Overview & Reviews

The Ford Escort is totally redesigned this year with improvements across the board. The most noticeable improvements are in the powertrain and ride quality. New sheet metal gives the Escort a rounder, more aerodynamic appearance as well. The GT hatchback version is dropped.

• Attractive new design. Good cargo space. Zippy new engine makes driving this car fun.

• Not much rear seat room.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 93.00

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  Great Little Car! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By mcaldwell - January 24 - 9:16 pm

  We bought this car brand new in 1996 when I was just four years old. This car has never failed to get us where we need to go! We even took it up to Canada one summer and it drove superbly! The gas mileage is a definite plus, however now that Im no longer my little four-year-old self, and am 6ft tall, the back seat is extremely tough to get into. Its now our secondary car and we almost never put the whole family in it. I share it with my mom and it is a great, easy, reliable car with just enough get up and go to get me out of trouble and keep me out of it! The clutch is amazing its lasted over 106,000 miles and its still like new! The only comlaint is a loss of power with the AC on.

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  Modern version of the Model T! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Just keeps going! - June 19 - 9:04 pm

  In 1903 Ford started off building reliable, easy to drive, inexpensive to buy, and reliable cars...the Model A. The Ford Escort and newer Ford Focus prove that Ford never lost sight of their heritage! (except briefly with the Pinto!) We bought this 1997 Escort new off the lot in 1996, when they first came out with the new generation Escort. It was improved in every way over the older Escort that I traded in. 150,000 miles later, I can honestly say that it beat every Honda and Toyota I ever owned, dating back to 1971! Reliable to a fault, great mileage, durability, easy to drive. Just about the perfect transportation car.

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  Great Mileage - 1997 Ford Escort
  By madhatter - May 20 - 6:22 pm

  I bought this with 30,000 miles. Last year she rolled 210,000 and just flat died. I looked around for a replacement, but couldnt find anything that was even close to a match for comfort, mileage and room. I commute daily and need carrying room. I opted for another engine. It took a bit to get the bugs worked out, but now I am super happy with it. My mileage ranges anywhere from 30-33 depending upon the weather. I use this in the most adverse conditions daily. It has been through -30 temperatures and 70 mph winds, closed roads and snow so deep you were plowing with the bumper. I just cant match this one for a commuter car - my workhorse!

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  The little red car that could! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By pickleman - May 15 - 5:21 pm

  Bought this car new, and paid only $10,000! This car has paid for itself so many times over, I ought to build a shrine to it! This is the 4 door sedan, the LX sport. It came with special sport seats with rear headrests and different fabric than the base model, plus a better radio, a wing on the trunk, nicer alloy wheels, spoiler, etc. 170,000 miles with only wear and tear items replaced (belts, engine mount, catalytic converter) the front head light lenses fogged over and replaced, several sets of tires and brakes and oil changes pretty much it!

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  The Best Escort they ever made - 1997 Ford Escort
  By HELLO - March 18 - 8:45 pm

  I have a metalic green (love the color) 1997 Ford Escort LX and it has been the best investment I have ever made. I have owned this car over 11 1/2 years and have had only small issues with the vehicle outside the routine maintanance up until recently 145,000 miles(starting to burn oil). First of all the cup holders were to shallow to hold big cups which triggered spilled drinks if making quick turns. The rear stock springs cracked shortly after I had the car but drove it for 9 years anyway. The front tie rods are a stress point which wear out quick if you do a lot of quick radius turning. I guess I cant complain about 40,000 miles when the replacement parts are less than $100.00.

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  Great car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Aaron - March 16 - 11:52 am

  Id buy this car again! I have the A/T, A/C, manual windows, man. locks, no cruise. I avg. 30-32 mpg, best road trip 40 mpg (50-55 mph). I use this car to carry some carpentry gear, Ive packed it tight w/ lots of tools, carries 10 /8-0" studs, roof rack can do 200+ lbs lumber, Lumbar stinks, I use a booster lumbar support, drink holders poorly designed, panic button on key fob occasionally annoying. Low maintenance costs, run synthetic oil, snows up front for winter (decent in snow up to 4"). Ford should have made the rear seats removable for cargo & fuel economy. Im going to install scan guage II for improved mpg, switching back to summer tires, use a K&N air filter.

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  My new car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Gary Grove - January 24 - 9:21 am

  I like the size and the handling.The gas mileage is great. All maintance was normal. The price fit into budget. I like the color.

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  Great Utility Vehicle - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Escort Owner - January 22 - 8:50 am

  Have had no major problems other than blowing a head gasket at 130K miles. Fixed that for less than $300 with a box of wrenches and a Haynes manual. Drove crosscountry twice, and was main travel vehicle for years. Have hauled 1000 lbs of concrete in the back. Busted the shocks! 4x8 plywood fits nicely on the luggage rack. This car has carried the mail for me and my family for a long time. We used to joke about it being my sons first car. He was 1 when we got it. In a few years he will be old enough to drive it so it just may be. Its not fancy by any means but peppy for a small car. All in all its been worth every penny.

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  1997 Ford Escort - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Unice Redd - January 11 - 12:25 am

  I love to drive and this car was a challenge at first, (5 sp) but once I got the hang of it...Had only one mechanical problem, needed a check up. Durable, dependable, great on mileage, low maintenance.

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  The little car that could! 10 years! - 1997 Ford Escort
  By westcoastcop - December 14 - 5:07 pm

  Bought it new, put 160,000 miles on it with only an engine mount and electric cooling fan replaced, and several burned out bulbs. Other than that, routine fluid/filter changes, couple of batteries and one tune up plus some tire replacement and brake pads...thats it! Reliable! Never let me down, never stranded me, never disapointed me! Still looks new, red sports model 4 door, I put a cd player in it when my son was starting to drive it.