Ford - Escort

1990-00 

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This final generation, though looking dated now, represented Escort at its best. It's easy to own, inexpensive to run, essentially practical, and nicer to drive than its predecessors.

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	Good value now it's eclipsed by Focus
	Low parts and servicing costs
	Best of a long line of Escorts
	Crude old-school 1.3, 1.4 and 1.8D engines
	Ride quality falls below modern standards
	Looks ancient compared with Focus

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The front-wheel drive Escort dominated the small family car sector for nearly two decades. The final Mk 5 offering still has features to recommend it: two efficient modern Zetec petrol engines; power steering on most versions; and a well laid out interior that borrows heavily from the Mondeo.
Escort does nothing badly, although with just two NCAP stars and ABS originally only optional, it falls below modern safety standards. There's room for four adults in the well trimmed cabin, lots of kit in mid- and upper-spec models, and reasonable load space. Estates are liked as low-cost load luggers.
Driving is light and easy. Escort can be hurried along confidently, although the noisy old 1.3 and 1.4 petrol engines complain when pushed hard. The 1.6i 16v or 1.8i 16v are much smoother and enjoyably responsive.
Low ownership costs mean that Escort still makes sense as cheap family wheels.