1985 Ford Escort review from North America
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Clutch suddenly died at 120,000 miles.
Water pump (?) needed replacing at 80,000 miles.
General comments?
Bought brand new for advertised $5995.
"family car" definitely. Reliable, retained good looks to the end, both inside & out, not a speck of rust despite living in Minnesota and at 200,000 miles. Great gas mileage, but of course not much get up & go; you couldn't run the heater if you were going up a hill without losing momentum. Turning off the heater while climbing a hill became so automatic I still find myself doing it with my current car.
Brought a swingset home in this car once. Seriously. Opened the hatch & loaded, let the swingset extend out the back, away we go. They said it couldn't be done, which only made me more determined.
At 200,000 miles it was refused as a trade at the dealer so was sold for $200 cash through a classified ad. Poor thing.
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![]() ![]() | If you want an escort and you drive crazy get the GT they are hardcore |
![]() ![]() | My car and I have a love/hate relationship |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1985 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1995 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 200000 miles |
| Previous car | ford mustang |
| Date of Entry | 21st April, 2006 |



