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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  Great little wagon. - 1996 Ford Escort
  By Ron Gaylord - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I brought this 1996 Escort wagon new in 1996. I currently have 114,000 miles on it and have had zero problems. It gets great mileage and I can carry just about anything with it. I also pull a trailer with a motorcycle on it and the Escort does fine as long as you dont have to use the air. I dont know how good the new Ford Focus is but I think Ford made a mistake when the got rid of the Escort wagon. My wagon has a standart shift and will keep up with any situation Ive found myself in.

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  Bought used, had 5 years, like it!! - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Sarah F - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My "mileage" is actually in kms, being Canadian! I bought my Escort used with 125 000 kms, it now has 200 000 kms after 4 years. Reliability has been good with regular maintenance- had to have rear brakes replaced. Not a whole lot of pep (auto transmission). Some rust on side of door. Comfort is good, A/C works AWESOMELY although mileage loses! My fuel economy has been declining over the last year. Handles well.

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  best for the money - 2000 Ford Escort
  By DBO - July 13 - 2:00 am

  After 2 1/2 years I have had only 1 problem, the seat material was threading around the edge (drivers seat). The dealer fixed this under warranty and I have had no other problems. The Car is fun to drive and gets good gas milage and doesnt look like an econobox...

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  FORDS GREAT ZX2 - 2002 Ford Escort
  By JACKIE - July 12 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS FORDS BEST BUILT HIGHEST QUALITY CAR IN MY PERSONAL OPINION. I HAVE OBSERVED THE ZX2 SELLS AS SOON AS IT HITS THE DEALERSHIPS, WITH LITTLE OR NO ADVERTISING. THIS FACT BY ITSELF IS VERY INTERESTING. THIS IS A VERY WELL BUILT CAR A TRUE VALUE FOR THE MONEY. I HOPE FORD ALWAYS BUILDS THIS FINE CAR.

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  Totally Satisfied - 2002 Ford Escort
  By JasonAtCSU - July 10 - 2:00 am

  I researched my new car purchase for two months before I made a move. I wanted into a Subaru, but my college kid budget wouldnt let me. I was looking to stay in a sporty 2-door with good mileage. The ZX2 has come through -- cheaper than the comparable Chevy Cavalier and every import (except Hyundai, but we wont go there). Premium package has great sound, comfy seats. Great power on the Interstate, great mileage, just a great car!

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  great on gas - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Cathy - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever had for gas mileage and reliable performance. All manual five speed shift really has done what the label said upon purchase 38 mpg on highway and 30 mpg other.

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  Good car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By ma dan - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had mine for 2yrs but only put 26,000 miles on it. I had to purchase an automatic transmission for my wife. I wish that I had just brought a 5 speed home :] Its been a good car. No problems, no interior parts broke nothing. Been a great 2yrs of service. But I dont see where the "lazy boy" comment comes from. My rear is numb an hour into driving it. Something that annoys me is that it is a completely different ride with a full tank of gas vs 1/2 or less.

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  Great Little Sport Compact - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Oregon ZX2 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money. Quick (you can rev it out to nearly 7,000 rpms) and still put it through those tight corners on the back roads. Seats could be a bit more comortable and the interior is a little loud.

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  escort - 1992 Ford Escort
  By taisha stevens - June 30 - 2:00 am

  the car was excellent

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  Great car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By MarkS - June 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my escort. Been looking for one for my daughter who drives soon. Simple yet comfortable small car. No major probles but brakes and a thermostat. This is a excellent 2nd family car!