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 771 through 780 of 835.00-
ZX2 - 1998 Ford Escort
By adam okay - June 24 - 10:00 amI love it!
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Owned it for a while - 1996 Ford Escort
By jhmIII - June 20 - 2:00 amOnly owned this car for a while before I gave it to my mother,and it was a prety okay car.
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Everlasting - 1993 Ford Escort
By JRam - June 20 - 2:00 amI bought this peach in 99 from my brother. He took good care of this car. Driving the car, you would not believe it has 248,000 miles. my wife drives the car, mainly to the store and back. We love it!
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Keep ZX2 In Production! - 2002 Ford Escort
By jpeno - June 19 - 2:00 amI have owned escort sedans since 1997 for use as a commuter car and they have proved to be the most reliable car I have ever owned with virtually zero problems. I purchased my first ZX2 after driving a friends and find it to be one of the most fun to drive, best looking, reliable, and cost effective vehicle on the road today! FORD - please keep the ZX2 in production at least until you produce a good replacement for the Focus. Currently, the ZX2 beats the focus in every category. Thank you Ford, for the ZX2.
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No Contest - 2002 Ford Escort
By 2002ZX2man - June 16 - 2:00 amI test drove the Focus SE Comfort and the ZX2 Premium, and walked out with the ZX2. Great for single men after college-turns a lot of chicks heads. Im not sure why its getting such bad reviews. Handles great, economically sound, eye-catching. All-around the best car I could ever have bought.
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The less miles the better! - 1994 Ford Escort
By Amanda H - June 14 - 2:00 amI had my Escort for around 3 months before the timing belt broke at 140,000- leaving me with a worthless car. Granted this was my fault, but even before the car had its problems. The check coolant light was always on- but it had plenty of coolant and never ran hot. Also had the steering wheel light always flashing, mechanic thought that it probably had to do with the sensors. The rear defroster button also stopped staying in the on position. It worked, but you had to hold the button down yourself. However, having said all that- I believe an Escort with about half the mileage of mine would be a fine starter car for someone.
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I must have got a lemon - 2002 Ford Escort
By Katwman - June 13 - 2:00 amI bought a 1998 XZ2 in the spring of 1997. I have had continual problems with the brake system throughout the life of the car. Ive had it back to the dealer at least 5 times for the same intermittant clunking noise, that the dealer cant seem to pin down. Ive gone through two sets of rotors in 40,000 miles. In April of this year, the timing belt jumped off, for no known reason, to the tune of $700 repair work (it is out of warranty). That should not have happened at only 38,000 miles. The radio on-off switch is malfunctioning, half the time the radio wont shut off.
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Love My Escort - 2000 Ford Escort
By Jdup - June 13 - 2:00 amA ford escort is usually a car that people joke about but to tell you. I had good luck with mine. I had a 1997 escort wagon and currently own a 2000 sedan. There are real good cars. Im 62 and yeah its kinda tight but it dont stop me from driving it. I longest I spent driving it was about 15 hours. Its got a peppy 2.0 inline 4 cyl. But who needs all that power anyway. The fastest you can go is 65mph.
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What A Nice Surprise! The Escort! - 1996 Ford Escort
By Lauren in Vegas - June 12 - 2:00 amAfter ending up with the last car I thought Id ever want (a 96 Ford Escort), I have been more than surprised at the reliability of this car! When I first bought it (with 73K miles), I took two long road trips half way across the country and back without incident! The gas mileage was great and the ride wasnt bad!
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Should Have Been Recalled - 1997 Ford Escort
By gtrbernie - June 9 - 2:00 amI purchased my Escort in 2000 with 13,000 miles on it. After 19,000 miles of light duty, I was told that I needed new rear coil springs. I spoke to several people that owned the same vehicle, and several mechanics (including the service manager at my local Ford dealership), and was told that this is a common problem that Ford is aware of, but not footing the bill for. Otherwise, a reliable, but not very interesting, econobox. Total lack of ergonomic ingenuity.
