Used Ford Escort for Sale near Mount Prospect, IL

Ford redesigned the Escort with Mazda (the counterpart is, I believe, a 323) in 1991, and gave the GT model a real engine, a high-revving 1.6-liter 16-valve twin-cam four that had 127 horsepower (17 more than the standard 1.8-liter four) coupled with a five-speed. The result was a car that performed better than any Escort to that point, although, like most four-valve-per-cylinder engines, finding the horsepower required standing on the gas. The two-door Escort was an exceptionally well designed car for the money. Seating was comfortable for even tall people in the front, with very nice six-way buckets. An upgraded suspension and aluminum wheels on Goodyear GT+4 radials were included, as were a front and rear spoiler and the most useless fog lights you've ever seen. For a small two-door car, it also had a decent amount of carrying capacity, with fold-down rear seats and a hatchback.

Much more than I expected out of $550. The thing turns on a dime, brakes every time, and is easy on the wallet, getting a cool 38MPG. It has the single smoothest shifting I've ever seen, in any vehicle. With most of the suspension replaced over the past couple of years, the drive experience is just like coming off the lot.

Great handling, great shifter, never let me down.

Overall the Escort GT is a pretty good, economical car. The upkeep is pretty good if the car has been properly maintained. If you fall behind on the maintenance (or don't drive on a regular basis), rust may likely occur causing major wiring/grounding issues.

It was a decent car. It was somewhat sporty and quick, It drove fast and handled alright. But in the end it was just an Escort with a little more polish. All the sporty look made maintenance expensive and tires were high. It required specialized parts that were 3X the cost of the standard escort. Not a bad car but just didn't have the power,speed, comfort, to offset the high maintenance and price.