"Ford Escort": description, specifications, reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The Ford Escort is a mid-size C-class car produced by Ford Europe from 1967 to 2004 in the civilian and commercial segments. Over many years of operation, the model has proven to be an inexpensive reliable vehicle suitable for intensive daily use.

First Generation Mark I

The Ford Escort replaced the Anglia in 1967. Initially, it was produced for the UK and Ireland market with right-hand drive. In 1968, production began on the left-hand version for continental Europe. The assembly was carried out first at the English Halewood plant (today Jaguars and Land Rovers are produced here), and then in the Belgian city of Genk. It is interesting that modifications from different factories differed from each other both in interior details and suspension design, brakes and even wheels.

"Ford Escort" attracted buyers with an interesting design (a single block of head optics and a radiator grille looks especially expressive),convenience, relevant at that time technical solutions. In Foggy Albion, the model instantly became a national bestseller. Today Mark I is a collector's item and a frequent guest at various vintage car shows.

Second Generation Mark II

February 2, 1974, the Ford Escort rolled off the assembly line in a new guise. By this time, the most severe energy crisis was growing in the world, so they were the first to release the most economical modification with an engine capacity of less than one liter (930 cm3). The car lost its trademark "eye slit" and began to look like many European models.

By this time, the Ford Escort had become so popular that it had to significantly expand its production capacity. Assembly plants operated in England, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. The variety of body options was quite large. From coupes to 3/4-door sedans to extended station wagons to commercial vans.

Over time, the line of power units has grown to 8 models. The most powerful was the 2-liter Pinto TL20H I4 engine, which produced over 100 hp. With. and often used in auto racing.

Third generation

Production of the Mark III started in September 1980. The fundamental difference is the transition to front-wheel drive (previous modifications had rear-wheel drive). Initially, the car was called "Erika", but later it was returned to its former name - "Ford Escort". Body dimensions have not changed much, varying within3.9-4 meters depending on the configuration. The width and height were the same for all variations: 1.64 and 1.4 meters respectively.

The third generation was significantly different from the previous ones in design. The car acquired fashionable angular shapes, and the hatchback with a shortened rear became the most popular body type. A long-awaited novelty has also appeared - a convertible.

The generation of power units from 1.1 to 1.6 liters in gasoline and diesel versions has also changed. The most common were CVH series engines with overhead camshafts in 1.3 and 1.6 liter formats. 4 and 5-speed manual gearboxes were supplemented by a 3-speed automatic. The suspension finally became independent: the designers completely abandoned the archaic leaf springs. There were systems for monitoring the level of fuel, oil and coolant. Power steering was installed on US market models.

Fourth Generation

The Mark IV version went into production in the spring of 1986. Externally, the car received not so many differences. The length of the body has slightly increased, the massive radiator grille in the front part has disappeared, the shape of the hood has changed. The back has been slightly redesigned. But the technical characteristics of the Ford Escort have become noticeably better. First of all, it concerns the chassis. A mechanical anti-lock braking system was introduced. Suspension has been improved, which caused criticism in previous models.

The range of engines has become one of the best in the class and consisted of 12 options. In addition to the CVH motors, the CHT series came, which was distinguished by its economy, smooth running and lower noise level. A technical breakthrough was the introduction of a fuel computer that regulates the injection of flammable liquid into the combustion chambers. The Ford Escort salon has also undergone significant changes. The instrument panel has been completely redesigned. The windshield has been heated. Air conditioning appeared in some modifications.

Fifth generation

The Escort Mark V platform was introduced to the public in September 1990. The car was based on a completely new frame, the rear suspension was simplified (torsion bar instead of independent). Initially, motors from the previous generation were installed, which caused justified criticism. Also, the driving community did not like the boring and inexpressive design.

In 1992, the Ford Escort received new six-valve 1, 6 and 1.8 liter Zetec engines with improved handling and 2 liter Sierra I4, which also featured excellent driving performance and control. A whole series of useful additional equipment was available for the model. Car could be equipped with:

• power steering;
• power windows;
• central locking;
• air conditioner;
• electronic anti-lock brakes.

In 1992, a sports version of the Ford Escort RS Cosworth was developed. Externally 3-doorthe hatchback didn't look much like a sports car. Only the rear spoiler and additional air intakes on the hood hinted at its focus on speed. But it stood out for its excellent dynamic performance thanks to a line of powerful 2-liter engines with a turbocharger. The standard Cosworth YBT produced 227 hp. With. (169 kW), however, the tuning studio managed to “pump” it up to 1000 hp. s.

Sixth generation

Externally, the sixth generation from the fifth will only be distinguished by a specialist or a fan of the brand. Subtle changes were made to the navigation lights, hood, rear bumper and door handles. But the salon has undergone significant restyling. The Mark 5 has been heavily criticized for its cheap plastics, and the updated model has been upgraded with high quality materials.

The bottom line of engines was taken by the 1.3-liter Endura-E and 1.4-liter CVH-PTE. The middle segment was still behind 1.6/1.8 Zetec. The top one was the 2.0 L I4 DOHC I4 engine. Series 1, 8 L Endura D turbodiesels stand in a separate row. The suspension has been significantly improved. Engineers managed to achieve a balance between dynamism and convenience. The sporty Ford Escort Si, on the other hand, was fitted with stiffer suspension for better handling.

End of an era

By the end of the 1990s, the Ford Escort was obsolete. Competitors have already offered new, more modern in appearance and technical stuffing cars. Gradually, its production was curtailed in Europe, and later - around the world. He was replaced by a no less legendary model - the Ford Focus. Lastthe Escort series hatchback was launched in Argentina in 2004.

Reviews

For many years of operation, the Ford Escort proved to be a reliable worker, a car designed for intensive use. At one time, the model was one of the most popular among taxi drivers, which indicates its convenience, structural strength, and high performance.

The mere fact that this series has been in production for over 35 years speaks volumes. Over the decades, 6 generations of the Ford Escort have replaced each other, and that's not counting the special and commercial versions. Statistics show that the model was in the top 10 best-selling passenger cars throughout its entire production period, successfully competing both in the commercial segment and among a huge variety of family cars.

In the post-Soviet countries in the 1990-2000s, Escort dominated the secondary market of vehicles, even in used condition, winning the love of tens of thousands of car owners. Affordable cost, good quality, reliable engines, inexpensive spare parts and ease of repair were the main components of success.