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 721 through 730 of 835.00-
Piece of trash - 1991 Ford Escort
By Lenzius - October 11 - 2:00 amI had to replace the original engine at 100K. The head warped on this new engine when the heater core, the fan, and thermastat all went out! No AC, no heater.The gas tank cracked and had to be replaced. The drivers side seatbelt motor locked up mid track. I have done extensive front end work. Oil has leaked out all over the floorboard. The sun visors both broke off. There are no left side speakers. And now the UV joint or transmition or clutch or something is about to go out. If you think this car is so great I will sell you mine.
-
keeps on going - 1997 Ford Escort
By Phil Ford - October 11 - 2:00 amI drive 100 miles a day round\trip to work. Ive changed the oil every 3,000 miles, bought two sets of tires, changed all the belts and hoses at 100,000 miles, and replaced the brakes at the same time. The car has never laid down on me. I have not had to replace so much as a burned out bulb. Its not the hottest car, but it sure has gotten me back and forth quite well for the past four years.
-
Strong as a billy goat - 1992 Ford Escort
By jim7heaven7 - October 10 - 2:00 amI recently got rid of my 1992 Ford Escort LX with Auto trans. My wife burned out the tranny, it had 118,000 miles on it and running strong. I had purchased it for college commutes and it worked great and I love hatchs. This car took me through cold winters and blistering hot summers. I decided to let it go because they were wanting to put a re-built tranny on her and it would cost more than the car was worth, so I gave it to my father in-law and he fixed the tranny and is now driveing again.
-
good car - 1998 Ford Escort
By probe user - October 10 - 2:00 amthis was my first car, it was a good car until i totaled it. oops. Never gave me any problems the 3 years i had it. good car
-
Great Wagon - 1996 Ford Escort
By allanjmac - October 8 - 2:00 amThis is one of the greatest cars weve owned.Great fuel milage,fun to drive put it can get away on you,good comfort.Only problem is the speedometor will jump from 100kms to 120kms for no reason also it makes a wirring noise--any sugetions? Thanks
-
First Car Buyer - 2003 Ford Escort
By LDowns23 - October 6 - 2:00 amThis is an excellent first car for a new car buyer. I love it!
-
The Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
By stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 amThe Escort is a reliable piece of basic transportation. It gets you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. Unfortunately, with the 1.9L engine, you also get minimal acceleration. Road noise is excessive, even for a small car, but the ride is quite supple for a car of this age (the chassis first debuted on the Protege in 1990). Not a bad little car overall, very reliable.
-
The Escort - 1995 Ford Escort
By Stvkrenim - October 5 - 2:00 amThe Escort is a reliable piece of basic transportation. It gets you from point A to point B with minimal fuss. Unfortunately, with the 1.9L engine, you also get minimal acceleration. Road noise is excessive, even for a small car, but the ride is quite supple for a car of this age (the chassis first debuted on the Protege in 1990). Not a bad little car overall, very reliable.
-
Hard to say goodbye - 1993 Ford Escort
By Nort - September 30 - 2:00 amI 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.
-
Zippy little thing - 1992 Ford Escort
By JAmes - September 25 - 2:00 amI just got the car a few days ago with 120k on it.. Though i Owned a 1984 ford thunderbird before with over 200 hp, the 88 hp of the escort is suprisingly more then enough to zip around town..I give this car 2 thumbs up
