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 1 through 10 of 93.00

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  Plenty Left at 150,000 Miles - 1997 Ford Escort
  By bisjoe - December 11 - 5:52 pm

  My 97 just got a new clutch, just before that a new serpentine belt. Other than those recent jobs only brakes, tires and oil changes and its still getting me to work every day at 32 mpg. For a cheap little car the quality has been surprisingly good, even great.

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  Bullet proof - 1997 Ford Escort
  By John - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I hope I dont jinx myself, but my Escort seems indestructible. I bought it with 72,000 miles and it just turned over 237000! It runs like a champ and gets 33-34mpg consistently. It still has the original clutch, struts, and even exhaust system! I would not hesitate to drive it cross-country. I typically change the oil at around 4K- 5K miles (most of my miles are pretty easy, few city miles) and it is never more than 1/2 quart low on oil. I love my Escort and will be very sad when I finally have to replace it. Im shooting for 300,000 miles!

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  1997 Ford Escort station wagon - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Fay Forto - September 13 - 2:57 am

  It drives like new. I enjoy driving it and it is a great gas saver. I can drive all day long and it is fun to drive it. It takes 5 passengers including me the driver. It drives very smoothly. I can put groceries behind the back seat. I can also put things on top of the car. It is very useful to me. I love it because it gives the same comfort just like a mini van or SUV. It is very comfortable. It provides what I need in a car. I do not have to spend a whole lot of money buying an expensive car because this one provides me what I really needed in a car. I enjoy driving it and I want other car owners to know that it is not just foreign cars that saves me gas. I am happy with it.

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  I cant find a better car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Grunchy - August 24 - 1:52 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 with 160,000 km on the odometer (7 years old). Its now up to 230,000 km and runs the same. Not a lot of maintenance in that time, total must be < $500 for 5 years. I changed the timing belt because I didnt know its history, had the broken rear springs replaced (mainly because they made a disagreeable "clunk" noise). The CV joint boot split one day so I had CV joints done. The front brake discs developed a warp so I changed the pair for $65 Cdn including tax -- the pads still have lots of meat! The car still runs great, no problems. I am having an extremely difficult time finding a replacement that has the same features & functionality(its now 12 years old).

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  Just OK - 1997 Ford Escort
  By Matt - July 29 - 7:59 pm

  I have no complaints about the car other than the fact that the performance is basically non-existent. But for a 2L four, what can you expect. The mileage is ok, I usually get around 26 combined city/highway. Over the years its just been routine maintenance: oil, filters, belts, and the water-pump.

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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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  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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  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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  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.

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  Alright Car - 1997 Ford Escort
  By daf58 - August 8 - 10:12 pm

  Purchased this car at 30,000 miles. Has been very good to me, only minor repairs have been needed. Have owned this car for almost 10 years and I am very pleased, I now have close to 180,000 miles and this little Escort is still running strong.