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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  Sound Car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Wally - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the vehicle used with 106,000 miles, paid $1,000 and have gotten over 40,000 miles out of the car since. Ive done only minor repairs myself. I have never gotten less than 25 miles per gallon, even driving in the city. One of the most reliable cars I have ever driven.

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  Great First Car - 2001 Ford Escort
  By Charlie Groux - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first car. It has done a great job for my situation. It gets me where I need to go for a good price.

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  93 Ford Escort - 1993 Ford Escort
  By kmcculloh - April 16 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car for me. Currently the car has 120000 miles on it, with only regular maintainance all done by myself. I purchased the car in 1998 with 70000 miles on it, all records were with the car and nothing besides normal maitainance had been done. I drive it to work 40 miles per day. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  I LOVE MY ESCORT!!! - 1994 Ford Escort
  By Hard on cars - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I drove my Escort for 6 years before it was wrecked. Ive been in two accidents in Escorts and the safety devices did their jobs nicely. Two major repairs were clutch and timing belt at 80K. GREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE!!!

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  Rebeccas Review - 1993 Ford Escort
  By Rebecca Hughson - April 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car in the summer and the sunroof was a great thing. The car rides really well and is very good on gas. It is a standard car which made it better on gas. It is also aircared.

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  Little Wagon for Grown ups! - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Dusty - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Ok. So its a little long in the tooth. Its a great hauler of all kinds of things and a great arround town car with great milage (and with the price of gas thats a real plus!). Hard to get this much wagon for so little.

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  Pretty good - 1995 Ford Escort
  By tkdinOR - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car since 1997 (its 95) and I have only changed a water pump. It has been pretty reliable. If you could the one with good records, it wont disappoint you.

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  Worth a second look. - 1995 Ford Escort
  By speed racer - April 1 - 2:00 am

  For the money, this little 1.8 16 vlave 127 hp engine makes you take a second look. Although not the fastest of the line, once you hit 4500 rpms. it comes alive ! It is smooth reving all the way to its 8000 rpm redline. Handling is fun a predictable once you get used to the cars limits. Optional electric sun roof and GT spoiler package gives this little car an aggresive look. Matched with the factory 15 in alum alloy wheels makes quite a stance for a littel car at any red light. Only had to change alt. and timming belt. and at 127000 fun miles i look forward to another 100000. Great little care for college student on a budget and wanting the performanc of much more expensive cars.

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  www.escortracing.com - 1991 Ford Escort
  By julianja - April 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a very reliable car,definitly an improvement over the first gen escort. It has been refined and restyled to be a moderatly beautiful car as well. it has exceptional fuel efficiency, and very low maintenence costs. Proper preventitive maintenance is a must. The seats are comfortable for short trips only(50 miles or less). The 1.9L provides ample power for the car. Owners of the escort should go to www.escortracing.com and check out our message board at the Escort Racing Development Team.

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  Nice economy vehicle with lots of option - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Band Man - March 31 - 2:00 am

  We bought the Escort Wagon in June of 97. Only one visit to the shop since then for a mechanical problem, and that was to replace a failed emission control part (after 3-year/36,000 mile warranty expired, of course - our cost was $175.00). During a brake job at 43,000 or so we had to replace the front rotors - they were too thin to turn. The car is fun to drive, but not exceptionally quiet. The stereo AM-FM cassette is pretty good, and the options available are great. Our Escort is loaded - every option but a CD player. I use the cruise control daily!