Ford Escort (North America)

For the European counterpart, see Ford Escort (Europe). For the Escort ZX2, see Ford ZX2.

Ford Escort (North America)
Overview
Manufacturer	Ford
Production	1980–2003
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Layout	FF layout
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Pinto
Successor	Ford Focus

The North American variant of the Ford Escort is a compact car introduced by Ford in 1980 for the 1981 model year. Adopting the "Escort" name used by Ford of Europe since 1968 along with the general design and layout of the third-generation European Escort, it was the successor of the Ford Pinto, which had a tarnished reputation for quality and safety after a widely-publicized fuel tank defect. The Escort was one of Ford's most successful models in the 1980s, earning a much better reputation than the Pinto, which faced widely publicized safety issues. In fact, the Escort was the single best-selling car in its second year in the United States and during most of that decade.

The Escort was Ford's first front-wheel-drive car built in North America, a design popularized by the Volkswagen Rabbit. It also effectively replaced the smaller Ford Fiesta, which was imported from Europe from 1978 to 1980.

For 1991, the North American Escort would switch to a Mazda-derived platform and essentially became a twin of the Ford Laser, a compact car sold in Asia and Oceania that has always shared a platform and some powertrain options with the Mazda 323, and whose progenitor was available in North America as the 1988 Mercury Tracer. Redesigned on the same platform for the 1997 model year, the Escort was succeeded by the Ford Focus in 1999 for the 2000 model year in North America, although Escort production continued until 2002.

First generation (1981–1990)

First generation
Overview
Production	1980–1990
Model years	1981–1990
Assembly	Edison, New Jersey, United States Milpitas, California, United States Wayne, Michigan, United States Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door station wagon 5-door hatchback
Platform	Ford CE14 platform
Related	Mercury Lynx
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L CVH I4 1.9 L CVH I4 2.0 L Mazda RF diesel I4
Transmission	4-speed MTX-II manual 5-speed MTX-III 3-speed ATX/FLC automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	94.2 in (2,393 mm)
Length	169.4 in (4,303 mm) GT: 169.0 in (4,293 mm)
Width	65.9 in (1,674 mm)
Height	Hatchbacks: 53.7 in (1,364 mm) Sedan: 53.4 in (1,356 mm)
Curb weight	GT:2243lbs [1108kg]

The first American Escort first went on sale on October 3, 1980 for the 1981 model year. It was intended to share common components with the European Mk III Escort (as with its sister, the Mercury Lynx). It was launched with a 65 hp (48 kW), 1.6-liter hemi overhead cam inline-four. It was available as a three-door hatchback and as a five-door station wagon, with a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. The five-door hatchback followed a year later. It had considerably more chrome than the model sold elsewhere (except for the 1981 SS model/1982- GT models which featured blacked out trim). 1981 models never had the Blue Oval logo; on the front fenders there was an Escort badge which included a globe representing the earth, which implied this was a "World Car". The car was freshened in 1982, and added Ford's Blue Oval logo for the first time along with a newer grille. For 1982 models, the base price of the Escort 3-door was $5,518.

For 1984, the GLX model was dropped and replaced with a fuel injected LX model, available as a five-door hatchback or wagon, with a GT engine, blackout trim, and "Butterfly" styled cast aluminum wheels. The interior received a new dashboard, and a new rubber shift boot for manual models; automatic models received a new gear selector lever with a straight line for gear selection instead of the twisting "?" mark pattern of the previous models. Flush headlamps, revised taillamps and restyled steel wheels appeared when the Escort was revised and introduced as the 1985.5 Ford Escort. There was also the Ford EXP, and sister version Mercury LN7, targeting the sports car market, essentially a two-seat hatch with lower roofline which was not as successful as other body styles.

Although the basic silhouette was the same, it was almost completely different from the European version, apart from the Ford CVH engine. There was a 1.6 L engine, a 4-speed MTX-2 and a 5-speed MTX-3 manual transmission as standard options, and an optional 3-speed ATX/FLC automatic transmission. A 1.3 L engine was designed and prototyped but did not see production due to lack of power, and an inability to get it certified. Beginning in 1983, a GT model offered a multi-port EFI version of the 1.6 L four-cylinder that increased power by 20 hp over the base carbureted version. It also came with a 5-speed transmission, TRX handling package, front and rear spoilers, metric-sized alloy wheels and fog lights. Also beginning in 1982, the Ford EXP had the option of the turbocharged 1.6 L four-cylinder rated at 120 hp (89 kW) and matching torque, a fairly sporty package, considering that the Mustang GT of that period was rated at 175 hp (130 kW) and was much heavier.

Engines

• 1980–1985 1.6 L CVH I4, 68 hp (51 kW)
• 1982–1985 1.6 L turbocharged CVH I4, 120 hp (89 kW)
• 1983–1985 2.0 L RF diesel I4, 52 hp (39 kW)

1985–1990

The 1985½ model received a facelift (less chrome, restyled tail lamps, flush headlights), and the 1.6 L engine was replaced with a 1.9 L. GT models featured a high output engine with revised intake manifold, cylinder head and a real header available only with a manual transmission. The Lynx was retired for 1987, but was replaced by the Mazda 323-derived Tracer model. [This Mazda platform was revamped in 1989 and debuted as the 1990 Mazda Protege. The updated platform would form the basis for the next generation (1990–1996) Escort/Tracer.]

The Escort saw another minor facelift in mid-1988, which smoothed out the front and rear fascias. New plastic bumpers (which replaced the metal bumpers), larger rear side windows, a more rounded rear-end design and larger (14 inch versus 13 inch) wheels modernized the look of the cars. Three-door hatchback models had a curving windowline along the side towards the rear of the car. The engine was also updated with a slightly revised camshaft and roller lifters. The new design is commonly referred to as the "88.5" year, and existed until the end of the 1990 model year.

Finding some popularity during the final three years of this generation was the Pony model, which was the least-expensive U.S.-built Ford at the time. Pony models used plainer interior trim with greater use of vinyl and plastic instead of cloth, and a 4-speed manual transaxle was standard, although buyers could opt for the 5-speed found in LX models or the 3-speed ATX automatic. The list of available options was very limited, to the extent that such luxuries as power steering and factory-installed air conditioning were not offered (a dealer-installed A/C system was available). Given their lighter weight, Pony models were known for their ability to deliver excellent fuel economy—mileage upwards of 40 mpg_‑US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_‑imp) in highway driving was not uncommon.

• 

  1981 Ford Escort GLX 3-door

• 

  1986–1988 Ford Escort 5-door

• 

  1988–1990 Ford Escort LX 5-door

• 

  1988–1990 Ford Escort LX wagon

Engines

• 1985–1988 1.9 L CVH I4, 86 hp (64 kW)
• 1988–1990 1.9 L CVH I4, 90 hp (67 kW)
• 1985–1988 1.9 L CVH High Output I4, 108 hp (81 kW)
• 1988–1990 1.9 L CVH High Output I4, 110 hp (82 kW)
• 1985–1989 2.0 L RF diesel I4, 52 hp (39 kW)

Model year changes

1981 - All new model - the Escort was a world car. Original trims were Base, L, GL, GLX and SS. Mercury Lynx is Escort's twin.

1982 - The GT replaced the SS. There were now new trims as the Base, L, GL, GLX and GT.

Second generation (1991–1996)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Ford Laser (Asia and Oceania)
Production	April 1990–1996
Model years	1991–1996
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, United States Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 5-door hatchback
Platform	Mazda B platform
Related	Mazda 323 Mazda Protegé Mercury Tracer
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L BP I4 1.9 L CVH I4
Transmission	5-speed F series manual (1.9) 5-speed G5M manual (1.8) 4-speed F-4EAT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	98.4 in (2,499 mm)
Length	170.0 in (4,318 mm) Wagon: 171.3 in (4,351 mm) 1992 & 1995–96 Sedan: 170.9 in (4,341 mm)
Width	66.7 in (1,694 mm)
Height	Sedan: 52.7 in (1,339 mm) Hatchbacks: 52.5 in (1,334 mm) Wagon: 53.6 in (1,361 mm)
Curb weight	3-Door Hatchback – 2355 lbs (1068 kg) 5-Door Hatchback – 2385 lbs (1082 kg) 4-Door Sedan – 2404 lbs (1090 kg) 5-Door Wagon – 2491 lbs (1130 kg)

For 1991, the Escort and the Mercury Tracer were replaced by models based on the Mazda B platform (BG), which was also used by the Mazda 323, Protegé and first generation Kia Sephia. Ford, which owned a 25% stake in Mazda, already sold a version of the 323/Familia in Asia and Australasia, called the Ford Laser, which had replaced the old rear-wheel drive Escort there. Although the Escort was now essentially a twin of the Laser instead of the European Escort, it kept the Escort name in North America due to strong brand equity on the Escort name as well as Chrysler already using the Laser name on the Plymouth equivalent of the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

The prior Escort used localized engines and shared some elements of design with the European model. The Escort for the 1990s, however, would be almost identical to the Ford Laser and its derivatives, with minor differences in appearance and base engine. While the Laser would feature identical powertrains to the Mazda Familia, the Escort carried over the 1.9 liter 8-valve Ford-designed CVH engine from the previous Escort, with the GT and LX-E receiving the Mazda-built 1.8 L BP I4. Much of the external styling mimicked the first generation Ford Taurus, no doubt Ford's hope to give the Escort the appeal of that successful model.

This generation of the Escort was one of the first Ford automobiles to feature, on the 1.9 L engine, distributorless ignition (known as EDIS, Electronic Distributorless Ignition System). It also featured a new electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as an independent rear suspension, both (at the time) relatively uncommon in cars in this class.

The Mazda-based model sold sluggishly in America at first, since only hatchback models were offered upon launch, but became popular later by 1992, after the sedan was introduced, available in either LX or LX-E trim levels.

For the 1993–1995 model years, Ford offered the Escort on a "one price" basis, with the same price for a three- or five-door hatchback, a sedan or a wagon when equipped with the most popular options (3-doors quickly added alloy wheels to the "one price" specification). The LX-E, equipped with the same sporting equipment as the GT and Mazda Protege LX (four-wheel disc brakes, larger front brakes, larger clutch, equal-length driveshafts, larger anti-roll bars, dual-outlet exhaust, sport interior and 1.8 L Mazda DOHC 16-valve engine), lasted only until 1993. The Pony departed in 1992, replaced by the Standard trim level.

Trim levels were originally Pony, LX, and GT. The GT was the North American equivalent of the Laser XR3i version, featuring a 1.8 L Mazda DOHC engine. The LX and Standard or Pony were equipped with the 1.9 L overhead cam 8-valve CVH inline 4. The Pony or later Standard was the base trim level, lacking most features like power steering or a radio. The LX was the upscale trim level, and a Sport package could be added to make it look like a GT. Subtle differences can be noticed in all three Escort models (sedan, hatchback and wagon) from 1990–1996. In 1992, the grill oval hall around the "Ford" emblem became a little larger in order to allow more air to enter under the hood to cool the engine. In 1993, the wheel size was changed from 13 inches to 14 inches and the black exterior door handles were changed to match the exterior color of the car. A driver's airbag was introduced in 1993 as well, and by 1994, both driver and passenger airbags were standard with the redesigned dash for the 1995 model year.

Engines

• 1990–1996 1.9 L (1859 cc) CVH I4, 88 hp (66 kW) 108 ft⋅lbf (146 N⋅m), Standard/Pony and LX
• 1990–1996 1.8 L (1839 cc) Mazda BP I4, 127 hp (95 kW) 114 ft⋅lbf (155 N⋅m), LX-E and GT

1993 Ford Escort wagon  1993 Ford Escort LX 5-door hatch  1994–1996 Ford Escort LX 3-door hatch  1994 Ford Escort GT

Third generation (1997–2002)

Third generation
Overview
Production	1996–2002
Model years	1997–2002
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, United States Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Body and chassis
Class	Compact
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon
Platform	Mazda B platform
Related	Mazda Protegé Mercury Tracer
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L SPI2000 SOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed G5M manual 4-speed F-4EAT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	98.4 in (2,499 mm)
Length	Wagon: 172.7 in (4,390 mm) Sedan: 174.7 in (4,440 mm)
Width	67.0 in (1,700 mm)
Height	Sedan: 53.3 in (1,354 mm) Wagon: 53.9 in (1,369 mm)
Curb weight	2,468 lb (1,119 kg)

The restyle dropped the hatchbacks and added a new sporty coupe for the 1997 model year.

The 1998 Escort ZX2 replaced the Ford Probe as Ford's sport compact car. The ZX2 was a much lower-slung and rakish car than either the Escort sedan and wagon, aimed squarely at the youth market as a replacement for the Escort GT (although lacking the latter's rear disc brake setup) and was built exclusively at Ford's Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico assembly plant. The interior was refreshed for 1999, and the model was retired after 2003. It had a completely redesigned dashboard, and included a panel that unified the heat and radio controls, similar to that of the third generation Ford Taurus.

The 1998 Escort ZX2 coupe featured the 2.0 L, 130 hp (97 kW) Zetec DOHC four-cylinder engine as standard equipment, an option unavailable on the sedan or wagon. Intended for use as the base engine in the larger European Ford Mondeo and its American cousins, the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique, the Zetec gave the ZX2 more-than-respectable performance, running 0–60 in 7.4 seconds.

The 1999 and 2000 models offered a performance limited edition ZX2 S/R which further enhanced the car's performance in every aspect.

The Escort sedan and wagon used the lower-powered CVH SPI2000 engine with 110 hp (82 kW). Subtle differences can be noticed in the Escort sedan from 1996–2002. The trim lines for 1997 were base and LX, for 1998–2002 it was offered in LX and SE trims. For 1999, the reverse lights were moved into the same piece as the tail lamps; they were previously below the tail lamp on the body.

A very rare trim package could be found with chrome 14 in (36 cm) wheel covers and other features. It was offered in 1999.

Ford Escort LX wagon

The Escort was offered in a Sport package as well. The Mercury Tracer's version was called the Trio or Sport depending on the year. A basketweave type of wheel was put on the Tracer Trio while a flower petal pattern was used on the Tracer Sport. The Sport/Trio package included aluminum wheels, sport exhaust tip, a tachometer, and a rear decklid spoiler.

The Escort wagon largely retained the same body style, gaining only the new interior, front end & fascia, side-view mirrors, door handles, badging, and slightly restyled taillamps & reflectors. The black window frames on the doors of some models became body-colored.

Both the Escort wagon and the Mercury Tracer sedan and wagon were discontinued after 1999. The Escort sedan was discontinued in 2000, but continued to be sold as fleet & rental cars only. It was replaced by the Ford Focus. The last Ford Escort rolled off the assembly line on February 20, 2002. The last ZX2 rolled off the assembly line on March 21, 2003. In Mexico, it was replaced by the smaller Ford Ikon.

Engines

• 1997–2002 2.0 L (1986 cc) CVH SPI2000, SOHC I4, 110 hp (82 kW) @ 5000 rpm, 125 ft⋅lbf (169 N⋅m) @ 3750 rpm, redline 5500 rpm Sedan and Wagon
• 1998–2003 2.0 L (1989 cc) Zetec, DOHC I4, 130 hp (97 kW) @ 5750 rpm, 127 ft⋅lbf (172 N⋅m) @ 4250 rpm, redline 6500 rpm, 7200 Rpm rev limiter ZX2
• 1999–2000 2.0 L (1989 cc) Zetec, DOHC I4, 143 hp (107 kW), 146 ft⋅lbf (198 N⋅m) ZX2 S/R

ZX2

ZX2
Overview
Also called	Ford Escort ZX2
Production	1997–2003 (USA) 1997–2000 (Canada & Mexico)
Body and chassis
Class	Sport compact
Body style	2-door coupe
Platform	Mazda B platform
Related	Mazda Protegé Mercury Tracer
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L Zetec DOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed G5M manual 4-speed F-4EAT automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	98.4 in (2,500 mm)
Length	175.2 in (4,450 mm)
Width	67.4 in (1,710 mm)
Height	52.3 in (1,330 mm)
Curb weight	2,478 lb (1,124 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Ford Probe

2003 Ford ZX2

For 2001, the sedan was limited to fleet sales only and the Escort moniker on the Escort ZX2 was quietly dropped, making the car officially just ZX2.

The Ford Focus debuted in 1998 (1999 in U.S.) and was produced concurrently with the ZX2. Though not without its fans, both then and now, and still fairly well represented in the automotive aftermarket, the ZX2 was replaced by the Focus ZX3, ZX4 and ZX5. Though the two cars shared the same Zetec engine, there were a few differences. The Focus lacked the exhaust-side VCT, and contained less aggressive camshafts that pushed the power band down a few hundred RPM. The two models shared the same block but, due to the different camshafts and the different cylinder head, the torque output for the Focus was bumped up by 8 ft⋅lbf (11 N⋅m). Thanks to better gearing and less weight, the ZX2 continued to outperform the Focus. The ZX2 continued with little more than 15 in (38 cm) alloy wheels and a rear defroster now offered as standard equipment, and for 2003, a revised front fascia. Production ceased at the end of the 2003 model year.

ZX2 S/R

The increased presence and success of tuner models from overseas in the late 90s caused Ford to create their own performance model, the ZX2 S/R. Meant to compete with cheap factory performance compacts such as the Honda Civic Si or the Dodge Neon ACR, Ford created the ZX2 S/R to show that they had plenty to bring to the table. Its initial debut was at SEMA's Import Auto Salon in Pomona in 1999. The ZX2 S/R was the first product jointly developed by Ford Racing and Ford Motor Company's Small Vehicle Center Product Development.

Ford's final limited production count was 2,110 units, consisting of 110 yellow S/Rs for 1999, the first two of which were sold in Columbus, Ohio, and the other 108 in California; and for 2000, 500 black, 500 red and 1,000 yellow S/Rs were sold. The upgrade price to the S/R package was $1,500 in both years. It is believed that only 35 of those 2000 S/Rs were sold in Canada, making it a very rare trim there.

The optional S/R package adds stiffer suspension parts (Eibach springs (M-5560-Z2), Tokico struts (M-18000-Z2) and Energy Suspension brand polyurethane suspension bushings), more power (through a Ford Racing PCM (M-12650-Z2)), more efficient intake (Roush or Iceman), rear disc brakes (M-2300-Z2), a stronger clutch (Centerforce dual friction M-7560-Z2), a short-throw B&M manual-transmission shifter (M-7210-Z2), an S/R-unique shift knob (M-7213-Z2) and boot (M-7277-Z2), upgraded seats, a unique blue valve cover, a different speed cluster that goes up to 150 mph (240 km/h) and a unique tire/wheel package. Engine power was increased 10% over the base Zetec engine used in the ZX2 to 143 bhp (107 kW; 145 PS), courtesy of a recommended premium fuel re-calibration, new air inlet system, the performance PCM, improved Borla muffler and pipe (M-5230-Z2). All ZX2 S/R have a special "S/R" badge on the back, either silver (on a red car) or red (on a yellow or black car). Some S/R went out of the assembly plant without some of the performance mods (example: missing the Centerforce clutch). The suspension bushings were not installed at the factory but instead packaged with the car for installation at the dealership. This also led to many cars leaving the showroom without the full complement of S/R parts.

Sales

Calendar Year	American sales
1999	260,486
2000	110,736
2001	90,503
2002	51,857
2003 (ZX2 only)	25,473
2004 (ZX2 only)	1,210

References

• ZX2 Motorsports
• EscortSport.com Specifications Ford Escort History
• TeamZX2
• "Ford Escort may return as 100mpg hybrid"

External links

• EscortSport.com Ford Escort Technical Information
• Ward's article on Escort development
• Edmunds most significant car of 1981
• ZX2 S/R Takes Fun to Higher Level
• Ford Escort Owners Association web forum