gives good acceration, especially for a 4 banger, execpt with ac on!

• 

  Why not? - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Sage289 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought my Escort, no one seemed to like it! I was called a traitor (I used to have a Honda), and I used to hate Fords. The Escort really brought me around. It had low miles, and it was at a good price and it had everything I wanted! Sunroof, 5-speed, 2-door, power windows and locks, and keyless entry. Its a cute car, and it has really good pick up. I really like this car, and they really dont get the credit they deserve.

• 

  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.

• 

  Fun & Reliable "Z" - 2000 Ford Escort
  By "ZMAN" - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehilce brand new and very pleased ! I have not noticed any of the problems other have mentioned with my Z, however before purchasing I test drove 3 others, and they seemed to have loose steering. My car performs well, is comfortable ( Keep in mind I am 5- 8" about 250, so perhaps if I was any larger that may not be the case ), gets good gas mileage. So over all I am pleased. However I do agree power windows and locks would have been nice to have !

• 

  Good lil car, I already miss you - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Luisito - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the little Escort hessitantly, but in dier need of a car. At 44,000miles. It was great! I enjoyed it and gave me new hope in Ford products. I would recommend this little car to anyone who uses it for school or even small travel trips. Great fuel, I did have to replace a serpentine belt and before selling it the fan. No complaints, and Im glad to say so! We grew out of it so thats why I sold it.

• 

  I got a lemon - 1995 Ford Escort
  By DR - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Im 18, purchased my first car last year, a ford escort, hunter green. First thing I should have noticed is that the last owner had a rebuilt engine, no biggie I thought, then it cost me $3500 in pure repairs after one year, the car has a new engine, transmission, radiator, alternator, brakes, a/c system and cooling fan, all replaced by me out of pocket. The car will cause you problem after problem and when you do finally catch up on the payments from the repairs it will break on you again and again.

• 

  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.

• 

  Decent Car-Buy Used - 2000 Ford Escort
  By ford tech - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2k ZX2 S/R.The car is built well but dont drive with the a/c on, it lunges and surges..tremendous loss of power.Car is also too loud on the inside while driving. Only true bad thing abot the car is that if you buy one new-you will lose half the value when you drive it off the lot.Buy used!!