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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  Escort 4-Door SE - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Liz - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great little car. Ergonomically comfortable interior, pleasing exterior design. Silver with gray interior is classy looking! Sporty handling and peppy 2.0 litre engine. Handles exceptionally well on highway, in city, and along winding roads. Fuel economy is exceptional. Some road noise that upholstered floor mats help with. I consider this car to be an American icon along with the smaller German VW Beetle!

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  FORDS BEST KEPT SECRET - 2002 Ford Escort
  By BILL21 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST 2 DR COUPE FORD HAS EVER MADE, THEY SHOULD SCRAP THE FOCUS ZX3. THE ZX2 NEEDS TO BE KEPT IN PRODUCTION AND REFINED OVER THE YEARS. IT HAS A CLASSIC STYLE WHICH WILL WEAR WELL. THIS CAR HAS MUCH IN COMMON WITH THE ORIGINIAL 65 MUSTANG. THE FOCUS ALREADY HAS A REPUTATION FOR POOR WORKMANSHIP. I HAVE NEVER KNOWN A ZX2 OWNER WITH ANY SIGNIFIGANT PROBLEMS!!

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  Great Car - 1994 Ford Escort
  By SD - May 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive just loved my Escort GT! Its been reliable, fun and durable.

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  Standard Solid Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Scott Pearson - May 8 - 2:00 am

  This economical car is a family vehicle with no bells and whistles but plenty of perks to keep you happy. When you need a good used car, this is an excellent choice.

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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Lizbeth - May 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1991 Escort GT new and still have her! She just turned 195,000 miles with just the usual wear and tear expenses. I love this car, the body is still in style, and I love blowing past the new cars with gutless engines! If you have a chance to get your hands on one of these terrific cars, DO IT!!! You wont be sorry.

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  Happy with my Escort. - 1994 Ford Escort
  By mracko - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This car has acceleration for passing and gets better mileage than I was expecting. 32 to 38 in the city and as high as 44 on the highway. Overall it has been a very reliable vehicle

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  My ZX2 - 1999 Ford Escort
  By godinieu - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel economy, awesome driving in curvy roads, i live in Mexico, which means poor roads, but still it is in perfect condition despite 35,000 miles.

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  Maybe I was lucky? - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jodenco - April 30 - 2:00 am

  The Escort we owned was a God send. Always reliable. We got rid of it when the light switch wiring developed a short and it would be too much trouble to replace the harness.

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  What a car! - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Mr. Stone - April 26 - 2:00 am

  By far the best car for under $15,000. Better performance than the Civics that were priced several thousand dollars higher. My only complaint is the relatively small amount of storage space in the glove box, etc.

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  1997F0RD ESCORT - 1997 Ford Escort
  By CALEB - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT MY 97 ESCORT WITH 2100 MILES ON IT.IT HAS BEEN SUPER DEPENDABLE.HAD A CRANK PULLEY GO BAD AN A SENSOR ON THE GAS TANK .EACH WAS BITEY TO GET FIXED.THE FUEL SENSOR MIGHT HAVE BEEN MY FAULT IN THAT I HABITUALLY ADDED MORE GAS AFTER THE AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF.IF SO IT WAS A 3 HUNDRED DOLLAR LESSON. IT COULD EASILY USE MORE COMFORTABLE SEATS.ITS RESPONSIVE, STYLISH ECONOMICAL AND HIGHLY DEPENDABLE.ITS EASY TO USE AND EASY TO OWN!I THINK MY 8000 DOLLARS WAS WELL SPENT