Ford Escort (North America)

Using a name from Ford's European subcompact line, the North American Ford Escort was introduced in 1981 as Ford's first front wheel drive subcompact car, replacing the short-lived German-built Fiesta and the outdated and controversial Pinto. Mercury introduced a Lynx version (which replaced the previous Bobcat), which differed slightly in a little fancier trim, a different grille and taillights. The Escort was a tremendous success for Ford, and allowed the company to quickly distance itself from the troubled Pinto. The Escort name would span a total of of 23 model years and 3 generations and be available in virtually all bodystyles (including a 2-seat sport coupe) before finally being retired after 2000, replaced by the Focus.

See separate Mercury Lynx or Mercury Tracer entries for more information on those models.

Here's a brief rundown on each generation:

1st Generation (1981-1990)
The Escort and Lynx debut in 1981 to much fanfare, being touted as Ford's first "World Car", since this debut coincided with the introduction of an all-new front wheel drive Escort in Europe as well. Although the cars were very different, they were dimensionally similar and shared largely the same mission. The Escort was available in a 3-door hatchback model, a 4-door station wagon, and a 5 door hatchback. Trim packages included the base model, with upper-level GL and sporty SS models available (the only Ford model known to ever use the "SS" designation), the latter with a blacked-out grille and trim and full instrumentation. Base (and only) engine was a 69 hp 1.6L (97 cid) I4, with either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission (sorry - transaxle). Escorts all had fully-independent suspensions and rack and pinion steering.

In 1982, Ford expanded the car's body line by adding a 5-door hatchback model. The 3-door and wagon continued. Visually they were identical to the 1981s. Trim levels were expanded, they were now Base, L, GL, GLX and SS. The latter got a minor power boost this year to 80, while the rest still used the 69 hp version of the 1.6. The SS was short-lived this year, however, and was replaced with a GT model mid-year. A rather curious bug-eyed Escort spinoff also debuted this year, the EXP, which was a 2-seat 3-door sport coupe (Mercury would call their version LN7, and differed by offering a bubbleback hatchback design, but they were otherwise identical).

1983 models got a new grille, and the "L" was now the base model. Escort GT models got another small power boost to 88 hp and gained fuel injection. Mid-year, a turbo version of the 1.6 engine was offered in the GT, rated at 120 hp. A 5-speed manual transmission would now be available on all but the L models. Mercury would drop its 2-seat LN7 variant at the end of this year. Not many changes in 1984, other than a Mazda-produced 2.0L (122 cid) Diesel I4 became optional, available only with the 5-speed manual transmission. Other Escort models would continue as before. A softer, more rounded dash panel debuted, accompanied by a new 3-spoke steering wheel with the horn put back in the center of the hub, being moved from the end of the turn-signal stalk where it was previously. The turbo option was continued on the GT and expanded to the EXP as well this year, but not many buyers were opting for either one.

Early 1985 models continued with no change other than the turbo option being dropped for the GT. Mid year 1985 models (known as 1985 1/2 models), however, got their first restyle since their introduction. Changes included a revised interior with a new dashboard, a longer nose, flush-mounted aerodynamic headlights, different tail lights now having three horizontal segments, and a different grille. The pokey 1.6L I4 was dropped in favor of a larger 1.9L (118 cid) I4 rated at 86 hp, a much-needed improvement. The diesel option remained, although it was finding very few takers. The GLX model was dropped, the top-trim model was now the GL. All 1986 models got the required Center Mounted High-Mounted Stop Lamp, and the base 3-door model was now known as the Pony models (a name previously used on base Pinto models). An all-new GT model was added this year, with a 108 hp EFI 1.9L I4, and other visual effects to distance itself from lesser Escorts, such as an asymmetrical grille opening, front and rear spoilers, lower body sills, and a front air dam with integral fog lamps, 15" alloy wheels and 65-series tires. Mercury would have an equivalent Lynx model, called the XR3 (a designation also used on the sporty European Ford Escort model).  The 2-seat EXP was restyled this year, and was renamed Escort EXP.  Not many changes at all for 1987, other than the base 1.9 engine receiving fuel injection and a slight hp boost to 90 (the GT was now rated at 110).

3 things happened in early 1988: The diesel engine was quietly dropped (it's doubtful anyone even noticed), Mercury dropped the Lynx after 1987, replacing it with the Tracer, and the 2-seat Escort EXP went bye-bye also. This year, Ford did another mid-year restyle, calling the new models (you guessed it) 1988 1/2 models. The nose and tail were redesigned along with front fenders, rear quarter panels, and completely new taillights. 14" tires were now standard on all models except the GTs, which kept the 15s. The GL and new LX model were now the new top of the line trim levels.  GTs continued with the 110 hp 1.9 engine and received a new grille, lower body moldings and a new rear spoiler.  1989 models continued virtually unchanged, and 1990 models, other than having outboard shoulder-mounted safety belts for the rear seat, were likewise left pretty much untouched as an all-new 1991 model would make an early 1990 introduction.  After 10 model years it was time for a change.

Main Competitors

 * AMC Spirit
 * Buick Skyhawk
 * Chevrolet Cavalier
 * Chevrolet Chevette
 * Chevrolet Sprint
 * Dodge Colt
 * Dodge Omni
 * Honda Civic
 * Hyundai Excel
 * Mazda GLC/323
 * Mitsubishi Mirage
 * Nissan Sentra
 * Oldsmobile Firenza
 * Plymouth Colt
 * Plymouth Horizon
 * Pontiac Sunbird
 * Pontiac 1000
 * Subaru GL
 * Toyota Corolla
 * Toyota Tercel
 * Volkswagen Rabbit/Golf

2nd Generation (1991-1996)
The Escort was all new for 1991 and now based on a modified Mazda 323 platform. The wheelbase was stretched 4", the sole engine was still the 90 hp 1.9L I4 carried over from the previous generation, but the new car had a lower hoodline due to the engine being tilted forward. 3- and 5-door hatchbacks as well as the 5-door wagons continued.  A 5-speed manual was still standard, but a 4-speed automatic replaced the old 3-speed unit.  Ponys were still the base model, along with an upper-level LX model.  The big news this year was all about the Escort GT model, finally coming into its own in this generation.  The new GT engine was a Mazda-produced 127 hp DOHC 1.8L (110 cid) I4, and again had a unique asymmetrical grille openings (although this time the slats were diagonal instead of horizontal), and sported lower body moldings and a rear spoiler.  Full-width tail light lenses and 4-wheel disc brakes were thrown in with the deal as well.  Mercury introduced its all-new Tracer this year after taking a year off last year.

In 1992, a 4-door notchback sedan was added to the lineup for the first time. A new LX-E package was available on the sedan, sharing the GT's 127 hp 1.8L engine and upgraded suspension goodies (basically the LX-E was a sedan version of the GT). Base Escort models dropped the Pony designation, the base model became the L again. In 1993, all models got a slightly revised grille, and lesser Escorts could now have a "sport appearance package" which offered the looks of the GT without the GT's engine and suspension. 1994 Escorts got driver's side airbags and the sporty LX-E package was dropped (although its Mercury Tracer LTS-twin continued), and 1995 models got dual airbags, finally eliminating the dreaded motorized shoulder seat belts. Sport versions of the Escort became available for the four-door models (both hatchback and notchback) in 1996, and these featured alloy wheels, a rear spoiler and a tachometer. An all new design would debut for 1997.

3rd Generation (1997-2000)
The Escort platform remained largely unchanged, but styling was all new again for 1997. The styling more rounded and was 4" longer than the previous car - some in the automotive press claimed the new Escort now resembled a scaled-down Taurus. It was now available only as a 4-door notchback sedan or a 5-door wagon - no more hatchbacks.  The GT model was gone too, the new standard engine was a 2.0L (120 cid) I4 rated at 110 hp, available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.  Models were now base and LX.  "Sport" models were available, having special decals, alloy 14" wheels, chrome exhaust tip, gauge package, and slightly different seats. Not many changes for 1998 models other than the base model was now the LX and the top-level model was now the SE. A 2-door coupe called the ZX2 debuted, effectively replacing the old GT model of the previous generation (see separate report). The wagon model and the Tracer would both be gone after 1999 - the Tracer would have no direct replacement. No changes to speak of in 2000, which consisted of only the sedan and ZX2. The 2000 model year was in effect the Escort's last year. Ford introduced the Escort's replacement this year, the Focus, which was also largely based on Ford's European subcompact design. The Escort was available in 2001-2002 only in fleet sales (rental car agencies and such) and not sold to the general public, but the ZX2 coupe lived on until the end of 2003.

Main Competitors (1991-2000)

 * Chevrolet Cavalier
 * Dodge Colt
 * Dodge Neon
 * Eagle Summit
 * Geo Metro
 * Honda Civic
 * Hyundai Excel/Accent
 * Mazda 323/Protege
 * Mitsubishi Mirage
 * Nissan Sentra
 * Plymouth Colt
 * Plymouth Neon
 * Pontiac Sunbird/Sunfire
 * Pontiac 1000
 * Subaru GL/Impreza
 * Toyota Corolla
 * Toyota Tercel
 * Volkswagen Golf