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2002
Ford Escort

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New 2002 Ford Escort
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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

4.2 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
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Comfort 3.9
Interior 3.5
Performance 3.7
Value 4.4
Exterior 3.4
Reliability 3.8

Most recent

  • My first car, still drive it to this day!

    In 2020, yes, 2020, I still drive a bright red 2002 Ford Escort SE. I bought it as my first car in 2018 for $1500 (80k miles) with the only issue being AC needed to be fixed and a new bulb for a blinker. I will say that my friends do jank on me for having an “old ugly car” but honestly I love my Escort! I do agree with the other reviews, it idles and vibrates badly. However, it has never left me stranded. The only major problem I can say that has to do with this car is that a lot of the small parts are very hard to find for it now-a-days. Currently my IMCR is stuck open causing the check engine light to be on, makes gas mileage bad, and for the car to idle even worse. Not a major problem but frustrating when you can’t find the part to replace it with. Overall, I definitely recommend this car to anyone needing a cheap reliable daily driver. It accelerates pretty well, brakes well, and is fun to drive! If you take care of it, it will take care of you!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fantastic starter car and reliable!

    This vehicle is reliable, good gas mileage and never lets you down. It has gotten me through snowstorms and heavy rain. I've travelled across the country and never gave it a second thought. When repairs were needed it was cheap to do so.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • HOT DOG-It's a2018

    I really didn't think that i needed a new 2018 but when i got in, it made the decision for me! WOW-HOT DOG- IT"S GREAT!!!
    • 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
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Chendra Roberson

    I'm loving the car. Exactly what I wanted. Drives nice and is stylish. Best value for your mony. Very comfortable and smooth. Has lots of room
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • quality was great

    very dependable..............................................................................................................................................
    • 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 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • quality is fair

    Good gas mileage....................................................................................
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • WHEN I FIRST GOT IT 15 YEARS AGO IT RAN GOOD

    I AM A LITTLE DERESS AS MY CAR DOES NOT START NOW AND DUE FOR A EMISSTION TEST AND LICENSE WINNING MONEY WOULD SURE HELP CASUE I CANT AFORD MUCH I AM SENOIR LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • That car used to take me whereever I needed to go.

    Excellent Car! Very rarely had any issues. Very Reliable! I would recommend this make and model of car to any of my friends/family members.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I took care of it, and it took care of me!

    Purchased this car with 23,000 miles, December of 2002 (It was a 2002 model SE). I drive 124 miles round trip to work and home every day. At 230,000 miles, I gave it to my wife to drive back and forth to work, 44 miles round trip. At 250,000 miles, traded in on a newer Focus. The only things that needed to be done, were maintenence items that all cars need. Change the oil every 3000 miles, new oil filter with every change, New air filter every three months, replaced tires as needed, replaced the brake pads, replaced timing belt, Rotors were changed to new ones (only once), replaced the headlights once, required 1 re-alignment. Other than that, it required nothing major for repairs, not even a starter or alternator! Never used or leaked oil, and delivered fairly consistant good gas milage 34 city and 38-40 highway. Never failed to start regardless of weather or temperature. One of the most reliable cars I have ever owned. The only thing that went wrong with the car when we traded it in on the Focus, was that the AC needed charged and the cruise control quit working. No, it's not the smoothest, coolest looking car on the road, but for getting you there and back, it got the job done without fail.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The Focus is a better car

    The Escort ended production in 2001 and I am glad it did. Good Points: Taurus like dash Enough power Lasted long Good Seller Bad Points: Dull to drive Noisy Pathetic Manual Transmission Looks bland compared to Pontiac Grand Am The Focus replaced the Escort in 2002. The reliabilty was average and my Escort broke down constantly. The Escort is a good first car but not for long trips.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Its ok what what it is

    I bought this car used with 141,000 for ONLY $1950 (before teaxes,fees etc.)so unlike someone who has had it brand new I can't complain too much..after 3 yrs and 170,000 miles it STILL runs, no MAJOR repairs. I had the complete brake system done, I have purchased 6 tires for this vehicle so far but thats not the cars fault my first set of tires was cheap and theres not many options for this car.NOW FOR THE BAD STUFF. This car vibrates usually at stand still..It drives super rough when its cold out..This car jerks back when you put it into reverse..look up reviews on fords and you'll find that this is kind of common,It drives like a Go-Kart and shifts funny but it picks up speed fast and that I DO LIKE.I hate how it drives but when you have a small car like this what do you expect. I honestly never want to own a small car that drives so rough again. For the price I think I got my moneys worth. This car has never stalled on me I honestly do think it will make it to 200,000. I predict the tranny will be going out soon, hopefully not while Im driving it.Im not sure why it has so many problems because the carfax showed that the upkeep was good. This car did sit for a while I could tell when I first drove it.This car has alot of platicsy parts it feels cheap...overall it is cheap..would i BUY IT AGAIN no. WOULD i RECOMMEND IT FOR A FIRST CAR YES i WOULD. THIS CAR NEEDS ALOT OF TLC AND IT WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND. FOR MY FIRST CAR I CAN SAY THAT IM HAPPY IT GOT ME WHERE I NEEEDED TO GO WITHOUT BREAKING DOWN ON ME.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

Is the 2002 Ford Escort reliable?

The 2002 Ford Escort has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Ford Escort owners.

Is the 2002 Ford Escort a good vehicle?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Ford Escort. 81.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.9
  • Interior: 3.5
  • Performance: 3.7
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 3.4
  • Reliability: 3.8
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