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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  Excellent ZX2 - 2002 Ford Escort
  By didi4349 - October 10 - 12:36 pm

  The car far exceeded expectations. No mechanical problems, has all the bells & whistles-moon roof, etc. I have gotten over 40 mpg on trips. The only problem with Fords is the cars develop a rattle that Toyotas do not have. I love this car, fun to drive and handles well.

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  Want More - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Raghead - September 30 - 12:43 pm

  I own 4 Escorts,3 99s,1 98. My daily driver is a 2.0 SP 5 Sp sedan. This is the best car Ive ever owned. It had 32K miles when purchased and now has 132K. I have replaced 1 set of tires,1 tie rod end and the spark plugs. I drive the car extremely hard.The tach sees 5 grand every day. Fun to drive, handles like a dream and 32 MPG. None of my Escorts has ever left me or my wife stranded. If they still made them Id buy a new one. Great car.

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  Great car - 1999 Ford Escort
  By Mr. Burger - September 21 - 2:54 pm

  I have put 194,000 miles on so far and have had no maintenance issues thus far. Change the oil every 3,500, thats it. Am still averaging 35.4 MPG. This has been a great can and expect to get 300,000 miles out of it easy.

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  Escort - 2000 Ford Escort
  By stephen - September 6 - 4:55 pm

  I love my Escort zx2. I too have also changed the tie rod. I have had a lot of vacuum leaks. I had to replace all the bearings. trensmission gets confused. It does not like stop and go traffic. Replaced transmission. The car hates the heat, you lose way too much power and gas when air conditioning is on. Have to put the pedal to the metal so I dont use it. Nice power, great handling...( eibach suspension). The serpentine belt loves to come off especially in rain. Very quiet car. Put rims on it so I have wider tires. Audio is very easy to do. Engine parts easy to change. Handles well in fender bender. Other than normal maintanance from being old... I love my car.

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  Home Run for Ford - 2002 Ford Escort
  By Josh - July 21 - 12:17 am

  Bought my 02 in 2006 with 17000 miles on it for $4500 its loaded with every option. Now there are 58000 miles on it with nothing other than oil changes. This car cant be beat for the price, performance, and reliability. The lowest mileage I have ever had was 29 and that was in Houston traffic. On the highway 37-40 isnt unusual. Hands down, this is one of the most reliable models Ford has produced. There have been no recalls, yet Ford never really marketed this car at all. If you get the chance at least take it for a test drive. I never thought that I would end up in a four cylinder coupe - I was driving a 79 Bonneville - but I really love my car.

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  Best Ever - 1995 Ford Escort
  By Scott - July 3 - 12:21 pm

  Best car I ever owned! Got 33-34 mpg driving 75mph on freeways in Texas. Got up to 40mpg on 2 lane highways doing 55mph.

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  Cool Car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Johnny - June 4 - 7:34 pm

  i bought this car a few years ago with 135k and havnt had any major problems with it. I get about 25 mpg in city driving. Its sweet and fun to drive

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  Fun Car - 1990 Ford Escort
  By Jack - May 21 - 9:33 pm

  I bought this car 6 1/2 years ago with 132,000 miles on it. Now has 172K. Very reliable and fun to drive, stands out in a crowd. It gets decent gas mileage, 25 mpg in the city stop and go traffic. (Auto 3 spd) I will keep this car for a while and I have been pleased with it

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  The best car I own - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort_is_good - May 18 - 2:41 am

  I have a 2006 Grand Caravan SXT and a 2002 Eldorado ETC, but they simply dont compare to the 1997 Escort wagon. Shortly after I bought it the rear suspension began groaning over bumps. I never worried about it, but eventually it turned out to have broken rear springs -- relatively cheap to replace. Absolutely wonderful engine: I have the 2.0L SPI (split port injection) and it makes the correct amount of power. The chassis is still firm, steers straight, no squeaks, though it wont be long until the rust starts at this age. Ill just keep er going indefinitely as a winter-beater, top-notch reliability and ease of maintenance.

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  My Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By fubar1 - May 15 - 11:36 am

  I really like my 1997 Escort. It has lots of power and I really like the handling on dirt and asphalt roads. My only complaint is that the back of the car is too light and it likes to slide when going through curves on dirt roads at high speeds. But I added weight and it is great now.