Escort is a compact car. Ford Europe started its production in 1968 until 2002. For North American markets, Escort was launched in 1980, and 2003 was its last model year. The reasons for ceased production of the Ford Escort are unknown. However, the Chinese Ford Escort is still available in the market launched in 2015 for the Chinese market. You may want to know its longevity if you have an old American, European, or Chinese Ford Escort. In this blog post, we’ll explore the longevity of the Ford Escort and discuss whether it is worth your time and investment. So keep reading!
The estimated lifespan of the Ford Escort
Most Ford Escorts have a life expectancy of approximately 150,000 to 200,000 miles with proper maintenance and care. This estimated figure is calculated based on engine type, transmissions, and other technologies.
Escort had three diesel engines and two petrol engines with 5-speed manual transmission. However, a 4-speed automatic transmission was introduced as an option with a 1.6 L engine in the second and third generations. A vehicle with a manual will typically last longer than an auto since it doesn’t suffer from overuse or abuse. Additionally, when a manual transmission fails, it’s often cheaper to replace it rather than get a new or remanufactured auto one. And manual transmissions have better fuel economy than automatic ones.
Now let’s get an inside scoop by looking at the reviews from owners of Escort and see how long these cars tend to last.
What owner reports revealed?
Reviews about Ford Escorts showed that many owners experienced little to no major issues with their cars for over 100,000 miles. One owner reported owning a Ford Escort for almost 15 years with no major problems. Another satisfied customer reported that her Ford Escort ran for 200,000 miles before needing a major replacement. There were some reports of engine trouble after reaching 100,000 miles, but it seemed to be a rarity. Most owners reported that their Ford Escorts lasted much longer than other vehicles in its class. Moreover, carcomplaints.com has ranked the first-generation Escorts 2nd out of 49 models regarding reliability.
In light of the above reviews and ratings, we can say that a Ford Escort could easily have a life expectancy of well over 150,000 miles.
Has Escort better longevity than similar cars?
Compared to other compact cars in the market, Escort stayed average regarding longevity among its competitors. Some models, like Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, have a better lifespan than the Escort. However, their annual repair cost is slightly higher than that of Ford escort. It means you can get better longevity compact cars than Escort, but you will have to expend much to keep them running smoothly for that lifespan. The following table shows the lifespan of the Ford Escort as compared to similar compact vehicles.
| Vehicle | Lifespan |
| Ford Escort | 150K-200K |
| Honda Civic | 200K to 300K miles |
| Nissan Versa | 200K |
| Toyota Corolla | 300K |
| MINI Clubman | 150K-250K |
| Kia Forte | 150K-200K |
Models of Ford Escort to avoid
When it comes to Ford Escorts’ longevity, the most important factor to consider is the model year. Unlike other vehicles, first-generation (1979-1990) Escorts are considered reliable and long-lasting, while those made after these years may not be as reliable. We are saying this based on ratings by carcomplaints.com.
It is an online automotive platform that gives unbiased reviews on a car’s performance, reliability, etc., depending on customer reports and complaints for that particular vehicle. According to their ranking system PainRank, the first-generation Ford Escort are the most reliable vehicle, securing 2nd position among 94 similar cars, with 11 complaints and a 0.19 PainRank score. The lower the score, the less pain to own that car.
On the other hand, second (1991-1996) and third-generation (1997-2003) Ford escorts secured 27th and 47th position with 65 and 151 complaints, respectively. Moreover, their Painrank score was 2.14 (2nd Gen) and 7.14 (3rd Gen). Hence, we can say that Escorts made in the 1990s are the most reliable and worth the investment.
What issues can a Ford Escort face during its life?
Ford Escorts is a reliable vehicle and can be a great choice. However, even the best cars can encounter issues over time. Common problems that a Ford Escort may face during its lifetime include:
Oil pump failure
A Ford Escort is known for its reliability and dependability. But unfortunately, it can experience oil pump failure. The oil pump is responsible for circulating oil throughout the engine, which keeps it running smoothly. When it fails, the engine can overheat and cause severe damage to the components. Signs of oil pump failure include a ticking sound from the engine, white smoke from the exhaust, and low oil pressure.
Poor gas mileage
Poor gas mileage is one of the most common issues you’ll face with a Ford Escort. Although the Ford Escort was once considered the most fuel-efficient vehicle on the road due to manual transmissions. But as they age, they tend to suffer from decreased fuel efficiency. Poor gas mileage can be attributed to many things, including a dirty air filter, worn spark plugs, or a faulty oxygen sensor.
Gearbox problems
Gearbox problems can be one of the worst issues a Ford Escort can face. Around 56 owners reported automatic transmission problems with Ford Escort. Ten owners reported problems with manual transmissions. If the transmission is not serviced regularly, it can result in costly repairs and the potential replacement of the entire unit. Symptoms of gearbox problems include difficulty shifting gears, grinding or clunking noises, delayed shifts, and slipping gears.
Overheating
One of the most common issues a Ford Escort can face during its life is overheating. In past years many owners reported that their engines were running too hot and needed to be cooled down more often than not. The culprit is often an underperforming radiator, faulty thermostat, or blocked cooling hoses that prevent coolant from properly circulating through the engine. If this issue is not addressed, it can cause damage to your engine’s components and, in some cases, even cause it to fail.
ABS error message
Many first-generation Escorts are reported to experience ABS error messages. It means that the brakes in your car are having trouble activating or the brake pedal is not activating as it should. It is caused by corrosion in the wheel speed sensors and can lead to ABS light illumination.
What annual budget should you have to maintain an Escort?
Maintaining a Ford Escort can be surprisingly affordable, depending on the car’s age and how well it has been maintained. Generally speaking, you should expect to budget anywhere from $300 to $500 annually for maintenance and repairs. According to RepairPal, the annual repair cost of a Ford Escort is $ 390. This figure can vary depending on your location, cost of labour, and cost of spare parts. However, these costs are relatively low compared to other vehicles in their class. The cost of repairing and maintaining all compact cars in the market ranges from as low as $ 600 to as high as thousands. Hence, Ford Escort, an old model, stands out as one of the most economical among them. It offers quality performance while at the same time keeping repair expenses minimal.
Final thoughts
That’s all about the longevity of the Ford Escort. Now you may be well aware of what miles to expect from your Escort. Moreover, what problems may you have to face during its lifespan? Whether you have a first-generation Escort or a third one, maintaining it properly is crucial to get the most out of it. Otherwise, you will lose your investment in a few years.