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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  Good, cheap transportation - 1995 Ford Escort
  By kookymonster - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The only major problem with this vehicle was a cracked head at about 115,000 miles. It cost me, along with some front end repairs, about $2,000.00. My mechanic said cracked heads were common in high-mileage Escorts. Ironically, the car has never used oil and has always started, even in harsh Wisconsin and Minnesota (where my son drives it now) winters.

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  I only rented this car - 2000 Ford Escort
  By Jason McGovern - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I rented this car after rolling my 2000 corolla. Not a bad car. I know the specs only show 114 HP, and 120 fp of torque. But thats LOW END TORQUE. This car gets running from the get go (because Ford believes in torque unlike most imports). The ride is fairly alright, interior is very basic. Its a basic car. If you can get a deal on one of these I would most likely recommend it.

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  Fun with UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS - 2002 Ford Escort
  By d57 - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Overall a good buy, a nice balance of performance and economy for the dollar. The seats are miserably uncomfortable (way too soft, like sitting on a sponge)... I had to remove the 2002 seats and replace them with the seats from my old 1995 Escort...

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  A superior wagon for an economy car. - 1995 Ford Escort
  By pj - March 18 - 3:01 pm

  A smart choice.Plenty of room in the back for transporting furniture(we easily fit a 5x40"x20" wardrobe in the back with the seats folded down).Thats alot of space for a small car.Visibility is excellent, easy to park in small spaces,and in five years,have only had it in the shop 3 times for minor repairs.The a/c cranks and still gives great gas mileage.It is very comfortable to drive and the front driver seat has great lower back support,a comfort for long rides.Weve transported rugs,mattresses,plywood and many other items you would normally need a pickup for.No regrets with this car.

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  Great car....great price - 2001 Ford Escort
  By clinton - March 17 - 2:49 pm

  I bought this car because my old 94 Escort was a great car. It has 134,000 on it and still runs like a champ. So I got this new Escort (excuse me *ZX2*) and I like it even more. It handles better and is a wee-bit quicker. I have the manual. I wish the engine was a bit smoother. It vibrates a bit, but what do you want for a car in the this price range. If it lasts anywhere near as long as my old Escort, I can tolerate the vibrations of the engine....no problem.

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  Great Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By bark - March 15 - 7:16 pm

  I would have to rate my 97 Escort as execellent. It has racked up around 85000 trouble free miles. This particular Escort has a manual tranmission and gets around 30/36 mpg. The only drawback I can think of is related to the manual transmission. The manual tranny is a real hassle during rush hour traffic, stop go.

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  A reliable econobox - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Milek - March 15 - 4:15 pm

  A surprisingly reliable car.

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  Why not? - 2000 Ford Escort
  By crawdad - March 15 - 3:02 am

  I have had my used escort for almost one year. This car is a mini-tank, it can climb any incline with out losing speed. Talk about comfort, the seats are like lazy-boy furniture. It might not be a sports car, but it will get you there quick.

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  Escort Wagon Winner - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Mundo330 - March 11 - 1:26 am

  Purchased the vehicle with 30K in Mid 98 and now have 122K. Only tires, brakes (once), oil changes, and tune ups trequired. This vehicle still has the original clutch. I am a Computer tech and can hall 3 17" monitors and CPUs in boxes with room to spare. I average 325 mile on a 9 Gal. fill up. Only have problem with the rear seat folding position. My RC Airplanes will not sit flat. and limited room for the wings.

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  Affordable, Reliable, Fun - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Blaulang - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 91 Escort in 1996 with about 27,000 miles. Now I have almost 100,000 miles on it, and I have had very few problems with this car, only general maintenance (brakes, belts, etc.) The vehicle still runs great, and the body has held up wonderfully, no rust at all! Also, it has pretty good power for a small economy car if you opt for the 5 speed, and it has very tight handling. It gets around great in the winter and is good on gas, too. I would definitely recommend this car.