1997 Ford Escort Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
I didn't pay much for this car and it gets consistently over 30 MPG mixed city/highway, usually 28 mpg or higher with no highway miles. Easy to drive, easy to park, high fun factor (I have the 5-speed manual, with spoiler, power sunroof). It's reliable and has never left me stranded, but over the years it's needed standard maintenance and repairs. Front wheel bearing went bad two or three times, and the rear brake has a tendency to get tight and need adjustment -- otherwise just normal maintenance (brakes, tires, exhaust, tuneup, oil changes, etc.). It's a great little car if you don't need luxury. The older it gets, the more squeeks and rattles it has, and the ride is somewhat noisy and rough (sporty). Two things that annoy me are 1) if the driver's window is down, water pours in from the roof (if it's wet from the rain) or when you use the windshield washers, and 2) the seats are uncomfortable (very bad lumbar support and no center armrest). I use a couple of pillows in the car: a small one for my lower back and bigger one stuffed between the seats to rest my elbow on. But other than those minor issues, I love the economy and fun factor of this car.
VS
Critical Review
this is the best Escort Made very Dependable no Problems and lots of Power for a Little Car it has a 16 Valve 2000 CC engine Lotus Motor very Quick
1997 Escort Reviews
Showing 8 of 845 reviews.
4 door nice condition. No dents new tires .. interior great was a one time owner was my family car To help kids kids get to school and wrk
Cheap to Maintain. Reliable, Cheap to fill up, Unique car, Fun hazard lights, A blast from the past
The Transmission is slipping,
my 2002 ford escort SE i purchased september 1st off ebay for $560 dollars, its been a great car with a few hundred in repairs and maintenance and it drives perfect. I did hit a deer the second week i had it because the headlights are weak that is my only complaint, REPLACE The OEM headlights
I owned a 1997 Ford Escort LX 4 door. I bought the Ford Escort LX in 2009. I owned the car up until 2021. The frame had rusted out, so the car was deemed unsafe to drive. I bought the 1997 Ford Escort LX with 78,723 miles. Then when I had to give up my car, my Escort LX had 163,100 miles. I miss it. Great car for the winter time. I would like to find another 1997 Ford Escort LX again. That was my 3rd Ford Escort I owned.
Simple, smooth ride, great transmission, and fun!
Slow
I've had my '98 Escort for about two years now, and I absolutely love it! It's simple, but fun, and feels like nothing else out there! I love how real it feels compared to newer cars with lots of computers and electronic gadgetry. It's definitely a blast from the past, yet it still fits in well with modern cars and newer roads. It's also very easy to work on and parts are cheap. It's a great learning experience for young drivers getting into cars or becoming a mechanic, or for any new drivers in general!
Value
Styling
OK, this is a reasonable car. I owned this from 2003 to 2007, after my Mazda 323, but before the Nissan Altima, because I had my second child in 2007.
Great car
Not many
I love my 1997 Ford Escort LX. I had 162,000 miles on car. That car drove awesome in the snow. I ended up taking it to the junkyard. It had rusted out underneath the frame, so the car was deemed undrivable. I love that car. I wish I could have kept the car. I bought it in 2009 and I had to give up the 1997 Ford Escort LX in 2021. I owned it for 12 years. That car never failed on me ever. I miss that car very much. R.I.P little Escort. I wish I could find another Ford Escort like that one.
Always runs has never broke down on side of road
A little noisy at higher speeds
I inherited this car in 2009 and I’m still driving it in 2021, it isn’t a real smooth ride, but the car has been very reliable and I just do regular maintenance on it. It has saved me a ton of money, because it’s never required any major repairs. The only big thing I did was fix the a/c at Pepboys for 1300. but that was my fault because I rarely used the a/c. Very happy with this vehicle.
Efficient transportation
Small
It has been a very cheap car to operate and maintain. I would definitely buy another one if I can find one in good condition.
