Second-Hand Ford Escort
Used Ford Escort
The Ford Escort is a Titan among family hatchbacks. Its production ran from 1968 – 2000, went through six redesigns and generated massive sales for Ford. It emerged from stellar beginnings as the UK's bestselling car of the sixties as well as a successful rally competitor and pre-empted the hot hatch market as a desirable but affordable performance road car. The used Ford Escort has continued to straddle the line between small family runabout and boy racer-mobile ever since. Initially, a two-door saloon, later editions included an estate and a van, while Ford carefully managed to cover various market sectors with the same car merely with different specifications – entry-level small family vehicle, luxury small car, affordable sports car and commercial vehicle.
What You Get
Used Ford Escort specifications have always been competitive with market rivals, but rarely exciting. The 1990 facelift fell rather flat, with criticism for dull handling, flimsy bodywork, dated engines and corrosion issues. Ford quickly got on the case, introducing new engines in the form of an excellent RS2000 16v and Zetecs improving the lower spec models. As the decade went on, airbags became standard along with a much needed stronger bodyshell and better safety features. New models are better cosmetically with more attractive styling and higher quality interiors, but also with superior ride and handling.
How it Drives
The second-hand Ford Escort is well known as a good value car, though it’s far from being the most exciting thing on the road. That being said, it offers superb handling for an older car. Offering a fairly nondescript driving experience, many people see a used Escort as a safe, reliable purchase.