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Summary
We also tested the Escort against the Civic, Neon and an uplevel Saturn through a grueling slalom at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in nearby Phoenix. While the Saturn and Neon snaked through the cones a little faster, neither felt as tied-together as the Escort. What's more, even base Escorts handle as well as the uppermost model. Ford will unveil a racier, twin-camshaft Escort/Tracer Coupe next year. Also rumored is an Escort-based subcompact sport-utility before Ford switches these cars to a European-based design around the year 2000. For now, the Escort combines contemporary good looks, competent handling, slick ergonomics and a smooth ride at a fair price. And that's one terrific balancing act.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Engines:
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2.0-liter sohc 4-cyl. |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed manual |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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Dual airbags |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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|
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Basic Warranty:
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3 years/36,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Wayne, MI; Hermosillo, Mexico |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Escort LX sedan |
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Standard Equipment:
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14-in. wheels, fold-down rear seat, child safety rear door locks, variable intermittent wipers, automatic battery shutdown, AM/FM radio |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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ABS, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, CD player, automatic, power windows/ mirrors/door locks, 60/40 fold-down rear seat |
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Destination Charge:
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|
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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14500 |
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Layout:
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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110 @ 5000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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125 @ 3750 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed manual |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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|
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Wheelbase:
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98.4 |
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Length/width/height:
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174.7/66.2/53.3 |
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Track, f/r:
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56.5/56.5 |
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Turning circle:
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31.5 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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39.0/50.2/42.5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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36.7/49.3/33.8 |
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Cargo volume:
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12.1 |
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Payload:
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Towing capacity:
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1000 |
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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|
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Curb weight:
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2518 |
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Tires:
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P185/65SR-14 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/drum |
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Fuel capacity:
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12.7 |
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