>>Ford EXP

Ford EXP

Ford EXP

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1982–1988
Assembly	St. Thomas Assembly, Ontario,Canada Wayne, Michigan, United States
Successor	Ford Probe
Class	Sport compact
Body style	3-door hatchback
Layout	FF layout
Platform	Ford CE14 platform
Related	Ford Escort Ford Tempo Mercury LN7 Mercury Lynx Mercury Topaz

The Ford EXP and Mercury LN7 were the first two-seaters that Ford offered in 25 years. The coupes shared the wheelbase and mechanicals of the Ford Escort with a longer, more stylish body. It was first shown at the Chicago Auto Show and introduced in April 1981 as an early 1982 model.

Comparing the EXP to the original Thunderbird, Ford Division General Manager Louis E. Latalf said: "We're introducing another two-seater with the same flair, but the EXP will be a very affordable, very fuel efficient car matched to the lifestyles of the eighties."

As the 1980s began, Ford was in a transitional phase. Henry Ford II retired as chairman, Lee Iaccoca was at Chrysler, and chief stylist Eugene Bordinat had also stepped down. Ford's marketing strategy at the time was based on their perception of American society in the early 1980s. Ford felt that the growing number of one and two person households, combined with the lifestyle of the younger target audience who desired a small sporty car, led them to the conclusion that Americans wanted a "lively little car that is dependable, efficient, and good-looking".

Ford's marketing department believed that if a customer wanted room for four or five passengers, they would buy an Escort or a Fairmont. The marketing philosophy for the EXP's seating was rather like that of a European gran turismo; a personal vehicle for two, with a cargo area in back for emergency transport of anything or anyone else. While it was moderately successful in sales for a two seater, it not only lacked performance but its styling still described as "a sound beating with the ugly stick ... unbelievably awkward, oddly proportioned lines and a curious headlight treatment".Although the EXP still has its fans, it never gained the cult following of cars such as the Pontiac Fiero, Toyota MR2, and Honda CRX which were built and styled around their own unique platforms. It ultimately would be dropped in favor of the 2+2 Ford Probe.

Name origin

For a long time, some were adamant that the letters stood for "EXPerimental"; others said that Ford marketing executives just thought it was an interesting combination of letters that did not have a meaning. However, according to an article published in Popular Mechanics(March 1981), the letters EXP were supposed to stand for Erika Project Personal car, where project cars are designated X. The "Erika" came from the code-name from the European Escort.

First generation (1982–1985)

First generation

Production	1982–1985
Engine	1.6 L CVH  I4
Transmission	4-speed IB4 manual 5-speed MTX-III manual 3-speed FLC automatic
Wheelbase	94.2 in (2,393 mm)
Length	170.3 in (4,326 mm)
Width	65.9 in (1,674 mm)
Height	50.5 in (1,283 mm)
Curb weight	2,047 lb (929 kg)

There had been a push by automobile manufacturers around the world to make small, fuel efficient cars. This was precipitated by the OPEC oil embargo of October 17, 1973–1974. This embargo included a 70% increase in oil prices, causing long lines at gasoline filling stations, and skyrocketing prices for gasoline. People wanted, demanded more miles for their gasoline dollars. Ultimately this led Detroit, Tokyo and Germany to rethink the adage that "bigger is better".

The world would respond with smaller cars. A second energy crisis and a renewed recession followed in 1979-1982. Ford studied a two seater commuter car called the Super Gnat. It was to have a three-cylinder engine with a wheelbase of just 78 inches. Ford also produced as a concept the Mustang RSX, which was a slightly smaller two-seat derivative of the Mustang.

Lee Iacocca leadership at Ford had previously introduced one of its most successful cars, the Mustang. The Mustang [1964 ½] originally was no more than a Falcon with a different, more sports-car like body. Similarly, Ford would adapt their newest economy cars, the Ford Escort and Mercury Lynx by putting a sporty body on top and removing the rear seats to produce the EXP and LN7.

The EXP's rakish non-boxy body rode on the Escort's 94.2 inch (2393 mm) wheelbase, with that car's front-wheel drive running gear, four-wheel independent suspension, and dashboard. The EXP was longer, lower, and sportier than the Escort.

Performance wasn't the car's strong suit however, since the EXP weighed about 200 pounds more than Escort but carried the same small 1.6 L CVH  I4 engine rated at 70 hp (52 kW) and a standard 4-speed IB4 manual transaxle. Nevertheless, the March 1981 issue of Car and Driver reported that their EXP with a manual transmission reached 44 MPG on the highway, a figure comparable to modern hybrid cars.

Both the Ford EXP and the Mercury LN7 had a sharply sloped windshield, wheel arches with prominent lips, and wide body side moldings not far below the top of the wheel well. The biggest difference was the rear fascia.

The EXP was a notchback with a lift-up hatch, while the LN7 used a big "bubbleback" back window. The EXP's minimalist grille consisted merely of twin horizontal slats on the sloped front panel (the LN7 had ten).

Priced considerably higher than the Escort, the EXP carried an ample list of standard equipment. It included power brakes, full instrumentation, full carpeting, electric back window defroster, power hatchback release, a digital clock, and a cargo area security shade. Models with a manual transmission had a sport-tuned exhaust. Automatic models had a wide-open throttle cutout switch for the optional air conditioning compressor clutch.

As the full 1982 model year began, Ford offered an optional (at no extra cost) 4.05:1 final drive for better performance. Later came a close-ratio transmission with 3.59:1 final drive ratio intended for the same purpose.

Finally, in March 1982, an 80 hp (59 kW) version of the CVH engine became available. It had higher (9.0:1) compression, a larger air cleaner intake, lower-restriction exhaust, a dual-outlet exhaust manifold, larger carburetor venturis, and a higher-lift camshaft.

The LN7 did not last long. A sporty two-seater seemed out of place in Lincoln-Mercury showrooms, and it was dropped in 1983 after only a total of 40,000 were sold.

EXP Turbo Coupe

By 1984, Ford was trying hard to conquer the youth market, especially the affluent young motorist with offerings such as the Mustang SVO, Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, and the new EXP Turbo Coupe.

The turbocharged 1.6 L CVH engine, available for the Escort and EXP, featured a high-lift camshaft and EEC-IV electronic controls. It delivered boost up to 8 psi, raising power to 120 hp (89 kW), a gain of some 35 percent over the naturally aspirated models.

The Turbo Coupe had a unique front air dam and rear decklid spoiler, with a taped "Turbo" badge on the rear bumper. It also had two-tone paint with a black lower section, a unique C-pillar appliqué featuring the EXP lettering, black wheel flares, and black rocker panel moldings.

Return of the EXP

By the mid-1980s, two-seaters were in vogue. Cars such as the Pontiac Fiero and Toyota MR2 (both mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports cars) were so popular that even Cadillac was considering producing one.Yet despite their popularity, Ford EXP sales were sluggish. Its styling was stale, and for a sports car, its performance was generally regarded as less than adequate. Build quality and refinement were also inferior to Japanese competitors such as the MR2 and Honda CRX.

The employees, with a bit of assistance from the plant manager, went down to the body shop and pirated parts from the other models and put together what they thought was a much better-looking EXP. Peters, Tom. Thriving On Chaos: Handbook For A Management Revolution.

The result was the 1985½ Escort EXP, and after a brief absence from the lineup after the end of the 1985 model year, the EXP returned with a new look and a re-badged nameplate. During its first three months it posted steadily increasing sales, but even the new styling and upgraded power plant wasn't enough to save the EXP.

Second generation (1985½–1988½)

Second generation

Also called	Ford Escort EXP
Production	1985.5–1988.5
Engine	1.9 L CVH  I4
Transmission	4-speed IB4 manual 5-speed MTX-III manual 3-speed FLC automatic
Wheelbase	94.2 in (2,393 mm)
Length	170.3 in (4,326 mm)
Width	65.9 in (1,674 mm)
Height	50.5 in (1,283 mm)
Curb weight	2,388 lb (1,083 kg)

A reworked Escort had appeared as a late-year 1985 model with the 1985.5 model year EXP. This 1985.5 model had a 2 barrel carb and the 1985 escort steering wheel and had a new form with a sleek new front-end design, including an air dam and flush-mounted headlamps. The new EXP also acquired the LN7's bubble hatch. Otherwise, the new four-window couple design looked similar to the original EXP at the rear, but markedly different up front.

Gone were the distinctive "frog-eye" headlights, replaced by flush-mounted headlamps with wraparound marker lenses and parking lamps mounted below in the bumper region alongside a wide center slot. Ford's blue script oval stood prominently above a single-slot grille. Large 'EXP' recessed lettering was easy to spot on the wide C-pillar. Wraparound full-width taillamps (split by the license plate's recessed housing) were divided into upper/lower segments and tapered downward to a point on each quarter panel.

1985.5 - 1986 Luxury Coupe

The Luxury Coupe had a [Holley 2 Barrel Carb] version of the 1.9 L engine rated at 90 hp (67 kW), along with a tachometer and trip odometer, reclining low-back bucket seats trimmed in cloth/vinyl (or all vinyl), AM/FM stereo radio, overhead console, and left remote mirror.

1987 - 1988 Luxury Coupe

The Luxury Coupe had a throttle-body injected version of the 1.9 L engine rated at 90 hp (67 kW), along with a tachometer and trip odometer, reclining low-back bucket seats trimmed in cloth/vinyl (or all vinyl), AM/FM stereo radio, overhead console, and left remote mirror.

1986 - 1988 Sport Coupe

A fuel-injected high-output version of the 1.9 L CVH engine rated at 106 hp (79 kW) went into the Sport Coupe, which also had special handling components, performance bucket seats, center console with graphic systems monitor, fog lamps dual electric mirrors, and low-profile 15 inch handling tires on cast aluminum wheels. The 1987 model year saw the Sport Coupe's power rating increased to 115 hp (85 kW).

Discontinuation

From the beginning, sales of the EXP were never as strong as the marketing executives had hoped they would be. This can be partially attributed to the fact that it never delivered the performance that a car in the two-seat market segment required. By the late '80s, insurance rates on two-seater cars were also rising. An additional and totally unrelated situation faced by Ford may have also hastened the demise of the EXP.

In 1982, with the economy still in a recession, Ford began work on what was to be the new fourth generation Mustang. The goal was to replace the rear-wheel drive muscle car design with a sleek, fuel-efficient, front-wheel drive "design of tomorrow". It was also an attempt to counter General Motors' GM80 plan, which was to offer a front-wheel drive Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird by 1990.

When Mustang loyalists got wind that Ford was planning to drop their beloved pony car in favor of a Japanese-derived front-wheel drive car, criticism quickly mounted against it. The current Mustang's sales began to rise and the future of the rear-wheel drive Mustang was no longer questioned. With easing gas prices and under the strain of a massive letter writing campaign from Mustang enthusiasts, Ford reconsidered the decision. By this time, Ford had invested a significant amount of time and money in the new design and they were unwilling to simply cut their losses and scrap it. With the upcoming dealer debut already planned for August 1987, Ford turned to its inventory of already owned names. They picked one they had been using on a series of radically designed, aerodynamically advanced concept cars, from which the car's design was originally premiered. The new car was renamed the Ford Probe.

This left Ford with a difficult problem, as they did not have the resources to produce three sport coupes. The logical choice was to drop the one that had the poorest sales figures. By October 1988, and after more than 225,000 EXPs and LN7s had been produced, the last EXP rolled off of the assembly line.

>>Ford Excursion

Ford Excursion

Ford Excursion

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	2000–2005 2004-2012 (F-250 Tropivan) (Brazil)
Assembly	Louisville, Kentucky, United States Goiania, Brazil
Predecessor	Ford Bronco Centurion (United States)
Successor	Ford Expedition EL/Max (United States)
Class	Full-size sport utility vehicle
Body style	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive
Engine	7.3 L Powerstroke V8 Diesel 5.4 L Triton V8 6.8 L Triton V10 6.0 L PowerStroke V8 Diesel
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	137.1 in (3,482 mm)
Length	226.7 in (5,758 mm)
Width	2000–01: 80.0 in (2,032 mm) 2002–05: 79.9 in (2,029 mm)
Height	2000–01 & 2005 4WD: 80.2 in (2,037 mm) 2WD: 77.2 in (1,961 mm) 2002–04 4WD: 80.4 in (2,042 mm)
Curb weight	7,725 lb (3,504 kg) Diesel 7,230 lb (3,280 kg) Gasoline V10
Related	Ford Super Duty

The Ford Excursion is a full-size sport utility vehicle that was produced by the Ford Motor Company between model years 2000 and 2005 (2006 in Mexico). Based on the Super Duty pickup truck platform, it served as Ford's largest SUV in its lineup during the tenure of its production and mainly competed against the smaller Chevrolet Suburban.

Overview

2005 Ford Excursion

Excursion was introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model year vehicle. Sales were initially good, peaking in 2000 with over 50,000 sales. As gasoline prices rose, the sales gradually fell. Industry insiders expected Ford to stop producing the Excursion, but sales continued through the 2005 model year, for which it received a minor facelift, and production of the Excursion ended in September 2005. Ford needed to free up capacity at the Louisville plant that produces the Super Duty pickup trucks. A more fuel efficient, extended-length Expedition half-ton, named the Expedition EL (Max in Canada and Mexico), has replaced the Excursion in the company's lineup for the 2007 model year.

Design

Drivetrain

An Excursion in use as an emergency vehicle.

Engines included the standard gasoline Triton 5.4 L V8, as well as the optional gasoline Triton 6.8 L V10, and the Power Stroke 7.3 L V8 diesel engine. The 2003 models replaced the 7.3 L International diesel with a more powerful 6.0 L International diesel.

A 4-speed automatic transmission was the standard transmission at first, but it was replaced by a 5-speed automatic in 2003. The 5.4 L Triton V8 was rated at 255 hp (190 kW) and 350 lb·ft (475 N·m). The 6.8 L Triton V10 produced 310 hp (231 kW) and 425 lb·ft (576 N·m). The 6.0 L Powerstroke Diesel was rated at 325 hp (242 kW) and 560 lb·ft (759 N·m). The rear axle for all Excursions was a Sterling 10.5 axle. The four wheel drive models got a NV273 transfer case and Dana 50 front axle.

• 5.4 L V8, 255 hp (190 kW; 259 PS) 2000–2005
• 6.8 L V10, 310 hp (231 kW; 314 PS) 2000–2005
• 7.3 L Diesel V8, 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) 2000–2003
• 6.0 L Diesel V8, 325 hp (242 kW; 330 PS) 2003–2005

The powertrain components are the same as those offered in the Super Duty truck.

Fuel economy

Built using the same platform and powertrain as the Super Duty (a line of trucks (over 8,500 lb (3,900 kg) GVWR), the Excursion received complaints and criticism over its fuel economy as a passenger vehicle. The Excursion has been criticized for its poor fuel efficiency: Paul Roberts in The End of Oil  described the car as "obscene".The Excursion was designed to be classified as a heavy-duty vehicle, as for commercial or rural use, with a GVWR 8,900 lb (4,000 kg) - gasoline V10 engine and 9,200 lb (4,200 kg) - any diesel engine which exempted the vehicle from CAFE fuel economy regulations and quoting United States Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) fuel economy estimates.

Blocker bar

The Excursion was modified to include an under-bumper blocker bar device first developed by the French transportation ministry in 1971.This was because initial crash testing indicated terrifying results in head-on collisions with the Excursion vaulting over a Ford Taurus into the sedan's windshield.

Trims

The truck uses code U4 in the 5th and 6th positions of the VIN.

In 2003 the Excursion saw the availability of an upmarket Eddie Bauer trim line.

Yearly U.S. sales

Calendar Year	Total American sales
1999	18,315
2000	50,786
2001	34,710
2002	29,042
2003	26,259
2004	20,010
2005	16,283

Replacement

The Excursion's position in the Ford SUV lineup was replaced in 2007 by an extended-length version of the Expedition. The last Excursion was produced on September 30, 2005, at Ford's Louisville plant, although the last Excursions were sold as 2006 models for the Mexican market. Production was canceled to focus on Super Duty trucks, however, a similar SUV to the Excursion is manufactured in Brazil using the chassis of the Super Duty, and is sold as the F-250 Tropivan in both standard and extended length versions.

>>Ford Everest

Ford Everest

The Ford Everest is a midsize SUV produced by Ford since 2003. Everest is a five-door wagon variant of the Ford Ranger four-door utility. The Everest is known as the Ford Endeavour in the Indian market.

• First generation: based on the 1998–2006 Ford Ranger, which in turn derives from the 1998–2006 Mazda B-Series.
  Further information: Mazda B-Series

• Second generation: based on the 2006–2011 Ford Ranger, which in turn derives from the 2006–2011 Mazda BT-50.
  Further information: Mazda BT-50

Gallery

Ford Everest (2003–2006) Further information: Mazda B-Series Ford Everest (2006–2009) Further information: Mazda BT-50

>>Ford Squire

Ford Squire

Ford Squire

Manufacturer	Ford of Britain
Production	1955-1959 17,812
Body style	2-door estate
Layout	FR layout
Engine	1172 cc I4
Transmission	3-speed manual
Wheelbase	87 in (2,210 mm)
Length	142 in (3,607 mm)
Width	60.5 in (1,537 mm)
Height	63 in (1,600 mm)

The Ford Squire is a car from Ford for the United Kingdom market built between 1955 and 1959.

It was a two-door, four-seat estate design, the brother to the Ford Prefect 100E four-door saloon, sharing the same 1172 cc Ford Sidevalve 36 bhp (27 kW) engine and other parts and the same interior trim. It was substantially shorter than both the Prefect and the closely related Ford Anglia 100E two-door saloon. It used the short front doors of the four-door model because the bodyshell was optimized for use as a panel van (which was marketed as the Thames 300E). The rear door was in two pieces split horizontally. The rear seat could be folded flat to convert from a four-seater to a load carrier. Until 1957 there were wood trim pieces screwed to the sides of the vehicle.

The Squire competed in the same market segment as the Hillman Husky and the Austin A30 / A35 based estate: these were significantly more popular in the UK than longer estates at the time. Total production was 17,812 cars.

The British Motor magazine tested a Squire in 1955 recording a top speed of 69.9 mph (112.5 km/h) and acceleration from 0-50 mph (80 km/h) in 20.2 seconds and a fuel consumption of 35.7 miles per imperial gallon (7.91 L/100 km; 29.7 mpg_-US). The test car which had the optional heater cost £668 including taxes.

Ford Escort

A less expensive variant of the Ford Squire was branded as the Ford Escort.

The Ford Escort was a mechanically identical estate car but based on the Ford Anglia which had a lower trim level. This proved more popular and a total of 33,131 Escorts were produced between 1955 and 1961. Production of the Escort continued until 1961, two years longer than the Squire. The Escort name was also used on two other, unrelated, vehicles.

>>Ford Escort (North America)

Ford Escort (North America)

Ford Escort (North America)

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	1981–2003
Predecessor	Ford Pinto
Successor	Ford Focus
Class	Compact
Layout	FF layout

The Ford Escort was a compact car that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. The North American Escort adopted both the badge and the general design of a redesigned European model, and the name has been applied to several different designs in North America since its introduction as Ford's first successful world car. This platform was also known in Australia, and Asia as the Ford Laser and also sold as the Mazda 323, as the exterior dimensions and engine displacement was in compliance with Japanese regulations. It was sold at Mazda "Autorama" dealership sales channels.

The Escort was Ford's first front-wheel-drive car built in North America, replacing the dated Ford Pinto subcompact car (1971–80) with a modern front-wheel drive design popularized by the Volkswagen Rabbit. It also effectively replaced the smaller Ford Fiesta which was imported from Europe from 1978–80. Though mechanically sophisticated, the Fiesta was too small, even for a Pinto replacement.

The Escort was one of Ford's most successful models in the 1980s, earning a much better reputation than the Pinto, which faced widely publicized safety issues. In fact, the Escort was the single best-selling car in its second year in the United States and during most of that decade.

First generation (1981–1990)

First generation

Production	1981–1990
Assembly	Edison, New Jersey, United States Wayne, Michigan, United States Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Body style	3-door hatchback 5-door station wagon 5-door hatchback
Platform	Ford CE14 platform
Engine	1.6 L CVH  I4 1.9 L CVH  I4 2.0 L Mazda RF diesel I4
Transmission	4-speed MTX-II manual 5-speed MTX-III 3-speed ATX/FLC automatic
Wheelbase	94.2 in (2,393 mm)
Length	169.4 in (4,303 mm) GT: 169.0 in (4,293 mm)
Width	65.9 in (1,674 mm)
Height	Hatchbacks: 53.7 in (1,364 mm) Sedan: 53.4 in (1,356 mm)
Related	Ford Laser Mazda 323 Mazda Protegé Mercury Lynx

Introduced in 1981, the first American Escort was intended to share common components with the European Mk III Escort (as with its sister, the Mercury Lynx), and was launched as a 2-door hatchback and as a 4-door station wagon, with the 4-door hatchback following a year later. It had considerably more chrome than the model sold elsewhere (except for the 1981 SS model/1982- GT models which featured blacked out trim). 1981 models never had the Blue Oval logo; on the front fenders there was an Escort badge which included a globe representing the earth, which implied this was a "World Car". The car was freshened in 1982, and added Ford's Blue Oval logo for the first time along with a newer grille. In 1982, the base price of the Escort 3-door was $5,518. In 1984, the GLX model was dropped and replaced with a fuel injected LX model (5dr hatch and wagon; GT engine and blackout trim), the interior received a new dashboard, including a new rubber shift boot for manual models and a new gear selector lever (with a straight line of gear selection as opposed to the twisting ? mark pattern) for automatic equipped models and "Butterfly" styled cast aluminum wheels. Flush headlamps, revised taillamps and restyled steel wheels appeared when the Escort was revised and introduced as the 1985.5 Ford Escort. There was also the Ford EXP, and sister version Mercury LN7, targeting the sports car market, essentially a two-seat hatch with lower roofline which was not as successful as other body styles.

Although the basic silhouette was the same, it was almost completely different from the European version, apart from the Ford CVH engine. There was a 1.6 L engine, a 4-speed MTX-2 and a 5-speed MTX-3 manual transmission that were standard with a 3-speed ATX/FLC automatic transmission optional. A 1.3 L engine was designed and prototyped but did not see production due to lack of power. Beginning in 1983 a GT model offered a multi-port EFI version of the 1.6 L 4-cylinder that increased power by 20 hp over the base carbureted version. It also came with a 5-speed transmission, TRX handling package, front and rear spoilers, metric-sized alloy wheels and fog lights. Also beginning in 1983 the Ford EXP had the option of the turbocharged 1.6 litre four-cylinder rated at 120 hp (89 kW) and matching torque, a fairly sporty package, considering that the Mustang GT of that period was only rated at 175 hp (130 kW) and was much heavier.

Engines

• 1981–1985 1.6 L CVH  I4, 68 hp (51 kW)
• 1983–1985 1.6 L EFI CVH  I4, 88 hp (66 kW)
• 1983–1985 1.6 L turbocharged CVH  I4, 120 hp (89 kW)
• 1984–1985 2.0 L RF diesel I4, 52 hp (39 kW)

1985.5–1990

There was a facelift (less chrome, restyled taillamps, flush headlights, 1.9 L engine) as a 1985½ model. The Lynx was retired for 1987, but was replaced by the Mazda 323-derived Tracer model in 1988. [That Mazda platform was revamped in 1990 and debuted as the 1990 Mazda Protege. The updated platform would form the basis for the next generation (1991–1996) Escort/Tracer.]

The Escort saw another minor facelift in mid-1988, which smoothed out the front and rear fascias. New plastic bumpers, larger rear side windows, a more rounded rear-end design and larger (14 inch versus 13 inch) wheels modernized the look of the cars. Three door hatchback models had a curving windowline along the side towards the rear of the car. The engine was also updated with a slightly revised camshaft, and roller lifters. The new design is commonly referred to as the "88.5" year, and existed until the end of the 1990 model year.

Finding some popularity during the final three years of this generation was the Pony model, which was the least-expensive U.S.-built Ford at the time. Pony models used plainer interior trim with greater use of vinyl and plastic instead of cloth, and a 4-speed manual transaxle was standard, although buyers could opt for the 5-speed found in LX models or the 3-speed ATX automatic. The list of available options was very limited, to the extent that such luxuries as power steering and factory-installed air conditioning were not offered (a dealer-installed A/C system was available). Given their lighter weight, Pony models were known for their ability to deliver excellent fuel economy—mileage upwards of 40 mpg_-US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_-imp) in highway driving was not uncommon.

• 

  1984–1985 Ford Escort 3-door (with aftermarket wheel trims)
 
• 

  1986–1988 Ford Escort 5-door
 
• 

  1988–1990 Ford Escort LX 5-door
 
• 

  1988–1990 Ford Escort LX wagon

Engines

• 1986–1988 1.9 L CVH  I4, 86 hp (64 kW)
• 1988.5–1990 1.9 L CVH  I4, 90 hp (67 kW)
• 1986–1988 1.9 L CVH High Output  I4, 108 hp (81 kW)
• 1988.5–1990 1.9 L CVH High Output  I4, 110 hp (82 kW)
• 1986–1989 2.0 L RF diesel I4, 52 hp (39 kW)

Second generation (1991–1996)

Second generation

Production	1991–1996
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, United States Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Class	Compact
Body style	3-door hatchback 4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 5-door hatchback
Platform	Mazda B platform
Engine	1.8 L BP  I4 1.9 L CVH  I4
Transmission	5-speed F series  manual (1.9) 5-speed G5M  manual (1.8) 4-speed F-4EAT  automatic
Wheelbase	98.4 in (2,499 mm)
Length	170.0 in (4,318 mm) Wagon: 171.3 in (4,351 mm) 1992 & 1995–96 Sedan: 170.9 in (4,341 mm)
Width	66.7 in (1,694 mm)
Height	Sedan: 52.7 in (1,339 mm) Hatchbacks: 52.5 in (1,334 mm) Wagon: 53.6 in (1,361 mm)
Curb weight	3-Door Hatchback – 2355 lbs (1068 kg) 5-Door Hatchback – 2385 lbs (1082 kg) 4-Door Sedan – 2404 lbs (1090 kg) 4-Door Wagon – 2491 lbs (1130 kg)
Related	Mazda 323 Mazda Protegé Mercury Tracer

In 1991, the Escort and the Mercury Tracer were replaced by models based on the Mazda B platform (BG), which was also used by the Mazda 323 and Protegé. Ford, which owned a 25% stake in Mazda, already sold a version of the 323/Familia in Asia and Australasia, called the Ford Laser, which had replaced the old rear-wheel drive Escort there.

The Escort a decade earlier used localized engines and shared some elements of design with the European model. The Escort for the 1990s, however, would be almost identical to the Mazda Familia and its derivatives, differing only in appearance.

This generation of the Escort was one of the first Ford automobiles to feature, on the 1.9 L engine, distributorless ignition (known as EDIS, Electronic Distributorless Ignition System). It also featured a new electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, as well as an independent rear suspension, both (at the time) relatively uncommon in cars in this class.

The Mazda-based model sold sluggishly in America at first, since only hatchback models were offered in 1991, but became popular later in 1992, after the sedan was introduced, available in either LX or LX-E trim levels.

From 1993–1995, Ford offered the Escort on a "one price" basis, with the same price for a three- or five-door hatchback, a sedan or a wagon when equipped with the most popular options (3-doors quickly added alloy wheels to the "one price" specification). The LX-E, equipped with the same sporting equipment as the GT (four-wheel disc brakes, sport suspension, sport interior, 1.8 L Mazda inline four), lasted only until 1993. The Pony departed in 1992, replaced by the Standard trim level.

Trim levels were originally Pony, LX, and GT: the GT was the North American equivalent of the European XR3i version. Like its European counterpart, it was a three-door hatchback only, but whereas the European car had a 1.8 L Ford engine, the North American market got a 1.8 L Mazda engine. The LX and Standard or Pony were equipped with the 1.9 L overhead cam CVH inline 4. The Pony or later Standard was the base trim level, lacking most features like power steering or a radio. The LX was the upscale trim level, and a Sport package could be added to make it look like a GT. Subtle differences can be noticed in all three Escort models (sedan, hatchback and wagon) from 1991–1996. In 1993, the grill oval hall around the "Ford" emblem became a little larger in order to allow more air into the engine. In 1994, the wheel size was changed from 13 inches to 14 inches and the black exterior door handles were changed to match the exterior color of the car. A driver's airbag was introduced in 1994 as well, and by 1995, both driver and passenger airbags were standard with the new designed dash for 1995. Model years 1991 to 1993 lacked airbags and had an older dash.

Engines

• 1991–1996 1.9 L (1,859 cc) CVH  I4, 88 hp (66 kW) 108 ft·lbf (146 N·m)
• 1991–1996 1.8 L (1,839 cc) Mazda BP  I4, 127 hp (95 kW) 114 ft·lbf (155 N·m) LX-E and GT

• 

  1993 Ford Escort wagon
 
• 

  1993 Ford Escort LX 4-door hatch
 
• 

  1995–1996 Ford Escort LX 2-door hatch

Third generation (1997–2002)

Third generation

Production	1997–2002
Assembly	Wayne, Michigan, United States Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Class	Compact
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Platform	Mazda B platform
Engine	2.0 L SPI2000 SOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed G5M  manual 4-speed F-4EAT automatic
Wheelbase	98.4 in (2,499 mm)
Length	Wagon: 172.7 in (4,390 mm) Sedan: 174.7 in (4,440 mm)
Width	67.0 in (1,700 mm)
Height	Sedan: 53.3 in (1,354 mm) Wagon: 53.9 in (1,369 mm)
Curb weight	2,468 lb (1,119 kg)
Related	Mazda Protegé Mercury Tracer

The 1997 restyle dropped the hatchbacks and added a new sporty coupe for 1998, the Escort ZX2. It replaced the Ford Probe as Ford's sport compact car. A much lower-slung and rakish car than either the sedan and wagon, it was aimed squarely at the youth market as a replacement for the Escort GT (although lacking the latter's rear disc brake setup) and was built exclusively at Ford's Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico assembly plant. The interior was refreshed for 1999, and the model was retired after 2003. It had a completely redesigned dashboard, and included a panel that unified the heat and radio controls, similar to that of the third generation Ford Taurus.

The 1998 Escort ZX2 coupe featured the 2.0 L, 130 hp (97 kW) Zetec DOHC four-cylinder engine as standard equipment, an option unavailable on the sedan or wagon. Intended for use as the base engine in the larger European Ford Mondeo and its American cousins, the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique, the Zetec gave the ZX2 more-than-respectable performance, running 0–60 in 7.4 seconds.

The 1999 and 2000 model years offered a limited performance edition ZX2 S/R which further enhanced the cars performance in every aspect.

The Escort sedan and wagon used the lower powered CVH SPI2000 engine with 110 hp (82 kW). Subtle differences can be noticed in the Escort sedan from 1997–2002. The trim lines of 1997 were base and the LX, 1998–2002 offered the LX andSE. In 1999, the reverse lights were moved into the same piece as the tail lamps; they were previously below the tail lamp on the body.

A very rare trim package could be found with chrome 14 in (36 cm) wheel covers and other features. It was offered in 1999.

Ford Escort LX wagon

The Escort was offered in a Sport package as well. The Mercury Tracer's version was called the Trio or Sport depending on the year. A basketweave type of wheel was put on the Tracer Trio while a flower petal pattern was used on the Tracer Sport. The Sport/Trio package included aluminum wheels, sport exhaust tip, a tachometer, and a rear decklid spoiler.

The Escort wagon largely retained the same body style, gaining only the new interior, front end & fascia, side-view mirrors, door handles, badging, and slightly restyled taillamps & reflectors. The black window frames on the doors of some models became body-colored.

Both the Escort wagon and the Mercury Tracer were discontinued after 1999. The Escort sedan was discontinued in 2002, and was already replaced by the Ford Focus. The last ZX2 was built in 2003. In Mexico, it was replaced by the smaller Ford Ikon.

Engines

• 1997–2002 2.0 L (1986 cc) CVH SPI2000, SOHC I4, 110 hp (82 kW) @ 5000 rpm, 125 ft·lbf (169 N·m) @ 3750 rpm, redline 5500 rpm Sedan and Wagon
• 1998–2003 2.0 L (1989 cc) Zetec, DOHC I4, 130 hp (97 kW) @ 5750 rpm, 127 ft·lbf (172 N·m) @ 4250 rpm, redline 6500 rpm, 7200 Rpm rev limiter ZX2
• 1999–2000 2.0 L (1989 cc) Zetec, DOHC I4, 143 hp (107 kW), 146 ft·lbf (198 N·m) ZX2 S/R

ZX2

ZX2

Also called	Ford Escort ZX2
Production	1998–2003 (USA) 1998–2000 (Canada & Mexico)
Predecessor	Ford Probe
Class	Sport compact
Body style	2-door coupe
Platform	Mazda B platform
Engine	2.0 L Zetec  DOHC I4
Transmission	5-speed G5M manual 4-speed F-4EAT automatic
Wheelbase	98.4 in (2,500 mm)
Length	175.2 in (4,450 mm)
Width	67.4 in (1,710 mm)
Height	52.3 in (1,330 mm)
Curb weight	2,478 lb (1,124 kg)
Related	Mazda Protegé Mercury Tracer

2003 Ford ZX2

For 2001, the sedan was limited to fleet sales only and the Escort moniker on the Escort ZX2 was quietly dropped, making the car officially just ZX2.

The Ford Focus debuted in 2000 and was produced concurrently with the ZX2. Though not without its fans, both then and now, and still fairly well represented in the automotive aftermarket, the ZX2 was replaced by the Focus ZX3, ZX4 and ZX5. Though the two cars shared the same Zetec engine, there were a few differences. The Focus lacked the exhaust-side VCT, and contained less aggressive camshafts that pushed the power band down a few hundred RPM. They both shared the same block but, due to the different camshafts and the different cylinder head, the torque output for the Focus was bumped up by 8 ft·lbf (11 N·m). Thanks to better gearing and less weight the ZX2 continued to outperform the Focus. The ZX2 continued with little more than 15 in (38 cm) alloy wheels and a rear defroster now offered as standard equipment, and for 2003, a revised front fascia. Production ceased at the end of the 2003 model year.

ZX2 S/R

The increased presence and success of tuner models from overseas in the late 90s caused Ford to create their own performance model, the ZX2 S/R. Meant to compete with cheap factory performance compacts such as the Honda Civic Si or the Dodge Neon ACR, Ford created the ZX2 S/R to show that they had plenty to bring to the table. Its initial debut was at SEMA's Import Auto Salon in Pomona in 1999. The ZX2 S/R was the first product jointly developed by Ford Racing and Ford Motor Company's Small Vehicle Center Product Development.

Ford's final limited production count was 2,110 units, consisting of 110 yellow S/Rs in 1999, the first two of which were sold in Columbus, Ohio, and the other 108 in southern California, and in 2000, 500 black, 500 red and 1,000 yellow S/Rs for an upgrade price of $1,500 both years. It is believed that only 35 of those 2000 S/Rs were sold in Canada, making it a very rare trim there.

The optional S/R package adds stiffer suspension parts (Eibach springs (M-5560-Z2), Tokico struts (M-18000-Z2) and Energy Suspension brand polyurethane suspension bushings), more power (through a Ford Racing PCM (M-12650-Z2)), more efficient intake (Roush and Iceman), rear disc brakes (M-2300-Z2), a stronger clutch (Centerforce dual friction (M-7560-Z2), a short-throw B&M manual-transmission shifter (M-7210-Z2), an S/R-unique shift knob (M-7213-Z2) and boot (M-7277-Z2), upgraded seats, a unique blue valve cover, a different speed cluster that goes up to 150 mph (240 km/h) and a unique tire/wheel package. Engine power was increased 10% over the base Zetec engine used in the ZX2 to 143 bhp (107 kW; 145 PS), courtesy of a recommended premium fuel re-calibration, new air inlet system, the performance PCM, improved Borla muffler and pipe (M-5230-Z2). All ZX2 S/R have a special "S/R" badge on the back, either silver (on a red car) or red (on a yellow or black car). Some S/R went out of the assembly plant without some of the performance mods(example: missing the Centerforce clutch). The suspension bushings were not installed at the factory but instead packaged with the car for installation at the dealership. This also led to many cars leaving the showroom without the full complement of S/R parts.

Sales

Calendar Year	American sales
1999	260,486
2000	110,736
2001	90,503
2002	51,857
2003 (ZX2 only)	25,473
2004 (ZX2 only)	1,210