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1997
Ford Escort

Starts at:
$11,795
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Available trims

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  • 4dr Sdn LX
    Starts at
    $11,795
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn LX
    Starts at
    $12,505
    26 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1997 Ford Escort review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

My first stint behind the wheel of a Ford Escort was not pleasant. It was 1983 or thereabouts, several years before I became an automotive writer, and the Escort in question was a Hertz rental in Los Angeles.

The car was awful. Even allowing for the suspect nature of it being a rental, it was wretched, it shook, it rattled, it stalled out at stop lights. I was so disgusted I took it back to the airport the next day and demanded a replacement.

Those were the darkest days for U.S.-built cars, and that Escort seemed to be the poster car for the “Buy Japanese” movement.

Slipping behind the wheel of a 1997 Escort, it’s hard to imagine that it is even remotely related to that rental from hell. In reality, only the name remains the same.

Ford has spent nearly 15 years perfecting its small car formula, and even before the appearance of the new ’97 model, buyers apparently agreed that the Escort had gotten pretty good – it has ranked among the top 10 bestselling cars in America for more than five years.

The 1997 model moves one step closer to perfection.

The test car being discussed here is the sportiest of Escorts, the ZX2 coupe. But many of the attributes that make the ZX2 a ball to drive can be found in the more utilitarian Escort.

Let’s start with the chassis. One of Ford’s consultants is world champion Formula One driver Jackie Stewart, who is highly critical of the notion that only sports cars have to handle well. He has pushed Ford to treat all of its cars as performance vehicles when it comes to cornering and braking — which can pay off in everyday driving situations, like accident avoidance.

That philosophy shows up in the Escort. It is very responsive to steering inputs, and even the base car has predictable understeer and not a lot of body roll.

On the ZX2, the performance edge is honed a little further. The basic setup is the same, but changes to items like suspension bushings, shock absorbers and springs give the ZX2 a sports-car feel.

The base Escort’s two-liter, 110-horsepower four-cylinder engine is adequate for most driving. It won’t pin you to your seat, but it will move the 2,500-pound, four-door sedan with alacrity.

On the ZX2, the engine is a 16-valve, double-overhead camshaft two-liter that produces 130 horsepower. The addition of 20 horses makes the Escort a nifty runner. It takes about nine seconds to get to 60 mph, with the multivalve four singing to its 6,000 rpm redline.

Transmission choices are a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The automatic on the ZX2 doesn’t dilute the performance aspect too much, but most buyers will want the five-speed. On a base Escort sedan, go for the automatic unless you just like shifting gears.

On styling, the new Escort is as handsome as any compact out there. Ford has built on the Taurus/Contour design theme, so you’ll know the Escort is part of the Blue Oval crowd.

Seating is very comfortable for four in the sedan, with enough leg room and head room in the back for two adults.

For the coupe, Ford opted to not just chop two doors out of the sedan. All of the coupe’s body panels are unique, and the car is slightly longer and wider than the sedan.

On the inside, the steering wheel, radio and air-conditioning controls and the center console are the only items shared with the sedan. The rear seat room is, predictably, less than in the four-door Escort. Kids will be comfortable, but adults will feel cramped.

The ZX2 is available in two trim levels — base and Sport. Choose the Sport option and you get 15-inch tires mounted on five-spoke wheels, a rear spoiler and special bucket seats.

The appeal of the Escort, particularly the ZX2 Sport, is its affordability. In an era when the average new car lists for more than $20,000, the Escort, which starts at about $13,000, seems quite a bargain.

And the ZX2, given the styling and erformance, is an affordable sporty coupe at $17,000.
SPECS
Base list price: $13,145
Price as tested: $17,550
Major options on test car: Preferred Equipment Group, $1,825; sport package, $595; automatic transmission, $815
Engine: Two-liter, DOHC four-cylinder
Horsepower: 130 @ 5,700 rpm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Weight: 2,555 pounds
0-to-60 mph: 9.5 seconds
Mileage: 25-33 mpg
Safety: Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, side impact beams
Competition: Toyota Paseo, Chevrolet Cavalier, Plymouth Neon

1997 Ford Escort review: Our expert's take
By

My first stint behind the wheel of a Ford Escort was not pleasant. It was 1983 or thereabouts, several years before I became an automotive writer, and the Escort in question was a Hertz rental in Los Angeles.

The car was awful. Even allowing for the suspect nature of it being a rental, it was wretched, it shook, it rattled, it stalled out at stop lights. I was so disgusted I took it back to the airport the next day and demanded a replacement.

Those were the darkest days for U.S.-built cars, and that Escort seemed to be the poster car for the “Buy Japanese” movement.

Slipping behind the wheel of a 1997 Escort, it’s hard to imagine that it is even remotely related to that rental from hell. In reality, only the name remains the same.

Ford has spent nearly 15 years perfecting its small car formula, and even before the appearance of the new ’97 model, buyers apparently agreed that the Escort had gotten pretty good – it has ranked among the top 10 bestselling cars in America for more than five years.

The 1997 model moves one step closer to perfection.

The test car being discussed here is the sportiest of Escorts, the ZX2 coupe. But many of the attributes that make the ZX2 a ball to drive can be found in the more utilitarian Escort.

Let’s start with the chassis. One of Ford’s consultants is world champion Formula One driver Jackie Stewart, who is highly critical of the notion that only sports cars have to handle well. He has pushed Ford to treat all of its cars as performance vehicles when it comes to cornering and braking — which can pay off in everyday driving situations, like accident avoidance.

That philosophy shows up in the Escort. It is very responsive to steering inputs, and even the base car has predictable understeer and not a lot of body roll.

On the ZX2, the performance edge is honed a little further. The basic setup is the same, but changes to items like suspension bushings, shock absorbers and springs give the ZX2 a sports-car feel.

The base Escort’s two-liter, 110-horsepower four-cylinder engine is adequate for most driving. It won’t pin you to your seat, but it will move the 2,500-pound, four-door sedan with alacrity.

On the ZX2, the engine is a 16-valve, double-overhead camshaft two-liter that produces 130 horsepower. The addition of 20 horses makes the Escort a nifty runner. It takes about nine seconds to get to 60 mph, with the multivalve four singing to its 6,000 rpm redline.

Transmission choices are a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. The automatic on the ZX2 doesn’t dilute the performance aspect too much, but most buyers will want the five-speed. On a base Escort sedan, go for the automatic unless you just like shifting gears.

On styling, the new Escort is as handsome as any compact out there. Ford has built on the Taurus/Contour design theme, so you’ll know the Escort is part of the Blue Oval crowd.

Seating is very comfortable for four in the sedan, with enough leg room and head room in the back for two adults.

For the coupe, Ford opted to not just chop two doors out of the sedan. All of the coupe’s body panels are unique, and the car is slightly longer and wider than the sedan.

On the inside, the steering wheel, radio and air-conditioning controls and the center console are the only items shared with the sedan. The rear seat room is, predictably, less than in the four-door Escort. Kids will be comfortable, but adults will feel cramped.

The ZX2 is available in two trim levels — base and Sport. Choose the Sport option and you get 15-inch tires mounted on five-spoke wheels, a rear spoiler and special bucket seats.

The appeal of the Escort, particularly the ZX2 Sport, is its affordability. In an era when the average new car lists for more than $20,000, the Escort, which starts at about $13,000, seems quite a bargain.

And the ZX2, given the styling and erformance, is an affordable sporty coupe at $17,000.
SPECS
Base list price: $13,145
Price as tested: $17,550
Major options on test car: Preferred Equipment Group, $1,825; sport package, $595; automatic transmission, $815
Engine: Two-liter, DOHC four-cylinder
Horsepower: 130 @ 5,700 rpm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Weight: 2,555 pounds
0-to-60 mph: 9.5 seconds
Mileage: 25-33 mpg
Safety: Dual air bags, anti-lock brakes, side impact beams
Competition: Toyota Paseo, Chevrolet Cavalier, Plymouth Neon

Safety review

Based on the 1997 Ford Escort base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 38 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.9
Interior 3.7
Performance 4.2
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • In 2014 bought a 1997 burgundy Escort LX .

    In 2014 bought a 1997 burgundy Escort LX . 147,000 miles on it. Now in the year 2024. My little red is still running great. Over these 10 years.... only needed a new alternator and battery recently. Starts like a charm warm or cold weather. Great on gas. ❤️ But am planning to sell. It's my second vehicle. Insurance has gone up twice, since 2022 5/18/24
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • U got beat by a what?

    Had both zx2 and sedan. First of all they are not slow cars out 5w20 senthetic oil n engine plus senthetic trans fluid n trans and man!!!!! You are moving fast . Off the line quick put rubber booster in front coil springs now it handles like a race car you won't looks get a a body kit . Me I only put on the front bumper and side skirt s on sedan on zx2 just the front bumper. Goto Walmart pick up the xx paint , paint white ,black,or silver now u turning heads. Chick magnet on the low good on gas too plus fast for the low. Know you're not going to best mustangs gto s chargers none of the big dog unless it's raining or snowing oh yes good n snow. But I have beat off the line slow v8 trucks slow v6 cars and car I didn't think I could beat plus they ride smooth with a bigger tire. Going to buy one tomorrow matter of fact. Great great ford card for the low low did I say low low. Trust.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • My Ford Escort is a 1997

    I love my Escort. It is the third Escort, I have owned. I had a 1986 Ford Escort Pony. I love that car too. I really like the '97 Escort.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable car

    I had this car for years and years and years and she ALWAYS met my needs. Runs like a champ after 20+ years and is built like a tank! She was hit my a truck in the back and only needed minor replacements. I loved this car. Great first car...will miss
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Good for smaller people

    Not great for tall people because it is quite a small car. I am only 6 foot and it was a Hassel getting in. Slow to accelerate but still drives good
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I LOVE this car!

    I inherited this 1997 Escort station wagon from my father who bought it used, and it was the best gift he ever gave me. The bucket seat fits me perfectly---never get cramps from long trips. It has never caused me a stitch of trouble---of course, I use full synthetic oil and the best filter and change it every 3000 miles. She only goes to a trusted dealership for service, so no jack mechanic messes with her---and the dealership seems to take pride in keeping this old Ford on the road. She has a manual tranny which I do not abuse. I don't take her out on rough roads and bang her around---she's not a 4X4. She has 320,000 miles on her, and I've never done anything but manual-prescribed maintenance. Her motor is still quiet and strong, and the mechanics tease me and say my family will need to bury her with me because my car apparently loves me as much as I love her. I bought an HHR with an AUTOMATIC tranny because I was having two knee replacement surgeries. It was supposed to get around 30 miles to the gallon----NOT! But, my old Escort gets better gas mileage than that. My local auto parts sales guy had an Escort SW like mine, and he gave it to his daughter when she went off to college. She totaled it out in a wreck with around 250,000 miles on it, but we always chat about how wonderful these cars are---and how insurance companies would give me NOTHING for mine in a wreck, despite its real value to me!! I wish Ford would still make a vehicle as practical and reliable as this one. From what I read, they haven't done it, and don't seem inclined to do it. So, I hang on to mine and am good to her, because she's got a lot of miles on her, like me.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best mpg ever!

    Too bad I am 6'4 and live in the rust belt can't find them anymore otherwise I would buy another one in a hot minute!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Bought it new 20 years & 233k miles ago

    This car is a beast! I've replaced the clutch flywheel, slave cylinder, & alternator; other than that, I've just done routine maintenance. It still averages 30mpg in Seattle-area traffic. Its only real issue is that I have to get WA emissions testing waivers as too many systems show "not ready". Mechanic says the computer resets itself when I over-rev the engine. Excellent car
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • An excellent vehicle. Reliable, efficient, roomy.

    I bought the car in 2001 with 24,000 miles on it. It now has 180,000 miles. AC went out about 3 years ago. I think it needs compressor. I haven't repaired it. It still gets 28-33 mpg. Paint is still exceptionally good! A magnificent car!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Owned this car for 15+ years. Was a good steed.

    My old Ford Escort has been a reliable car that got me everywhere I needed and did it with great fuel economy. It had enough room that my family nor I ever felt cramped and was even pretty comfortable. It is a surprising little car to drive, as it was able to cruise down the interstate at 100+ with ease when in a real hurry and never had any major issues. I used this car as a daily driver and also would drive it about 300 miles to visit friends and 300 miles back about once a month for around 2 1/2 years. Mine, after around 200,000 miles of use eventually needed a new transmission. It didn't cost too much to replace and still worked good for another year and a half. The engine eventually just broke. Something about a rod or whatnot. Oh well. It was a great car for the decade and a half that I owned it and not all cars suffer the same fate. If you are looking for a car and find a 97 escort for a good price and good miles i suggest that you get it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Extremely reliable

    This car was given to me for By in high school (7 years ago) and it runs great. I commuted between an hour and then an then three for the last four years and she runs great and stays going.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fluffy

    This vehicle had 27,000 miles on it when purchased. It has served my family very well and still running like a sewing machine with 250,000 + miles on it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 Ford Escort?

The 1997 Ford Escort is available in 1 trim level:

  • LX (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 1997 Ford Escort?

The 1997 Ford Escort offers up to 26 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1997 Ford Escort reliable?

The 1997 Ford Escort has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 Ford Escort owners.

Is the 1997 Ford Escort a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 Ford Escort. 92.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 38 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.9
  • Interior: 3.7
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.0
  • Reliability: 4.4
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