1997 Ford Escort Consumer Reviews

BEST VALUE CAR EVER

Written by: Fuzzyhotdog on 03/02/2009

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I bought this last year sometime. Paid 600 bucks for it. Small hole from rust in the transmission line under the radiator but easy fix. It was so cold that the rest of the family's vehicles did not start at all. This little ford fired up no problems. It has over 179,000 miles and still running on factory parts. Am looking for another.

Favorite Features

Basic radio, no cd/cassette. I like that cause that is one less distraction for Youth drivers. AC gets me cold in the summer, Heat gets me hot in the winter. Cant ask for much more.

Suggested Improvements

I am in the process of installing a Hydrogen fuel generator to improve my gas mileage about 40%. It would be the greatest Budget car if I can break 40 mpg

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Little Car!

Written by: mcaldwell on 01/24/2009

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

We bought this car brand new in 1996 when I was just four years old. This car has never failed to get us where we need to go! We even took it up to Canada one summer and it drove superbly! The gas mileage is a definite plus, however now that I'm no longer my little four-year-old self, and am 6ft tall, the back seat is extremely tough to get into. It's now our secondary car and we almost never put the whole family in it. I share it with my mom and it is a great, easy, reliable car with just enough get up and go to get me out of trouble and keep me out of it! The clutch is amazing; it's lasted over 106,000 miles and it's still like new! The only comlaint is a loss of power with the AC on.

Favorite Features

Five-speed, twin-port fuel injection system for peppy engine. Fuel economy

Suggested Improvements

I would suggest to get a model with tilt wheel. It's a little annoying for tall drivers because you have to drive with your legs open and it's hard to read the speedometer when it's in the higher range because of the low- steering wheel blocking it.

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Modern version of the Model T!

Written by: Just keeps going! on 06/19/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

In 1903 Ford started off building reliable, easy to drive, inexpensive to buy, and reliable cars...the Model A. The Ford Escort and newer Ford Focus prove that Ford never lost sight of their heritage! (except briefly with the Pinto!) We bought this 1997 Escort new off the lot in 1996, when they first came out with the new generation Escort. It was improved in every way over the older Escort that I traded in. 150,000 miles later, I can honestly say that it beat every Honda and Toyota I ever owned, dating back to 1971! Reliable to a fault, great mileage, durability, easy to drive. Just about the perfect transportation car.

Favorite Features

My son had driven it for a couple of years after turning 17, and my daughter will also drive it when she gets her license. Simple car, but it has the heart of a mule!

Suggested Improvements

All of the issues have been addressed with the replacement of the Escort with the newer Focus!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Mileage

Written by: madhatter on 05/20/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Wagon

Review

I bought this with 30,000 miles. Last year she rolled 210,000 and just flat died. I looked around for a replacement, but couldn't 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 can't match this one for a commuter car - my workhorse!

Favorite Features

Gas mileage! How can I buy new when mileages are lower than what I am already getting?

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The little red car that could!

Written by: pickleman on 05/15/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

Bought this car new, and paid only $10,000! This car has paid for itself so many times over, I ought to build a shrine to it! This is the 4 door sedan, the LX sport. It came with special sport seats with rear headrests and different fabric than the base model, plus a better radio, a wing on the trunk, nicer alloy wheels, spoiler, etc. 170,000 miles with only wear and tear items replaced (belts, engine mount, catalytic converter) the front head light lenses fogged over and replaced, several sets of tires and brakes and oil changes pretty much it!

Favorite Features

So darn reliable, but a great car, too. My son is now driving it, and it's getting more abuse than I used to give it, but it still runs great! Good example of a perfect transportation car! The blue book now lists the true value at $1700.00, which is sad, but there's still a lot of life in her!

Suggested Improvements

All the improvements were addressed when Ford ended the Escort run and started the Ford Focus production.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The Best Escort they ever made

Written by: HELLO on 03/18/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I have a metalic green (love the color) 1997 Ford Escort LX and it has been the best investment I have ever made. I have owned this car over 11 1/2 years and have had only small issues with the vehicle outside the routine maintanance up until recently 145,000 miles(starting to burn oil). First of all; the cup holders were to shallow to hold big cups which triggered spilled drinks if making quick turns. The rear stock springs cracked shortly after I had the car but drove it for 9 years anyway. The front tie rods are a stress point which wear out quick if you do a lot of quick radius turning. I guess I can't complain about 40,000 miles when the replacement parts are less than $100.00.

Favorite Features

Ice cold air conditioning in summer and warm air in winter. My 5 speed handles like a sports car for an econobox with 30+ mpg around town. I have never had any mechanical or electical issues with my Ford Escort beside routine mantanance changing battery, spark plugs, oil changes.

Suggested Improvements

Bring back the next generation Ford Escort ASAP or you might not have a repeat customer. The replacement Focus was ok but too boxy and not as sleek or economical as the Escort. Better lumbar support in the seats and no cheesy plastic on the doors. How about a hybrid Escort or plug in Escort.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: Aaron on 03/16/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Wagon

Review

I'd 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, I've 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. I'm going to install scan guage II for improved mpg, switching back to summer tires, use a K&N air filter.

Favorite Features

Driveability, always starts & runs, reliable, cargo capacity, turning/ manueverabilty

Suggested Improvements

Deepen cup holders, panic button unneccessary, make rear seats removeable, make roof rack removeable for reduced air drag when not in use, heated side view mirrors, trunk hatch button & fuel hatch button would be nice

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My new car

Written by: Gary Grove on 01/24/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Sedan

Review

I like the size and the handling.The gas mileage is great. All maintance was normal. The price fit into budget. I like the color.

Favorite Features

I like the size, four passangers and large trunk.

Suggested Improvements

None

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Great Utility Vehicle

Written by: Escort Owner on 01/22/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Wagon

Review

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. It's not fancy by any means but peppy for a small car. All in all it's been worth every penny.

Favorite Features

My favorite feature of this vehicle was it's ease of maintanence. Light and easy to fit in a garage for routine upkeep and oil changes. Parts are relatively inexpensive. I changed equip. on this vehicle mostly as preventative maintanence. Water pumps, timing belts, cables, and fluids.

Suggested Improvements

I would like the suspension to be upgraded. This car ate tie rod ends for some reason. Also I broke two sets of coil springs on the back of it. Once was my fault for overloading it but the second set I have yet to figure it out.

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1997 Ford Escort

Written by: Unice Redd on 01/10/2008

Vehicle

1997 Ford Escort 4 Dr STD Sedan

Review

I love to drive and this car was a challenge at first, (5 sp) but once I got the hang of it...Had only one mechanical problem, needed a check up. Durable, dependable, great on mileage, low maintenance.

Favorite Features

Entire audio system is remarkable, mileage is true for gas in city and open road. Very quiet. Low maintenance.

Suggested Improvements

More leg room is needed in the back

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