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:

• 

  what a strong car! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By keep on truckin - August 12 - 2:00 am

  i bought my escort from a family friend. i have had it for 6 years. i have nearly 193,000 miles on it. when i got it there was 125,000 and it is still ticking. the only things i have to do to it are just regular tune up stuff and also changed out the timing belt, water pump and transmission in 6 years time...pretty good!

• 

  Great Starter car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Maryann - August 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a good car for commuters and an excellent starter car. Based on the MAZDA 323, most of the components are Made in Japan.

• 

  Fun To Drive!!! - 1996 Ford Escort
  By bordercollie - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Escort 6 months ago, And have enjoyed it a lot. It acelerates nicely and handles well, even at 85mph, A very good car for the money.

• 

  Great First Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By SimbaTLion - August 4 - 2:00 am

  The Escort runs great at 109,000 miles on it. It is a bit sluggish accelerating, and it takes about 4 seconds to get to 40 mph on the highway. The car needs bigger cup holders, because they only fit soda cans. The Hazard flasher button is stupidly placed behind the steering column, but otherwise the controls are fine. I get about 370 miles on one tank of gas, and this is stop and go traffic to work. Overall it is a great car for a new driver, and very economical.

• 

  Consumer Review - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Sagar - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. It has very good and sporty styling.

• 

  Wonderful 2nd car! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By 506nc - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 94 a year ago to drive back and forth to work. And save miles off of my truck. This car pays for itself in fuel savings. I drive 22 miles each way to work, and 80% of that is interstate, I am getting an average of 37 mpg, and have gotten as much as 40! But when the A/C is on, the power goes. But that is expected of a 4 banger.

• 

  1997 Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Dueffert - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, great gas mileage (about 34mpg. Easy to replace parts.

• 

  I love this car - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Cutie red one - July 26 - 2:00 am

  My sister bought this car for 4 years ago and right now she gave to me. I really love this car especially her engine!!! although she is kinda old and her exterior is out of date. The color is peeling. Overall, Im satisfied with this style :)

• 

  Its a good little car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By tboner - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I really like this little car. It handles the tough winters up here in the Northeast. Starts everyday, handles the snow & ice good. Peppy little 4 cylinder, although I wish I had the standard. I am a 5 speed fanatic. I dont find the car uncomfortable at all. A lot of other smaller car will make my bum go to sleep after an hour or two, but not so with this one. My previous car was a 1997 Hyundai Accent, which was a great little car, but the escort has the upper hand over the accent.

• 

  Great Car! No problems, hassle free. - 1997 Ford Escort
  By McGill - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Serviced regularly, first issue was breaks started sqeaking (60k miles). Breaks were checked regularly & the mechanics were surprised that they were the original, 1st replace needed at 60K. Only problem was after I going over a "v" shaped driveway (v at the point road & driveway met), Heavier person in passenger seat & it hit caused a small leak in the radiator seam. Gets 30-35 in town, when not running the A/C and 40 on road trips. Bought a new car & now found a good deal on a Aero so hubby trying to talk me into selling it. Well see, Ive grown attached to it & the dependability.