By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
All new for 1997 and much improved, the Escort is the class star for sub-compact cars. Introduced early for the 1997 model year, the Escort is surprisingly solid and nimble. The competition for the entry level market is fierce; some of that competition includes: Dodge Neon, Chevy Cavalier, Toyota Corolla and the still best-in-class Honda Civic. Escort lacks some of the refinement Honda possesses but the Escort is a sure step ahead of everyone else.
Escort features an interior center control pod similar to the Taurus. Customer clinics during prototyping of both the Escort and Taurus provided feedback that the center control pod was a great idea. The Escort pod differs from the Taurus in that the radio controls are on top and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls are on the bottom.
The oval exterior design theme is being carried through the Ford family of cars the Taurus, Contour and Escort all look similar only in large, medium and small sizes. Just wait for the next Crown Victoria (extra large) or the next Aspire (extra small).
The Escort I test drove felt wonderful. The steering was crisp giving the car a very agile feel and it never had that 'tinny' metallic sound. I can't say this enough but the Escort just felt really solid. The 5-speed transmission was good but not tight. Visibility is excellent with a larger greenhouse canopy area then the previous Escort. The brakes, anti-lock on the test car, did an excellent job but there was significant nose dive when hard braking.
Rear seat room is good, but not the best in class, which belongs to Dodge Neon. People of height would be best to sit in front while those shorter in stature would be comfortable in the rear seat. The trunk has a low lift-over height and is extremely long. It seems that some of the large trunk could have been rear seat legroom.
The evaluated Escort didn't have many options. It lacked a center armrest, tilt steering, power mirrors, power windows and power locks. The easiest item to pick out that was poorly refined were the interior door handles which seem flimsy and cheap.
Base price for Escort LX is $11,515. The evaluated car included option package 317A, $1,080, that includes air conditioning, drivers' door keyless entry and rear window defroster. Other options include anti-lock brakes, $570; AM/FM stereo cassette, $165; destination cost, $415; discount for purchasing option package, $315. All told, the price of the evaluated Escort is $13,475. High mileage is expected in this class of car: the Escort achieves 26 mpg city, and 35 mpg highway, according to the EPA. During my test drive I achieved 31 mpg.
Overall, the new Escort is a vast improvement over the previous generation. It is clearly the winner in the domestic category and only falls short of the Honda Civic in the sub-compact class. Its' peppy engine and solid feel make it worth my recommendation.