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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  stamps review - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Stamper8 - March 3 - 10:08 pm

  Great car

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  crap - 1990 Ford Escort
  By stevewine - March 3 - 5:20 pm

  I brought this car new and after 6 mths wished I hadnt . Had mech problems all the time. The ingnition system was a joke, I went thur 3 ingition moduels in a 20 mth. period . Do NOT buy one of these cars.

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  Cheap, sporty, fun! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By zx2 - March 3 - 4:10 pm

  Mine is a 99. Great build quality, very peppy, engine pulls very strongly,quick steering, good looking exterior and interior. Smooth ride for a small car. Car has a battery saver. Good snow traction even with the optional 15 inch Eagle GAs. Car is very easy to drive and control. Rumored to be just as fast the Focus SVT. Magazines rate 0-60 7.4 - 7.8 seconds. Great gas mileage I get 29mpg minimum in the town. I have the 5 speed. Zx2 is very reliable. This car is cheap and fun.

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  What A Bargain! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By chas10657 - March 2 - 2:04 pm

  Ive had my ZX2 since April of 1998 and have put 60000 miles on it. What a fun car to drive! I got a 5 speed and it really performs when you keep it over 4000 RPMs. You seem to love the ZX3, but my ZX2 is much more attractive than that ugly Focus and ,from what I hear at the local dealer, much more reliable. Good lookin,great mileage,reliable,inexpensive, and FUN!

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  one hullavu car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By jmdz06 - March 1 - 4:39 pm

  i bought my 98 zx2 with 50k plus miles on it. ive had it now for about 18 months and all i can say is: ford has a winner! i have not had a single problem with it. the best part of the car is when you tell someone you bought an excort and their jaw hits the floor when they see it. Thats not an escort! Oh yes it is, and its MORE reliable than grandmas apple pie!

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  Old Faithfull - 1991 Ford Escort
  By Tony L - March 1 - 3:08 am

  My "Little Red Wagon" astounds me on how durable and solid it is. I believe that due to this car being "part" Mazda, it performs and lasts much like a Japanese import. The one downfall is its engine (Ford built). It has always had trouble on long trips where it must sustain a consistant high rpm for a long time. I always get the "check engine" light and the engine bogs down. Around town, this car is reliable. Not many small cars, that I have driven, handle as well.

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  ZX2 is the greatest! - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Kristi - March 1 - 1:14 am

  I bought my ford Zx2 a few weeks ago and I think its all excellent. There isnt any other car that can compare up to the ZX2. Its great in the styling, the fuel, everything. Edmunds shouldnt downgrade the ZX2, they dont even know what their talking about.

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  This is a great car - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Marcuus - February 26 - 9:39 am

  The zx2 not only gets much better gas mileage (28-36mpg)once its broken in but it is also quicker accelerating than not just the Focus Zx3 but ALSO the Focus SVT! I mean one wonders why all this marketing effort is going into hyping up the slightly restyled (new edge) yet still old fashioned euro box hatchback style. Brakes from 60-0 in 128 feet. To compare the mustang does in 127 feet. Thats safety folks! The Japanese cars and VWs are far worse than that.

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  BIG TROUBLE - 1990 Ford Escort
  By ann - February 22 - 4:14 pm

  If you have a choice, dont get Ford vehicle older then 4-5 years - its all just ONE BIG HEADACKE. Only positive aspect of this car - its fuel economy performance - really good. Repairs, maintenance - youll spend a fortune. Reliability - NONE!

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  Sweetness! - 1998 Ford Escort
  By K - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Its Cool. I turbod it so it runs like 267 Horsepower now. I put racing parts on it. It runs like a 12-13 second 1/4. Probably Closer to 12