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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  Been good to me so far.. - 1998 Ford Escort
  By 2 Ford Owner. - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 1998 Escort in Nov 1997 when the new models came out. I paid about 13K. This car has been very good to me, I have never been stranded, the car runs great, of course I did not put alot of miles on it and I do get the maintenance done as instructed by Ford. I have since bought a 2002 Taurus SEL premium (and kept my Escort too) which blows my 98 escort away in comfort and power. However, when filling up at the pump, the Escort wins hands down.

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  cheap mans acura integra - 1999 Ford Escort
  By zx2 - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Over 63K with oil changes and no major repairs. I think I am still on the original brakes. Engine noise is high. Car rides smooth and not harsh over bumps. Agressively geared really flies. Hardly have to press on the gas pedal. Trunk is reasonable size. Very reliable in the three years I have had it, just starts and runs. I think this car thinks its a honda or a toyota, often gets mistaken for one. Only will sell because I need more room.

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  Buyer Beware - 1998 Ford Escort
  By Mrs. Den - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This cute, sporty car has been awesome...until now! Only four years old and both the transmission AND engine have gone belly up in less than 40,000 miles...NOT GOOD! More trouble and money than its worth ~ gave up and traded it in for a Toyota!!!

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  overall a great car... - 1999 Ford Escort
  By escort - August 3 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I have had with this car is it stalls sometimes when I go from reverse to first gear or starting at first from a stop. The dealership claims they cant find the problem. I have been driving stick for 30 years, so I would expect I would have been able to adjust to this one, so I dont think it is me. Other than that, the car runs well. I have the oil changed every 3000 miles, despite the dealership stating it only needs it every 5000. Driving in Los Angeles pushes a car to its limits. I would buy another Escort/Focus, but would get an automatic.

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  Its not a Chick Magnet Car!! - 1999 Ford Escort
  By dave88 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  piled up more than 39,000 miles in just over 2 years... in San Francisco Bay Area without a single problem... averaged 30mpg with automatic transmission. Change Oil every 3K...very Underrated ...its a sleeper ... drive over 85 miles daily and still holds up without a single problem... knocks on wood...