1996 Ford Escort Review
Price Estimate: $290 - $482
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What’s new
Last year for the second-generation Escort. The 1.9-liter engine gets 100,000-mile tune-up interval. Automatic transmissions have lower final drive ratio when coupled with 1.9-liter engine to improve acceleration. Sport/Appearance Group available on four-door models. Ultra Violet decor no longer offered on GT. Integrated child safety seat, added during 1995 model year, continues for 1996 on sedan and wagon.
For sale near Atlanta, GA
Vehicle overview
Last year for the second-generation Escort. The 1.9-liter engine gets 100,000-mile tune-up intervals. Automatic transmissions have lower final drive ratio when coupled with the 1.9-liter engine to improve acceleration. Sport/Appearance Group available on four-door models. Ultra Violet decor no longer offered on GT. Integrated child safety seat, added during 1995 model year, continues for 1996 on sedan and wagon.
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Ford Escort Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(46%)
4(39%)
3(15%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
96 Escort is a great car
4.25 out of 5 starsd357r0y3r, 12/01/2003
1996 Ford Escort LX 4dr Hatchback
i've got a escort, and have had it for
a while, and it is a great car. sure,
it's not exactly a speed demon and it
doesn't look that cool, but for someone
that wants a practical, economical, and
overall good car, this is a good
choice. in all the time i've had it
it's been very reliable, and other than
routine tune-ups and some minor timing
belt issues, it hasn't caused … any
problems. if you're looking for sheer
power or speed, then the escort isn't
for you, but if you're just looking for
a good car that's good on milage and is
reliable, this is a great option.
Great little wagon.
4.38 out of 5 starsRon Gaylord, 07/17/2002
1996 Ford Escort LX 4dr Wagon
I brought this 1996 Escort wagon new in
1996. I currently have 114,000 miles on
it and have had zero problems. It get's
great mileage and I can carry just
about anything with it. I also pull a
trailer with a motorcycle on it and the
Escort does fine as long as you don't
have to use the air. I don't know how
good the new Ford Focus is but I think
Ford made a mistake when … the got rid of
the Escort wagon. My wagon has a
standart shift and will keep up with
any situation I've found myself in.
I LOVE my little car
4.38 out of 5 starsajoneen, 10/01/2003
1996 Ford Escort LX 4dr Hatchback
This was my first NEW car and I took
alot of ribbing for getting an Escort,
but I am Sooo glad I did. Had one front
end accident, everyone was OK and
repairs were completed easily. I can
fit just as much stuff in the rear as
my husband can in his SUV!! Its a
breeze in the snow and easy to get out
of tight places.
What A Nice Surprise! The Escort!
4.13 out of 5 starsLauren in Vegas, 06/12/2002
1996 Ford Escort LX 4dr Hatchback
After ending up with the last car I
thought I'd ever want (a '96 Ford
Escort), I have been more than
surprised at the reliability of this
car! When I first bought it (with 73K
miles), I took two long road trips
half way across the country and back
without incident! The gas mileage was
great and the ride wasn't bad!
1996 Escort Highlights
Wagon
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 30 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $122/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 26.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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