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The North American Ford Escort "World Car"

First Generation 1981-1990

The Ford Motor Company introduced the first North American Ford Escort in 1981. It shared many components with the European Mk III and with its "sister" car, the Mercury Lynx. Launched as a two-door hatchback and a 4-door station wagon, a 4-door hatchback followed in 1982.

When introduced, the Ford Escort boasted a modern four-wheel drive design, recently popularized by the VW Rabbit. Known as a "world car" because Ford used components from many parts of the world in its manufacture, the Escort replaced both the Pinto - infamous for its safety issues - and the Fiesta, which was too small to command much of a market.

Although the basic shape and design of the North American Escort was the same as the Mk III, the only identical major component used in both was the 1.6 liter Ford CVH engine. (Ford designed and prototyped a 1.3-liter engine but it never went into production because it lacked power.) Standard equipment was either the 4-speed IB4 manual transmission or a 5-speed MTX transmission; a 3-speed ATX/FLC automatic transmission was optional. In 1983 and 1984, drivers could order the turbocharged 1.6-liter, 120-hp engine. Along with the GT coupe, a shorter-body, two-seater, first-generation Escort EXP targeted the youth/sport market.

Second Generation, 1991 to 1997

Ford, which owned a 25% share of Mazda at the time, replaced the first-generation Escorts with models based on a Mazda platform starting in 1991. A 127 HP 1.8-liter Mazda engine eventually replaced the Ford engines used in first-generation Escorts. The Escorts of the 1990s would be nearly identical mechanically throughout the world, differing only in outward appearance.

The Mazda-based model did not sell well at first in North America, partly because it was only available as a hatchback. Later in the decade, it became more popular as buyers sought out the newly-offered four-door sedan. Adding to the Escort's popularity was Ford's "one price" program, where customers could buy a wagon, sedan or hatchback for the same price.

Starting in 1991 Escorts that were built with the Ford 1.9-liter engine had an innovative distributorless electronic ignition system. Cars in this era also featured an independent rear suspension and a four-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission, rarities in this class of cars.

Third Generation 1997-2003

A restyling in 1997 eliminated the hatchbacks, and a sporty new Escort ZX2 was introduced in 1998. As a replacement for the Ford Probe and marketed directly to younger drivers, the low-slung ZX2 also replaced the Escort GT coupe. The ZX2 featured a fast, standard equipment 2.0-liter, 130 hp Zetec DOHC engine. The only other real changes from 1997 to the end of production were subtle trim differences in the sedan models.

The Escort wagon was discontinued after 1999. Ford ceased production of the Escort sedan in 2002, replacing it with the Focus. The company built its last ZX2 in 2003.

Ford Escort Auto Clubs

Auto clubs have been around a long time. Companies like Texaco and AAA (American Automobile Association) formed these clubs so that automobile drivers and owners could band together as a group. This way the club could negotiate lower prices and better services.

The same is true today. When you join an auto club, you are joining a group of fellow car owners who need similar kinds of services: insurance, travel guides, and towing. But now, auto clubs offer discount services and products in many other areas. You can get reduced auto rental rates. Airfare is cheaper. Hotel room rental, cruises, even flowers and prescriptions!

Your online access tells you quickly the cost of membership and you can join online, too.

When you join a club, your membership also entitles you to discounts in stores and restaurants. But you can also get discounted repairs and parts for your Ford Escort, including bodywork. Some clubs even offer travel interruption benefits, which include car rental, motel rooms, meals, and commercial transportation if your Ford Escort has problems and interrupts your trip.

In some cases, the auto club will reimburse you for legal fees if you are found not guilty for a moving traffic violation. Some clubs also offer "arrest bond protection," which means they will put up money for you to get out of jail.

In addition to the benefits above, you are eligible to receive club publications, usually a newsletter or magazine.