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 781 through 790 of 835.00-
dont buy a gt model!! - 1991 Ford Escort
By Fix Or Repair Daily - June 7 - 2:00 ami bought this car after hearing great things about escorts, but in the three months that ive owned it, ive put $500 into repairs. now, the engine totally burned out and the stupid thing wont go anywhere with only 110,000 miles on it and a rebuilt engine 80,000 miles ago. the car was a total mistake on fords part. go look for an LX model if you want an escort.
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Car is not the best. - 2000 Ford Escort
By metoo - June 6 - 2:00 amThis car is very uncomfortable. The seat belts are difficult to get to. Its hard to get in and out of. The seats are atrociously bad for driving more then half an hour. Im numb after being in the car for more then an hour. It loses a lot of power with the AC on. The car is a very rough ride and is pretty noisy. I personally dont like this car. If you dont have to do a lot of driving it would not be a bad car. I unfotunately drive too much.
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unreliable - 1992 Ford Escort
By ford_lover - June 5 - 2:00 amfun to drive but it has overheated and now blew the manaul trans after it seems all the trans fluid leaked out. Also, I hate the automatic shoulder belt system!
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well kept secret - 2002 Ford Escort
By jonsid - June 4 - 2:00 amJust bought my 2002 ZX2 loaded with all options except leather seats. The dealer traveled 200 miles to get one with ABS for me. Handling is exceptional with virtually no body roll while cornering. Pickup is brisk and super on the hills in these mountains. Ride is quieter than my Mitsubishi Mirage and Ford put all controls within easy reach. I cant wait to see what I get for gas mileage.
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2001 Escort SE - A Great Little Scooter! - 2001 Ford Escort
By Roland St.Germain - June 3 - 2:00 amI had an 88 Nissan Sentra which was on its last legs when I bought this car. It has "bare bones" extras: A/C and Automatic. Despite this, I enjoy driving it - this car makes my daily commute comfortable as well as exciting!
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The Super Wagon! - 1992 Ford Escort
By canadian1der - May 31 - 2:00 amAt 140,000 miles it has had almost no problems. It has a torquey engine that has good power at lower RPMs, but it seems to run out of steam in the 4,000- 5,000 RPM. The interior is functional and well designed, the exterior is conservative yet handsome and almost looks slightly athletic at certain angles. The engine gets good gas mileage no matter how I drive it. It runs well. Road and engine vibrations are felt throughout the car. It handles well despite its relatively soft suspension and the generous body roll. The steering is relatively heavy and is fairly frictionless, but it can be a little numb.
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Decent Car - 1995 Ford Escort
By BigGuy100 - May 29 - 2:00 amBought new, now has over 100,000 miles on it. Needed new transmission and ignition at 53,000 miles. Have replaced 2 tie rods. Overall good fuel economy even at 100,000 +. Very reliable for price. VERY spacious with seats folded down. Hauled everything from a washer to furniture!
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Not what I expected - 1995 Ford Escort
By danguy - May 29 - 2:00 amWe bought the car needing something to haul stuff in. While the car has been okay it has not lived up to my expectations. The paint on the rear bumper is badly oxidized and both rear seat belts stopped retracting after 3 years of owning it. Ford was no help in trying to get them fixed. The sprayers on the front windshield wipers wont stay in place. Worst experience has been dealing with Ford dealer and Ford help line. Id think twice before buying a Ford again.
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A good little car - 2000 Ford Escort
By Axel - May 26 - 2:00 amThis car is a very reliable little car. It is not functional as a family car or for long trips, but they can be done. It is an excellent get around town car and short trip car. It does get somewhat uncomfortable for trips 2 hours or more. The car never had a problem starting, it is a little sluggish in sub-zero temps (typical of 4-cyl.). The gas mileage is pretty good. The car is an excellent, reliable get around vehicle.
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Still Going Strong - 1995 Ford Escort
By catskill - May 23 - 2:00 amPurchased my 2nd Escort with 26,000 miles in Oct. 2000. Now has 73,000 miles - mostly highway. In that time, I have not had a single problem with the car. Gas mileage is terrific, averaging about 33 with automatic trans. Front seat gets uncomfortable for me on long trips (2+ hours), but its a terrific car all around. Im now selling it to buy a newer Escort wagon...but what a great car!
