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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  Fun While It Lasted... - 2000 Ford Escort
  By 2kford - September 4 - 2:00 am

  ZX2 was a new totally base model 5-speed. A great car for the first 10,000 mi. Steering was tight & responsive. I could do things only possible in this car. Drove 20,000 mi/yr. It limits at 105mph. The brakes were just right & the gears shifted smoothy. Great MPG I could drive 25 mi w/fuel light on. As it racked up miles, the thing I noticed to go was the steering sometimes it pulled to the left while accelerating. Funny noises w/the heater. Entire 42,000 mi driven, didnt have to replace brake pads once. Wouldnt buy this car new again, lost nearly half its value after 1st yr. Find a low mile used one with more options!! Gotta get 5-speed o)

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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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  simple says it all - 1994 Ford Escort
  By daman - August 31 - 2:00 am

  if youre looking for a great little second car this is the one. space for groceries and a kid or two. good a/c,good gas mi and ok ride.for the price you couldnt ask for more.

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  Warning... - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Mr Smooth1 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 94 Escort wagon (70K) in 98 for my High school daughter. At 90K we lost the AC and paid about $1200 to replace. Since 95K, Ive had it in the shop continually with engine troubles. At 103K mi, an $85 diagnostic revealed a dead cylinder due to a burnt valve...needs a $1000 valve job. I sold it to a mechanic for $500. I suspect that my daughter burned up the engine (driving too fast, accelerating too fast, passing, gunning the engine) although I kept the oil changed every 3000 mi. Im replacing the Wagon with a 98 Escort LX sedan (47K mi), but this time Im getting a 5 speed. I expect the AC will fail around 80K.

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  Great Car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Agroshwag - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I think the Ford Escort ZX2 is a great car. It performs well and has suprisingly good speed and power.

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  Ford Escort 1995 2 Dr HatchBack - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Khan - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Its a very nice car, a powerful baby u can depend upon. Got a good road grip, nice steeting, powerful roaring engine & with manual shifting its way too coooool.

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  it broke my heart - 1990 Ford Escort
  By dontbuyanoldFord - August 26 - 2:00 am

  It was my first car. There was a little bit more than 100,000 miles on it when I bought it and it was 12 years old. The engine began to rattle after about three months. Then the ignition module broke down. The starter was changed as well. About four months after the purchase the "check engine" light came on. It just could not pick up any speed. The mechanic said it burns oil and is not worth further investment. I was heart- broken. I also found out that I bought it from an unofficial dealer. He must have known the engine was worn out. It was a waste of money and a lot of time at the mechanics.

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  All American Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By JX2 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Got the car in March. Its a gem and I would like to say that it is a Ford ZX2 not an escort. Runs awesome and the 0- 60 times kill Civics,Cavos,and even those damn eclipses

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  Takes a Lickin - 1997 Ford Escort
  By CA_Kid - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, now have over 100K on it and it still runs great. Body and paint job are outstanding and the engine is extremely durable. Like most 4 cyl. cars, some power is lost when turning on the A/C, but it sure comes out cool! Windshield seems to have a design flaw, the padding keeps coming out. Otherwise I couldnt be happier with this little commuter car.

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  I LOVE MY CAR!!!! :) - 1995 Ford Escort
  By chikinblack - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This is an awesome car. Hands down. I was fairly worried when I first bought her, I love to travel and she was already at 54,000 miles, which gave me doubts to how long shed last. Im now at 88,000 miles and the only thing Ive done to her is change the timing belt. The engine is great, you hit the pedal and youre gone. And 340 miles later you have to fill the tank. What more could you want? Ive had no exterior/interior problems other than the belt, and I would recommend this car to anyone who wants something peppy, reliable, gas efficient, and a LOT of fun :) Two thumbs WAY up. Why did Ford have to take them away? :(