Ford Escort is a mid-size C-class car manufactured by Ford Europe from 1967 to 2004 in the civil and commercial segment. Over many years of operation, the model has established itself as an inexpensive reliable vehicle suitable for intensive daily use.
First generation Mark I
The car "Ford Escort" replaced the model "England" in 1967. Initially, it was released for the UK and Ireland market with a right-hand drive. In 1968, the production of the left-side version for continental Europe began. The assembly was carried out first at the English factory Halewood (today the Jaguars and Land Rovers are produced here), and then in the Belgian city of Genk. It is interesting that the modifications from different factories differed among themselves both in the interior details and in the suspension design, brakes and even wheels.
Ford Escort attracted customers with an interesting design (a single unit of head optics and a radiator grille looks especially expressive), convenience, and technical solutions that were relevant at that time. In Foggy Albion, in no time, the model became a national bestseller. Today, Mark I is a collectible and a frequent guest at various retrocar shows.
Second generation Mark II
On February 2, 1974, Ford Escort rolled off the assembly line in a new guise. By this time, the most severe energy crisis was growing in the world, therefore the first to produce the most economical modification with an engine capacity of less than one liter (930 cm 3 ). The car lost its trademark "eye cut" and outwardly began to resemble many European models.
By this time, Ford Escort had become so popular that it had to significantly expand production facilities. Assembly plants operated in England, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Israel, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. The variety of body options was quite large. This coupe, and 3/4-door sedans, and extended station wagons, and commercial vans.
Over time, the range of power units has grown to 8 models. The most powerful was the 2-liter Pinto TL20H I4 engine, delivering over 100 liters. from. and often used in car racing.
Third generation
The production of Mark III started in September 1980. The fundamental difference is the transition to front-wheel drive (previous versions had rear-wheel drive). Initially, the car was called "Erica", but later it was returned to its previous name - "Ford Escort". Body dimensions have not changed much, varying from 3.9-4 meters depending on configuration. 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. Auto acquired a fashionable angular shape, and the most popular body type was a hatchback with a shortened rear. A long-awaited novelty 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 the CVH series engines with overhead camshafts in 1.3 and 1.6 liter formats. 4 and 5-speed manual gearboxes supplemented by a 3-speed automatic. The suspension finally became independent: the designers completely abandoned archaic leaf springs. There are control systems for fuel, oil and coolant levels. On models for the American market, a power steering was installed.
Fourth generation
The Mark IV version was launched in the spring of 1986. Externally, the car received not so many differences. The length of the body slightly increased, the massive grille in the front part disappeared, the shape of the hood changed. The back has been slightly redesigned. But the technical characteristics of the Ford Escort have become noticeably better. First of all, this concerns the chassis. A mechanical anti-lock braking system was introduced. Improved suspension, which caused criticism in previous models.
The engine line has become one of the best in the class and has 12 options. In addition to the CVH motors, the CHT series came in, which was characterized by efficiency, smoothness and lower noise level. A technical breakthrough was the introduction of a fuel computer that regulates the injection of combustible liquid into the combustion chambers. The Ford Escort Salon has also undergone significant changes. The instrument panel has been completely redesigned. The windshield got heated. In some versions, air conditioning has appeared.
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 instead of independent). Motors from the previous generation were initially installed, which caused reasonable criticism. Also, the driver community did not like the boring and expressionless design.
In 1992, Ford Escort received the new 1.6 and 1.8 liter six-valve engines of the Zetec series with improved handling and the 2-liter Sierra I4, which also featured excellent driving characteristics and control. For the model, a whole series of useful additional equipment was available. Cars could be equipped with:
- power steering;
- power windows;
- central lock;
- air conditioning;
- electronic anti-lock brakes.
In 1992, a sports version of the Ford Escort RS Cosworth was developed. Externally, the 3-door hatchback did not really look like sports cars. Only his rear spoiler and additional air intakes on the hood hinted at his focus on speed. But he stood out for excellent dynamic characteristics thanks to a line of powerful 2-liter engines with a turbocharger. The standard Cosworth YBT gave out 227 liters. from. (169 kW), however, the tuning studio managed to “pump” it up to 1000 liters. from.
Sixth generation
Externally, the sixth generation from the fifth is distinguished only by a specialist or a fan of the brand. Subtle changes affected the running lights, hood, rear bumper and door handles. But the salon has undergone significant restyling. Mark 5 was strongly criticized for cheap plastic, in the updated model in the interior they began to use high-quality materials.
The bottom line of engines was occupied by a 1.3-liter Endura-E and a 1.4-liter CVH-PTE. The middle segment was still 1.6 / 1.8 Zetec. Top was the motor 2.0 L I4 DOHC I4. In a separate row are the 1.8 L Endura D series turbodiesels. The suspension has been greatly improved. Engineers have managed to strike a balance between agility and convenience. The sports Ford Escort Si, by contrast, was equipped with a stiffer suspension for the sake of better handling.
End of an era
By the late 1990s, Ford Escort was obsolete. Competitors have already offered new, more modern cars in appearance and technical stuffing. Gradually, its production was curtailed in Europe, and later - all over the world. He was replaced by a no less legendary model - the Ford Focus. The latest Escort hatchback was launched in Argentina in 2004.
Reviews
Over the many years of operation, Ford Escort has proved to be a reliable hard worker, a car designed for intensive use. At one time, the model was one of the most popular among taxi drivers, which speaks of its convenience, structural strength, and high performance.
The mere fact that this series has been produced for more than 35 years indicates a lot. For decades, 6 generations of Ford Escort succeeded each other, and this is not counting the special and commercial versions. Statistics show that during the entire production period the model was in the TOP-10 of the best-selling passenger cars, 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 a used state it won the love of tens of thousands of car owners. The main components of success were affordable cost, good quality, reliable engines, inexpensive spare parts and ease of repair.