1991-1996 Ford Escort - Consumer Guide Automotive

Category	Ford Escort LS 4-door notchback Rating (See All Ratings)

Performance	4

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	4

Steering/Handling/Braking	4

Quietness	3

Controls/Materials	4

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	5

Total Score:	40

Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category

Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model

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1991-1996 Ford Escort Review

For 1991, this popular subcompact was given a substantial reworking. Wheelbase grew four inches on a front-drive platform derived from the Mazda 323/Protege. Body styles were the same as before: 2- and 4-door hatchbacks, plus a 4-door station wagon. (The similar Mercury Tracer came as a 4-door notchback sedan or a wagon.) Low-end Pony and step-up LX Escorts kept the 1.9-liter Ford 4-cylinder engine from the prior generation. The GT 3-door hatchback got a smaller dual-cam engine that whipped up 127 horsepower. All Escorts had motorized front shoulder belts.

Year to Year Changes

1992 Ford Escort/ZX2: Escort added two 4-door notchback sedans, a regular LX plus an LX-E with the GT's engine. The LX-E had GT-style seat/door trim, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a sport suspension.

1993 Ford Escort/ZX2: Escorts went on sale early this season, showing only minor styling revisions. All except the GT got a slightly restyled grille. The LX gained body color bumpers; GTs, new wheels and spoilers.

1994 Ford Escort/ZX2: Antilock braking became available on the GT, and all models added a driver-side airbag. Front passengers stuck with the motorized seatbelt.

1995 Ford Escort/ZX2: Dual airbags were installed, but Escorts retained motorized seatbelts anyway. A new instrument panel held revised climate controls, and the optional air conditioner was more powerful. An integrated child safety seat became available.

1996 Ford Escort/ZX2: Seatbelts added an automatic locking retractor that eliminated the need for locking clips with a conventional child seat. A redesigned Escort went on sale in late May as an early 1997 model.

1991-1996 Ford Escort Road Test >

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