Model overview

The North American version of the Ford Escort is a compact vehicle launched by Ford in 1980 for the 1981 model year. Sharing the name with the third-generation European Ford Escort, the model series is the premier front-wheel-drive Ford produced and marketed in North America. The close replacement of the Ford Pinto, as the shortest Ford vehicle in North America, the Escort mostly followed the European-imported Ford Fiesta.

Overcoming the soiled name for quality and safety set by the fuel tank failure of the Pinto, the Escort grew very popular in the American marketplace. After 1982, the model series became the best-selling automobile in the U.S, a position maintained throughout most of the 1980s.

The 1981 follower of the Pinto by the Escort was the prime Ford model line to use front-wheel drive. By the close of the 1980s, almost the entire Ford car series would use the powertrain layout. For the 1999 model year, the Ford Focus replaced the Escort as the compact model range. After the 2000 model year, the Escort changed essentially to fleet sales, stopping making after the 2002 model year.

Ford Escort known problems

Some of the common problems or complaints owners have about the Ford Escort are:

• The Constant Control Relay Module Can Fail
• Valve Seats on Cylinder Head Can Fall Out and Produce Rough Running/Sound
• The issue with the Idle Air Bypass Valve Can Produce Engine Performance Problems
• Replace Power Steering Fluid to Avoid Steering Pump/Gearbox Problems
• Distributor Shaft O-Ring Seal Can Leak Oil
• Dropped Valve Seat Cylinder
• The Car Won't Go Into Gear
• Driving Rough

Ford Escort PDF owner manual

Posted by, John Mana

A passionate guy about car models, makes, and manuals.