Ford Escort (North America) Second generation (1991-1996)

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

The Escort a decade earlier used localized engines. The Escort for the 1990s, however, would be almost identical worldwide, differing only in appearance.

The Mazda-based model sold sluggishly in America at first, since only hatchback models were offered in 1991, but became popular later in 1992, when they introduced the sedan, available in either LX or LX-E trim levels. From 1993 to 1995 Ford offered it on a "one price" basis, with the same price for a three or five-door hatchback, a sedan or a wagon. The LX-E, equipped with the same sporting equipment as the GT (4-wheel disc brakes, sport suspension, sport interior, 1.8 L Mazda inline 4), lasted only until 1993. The Pony departed in 1992, replaced by the Standard trim level.

The 1991 Ford 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.

Trim levels were LX, Pony 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 Standard was the base trim level, with options like power steering or a radio. The LX was the upscale trim level, and a Sport package could equip it to look like a GT.

Engines

* 1991-1996 1.9 L (1859 cc) CVH I4, 88 hp (66 kW) 108 ft·lbf (146 Nm)
* 1991-1996 1.8 L (1839 cc) Mazda BP I4, 127 hp (95 kW) 114 ft·lbf (154 Nm) LX-E and GT

Also called Ford Escort GT
Production 1991-1996
Assembly Wayne, Michigan
Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
5-door hatchback
Platform Mazda B platform
Engine(s) 1.8 L MPFI I4
1.9 L CVH I4
Transmission(s) 5-speed IB5 manual
4-speed F-4EAT automatic
Wheelbase 98.4 in (2499 mm)
Length 170.0 in (4318 mm)
Wagon: 171.3 in (4351 mm)
1992 & 1995-96 Sedan: 170.9 in (4341 mm)
Width 66.7 in (1694 mm)
Height Sedan: 52.7 in (1339 mm)
Hatchbacks: 52.5 in (1334 mm)
Wagon: 53.6 in (1361 mm)
Curb weight 2491 lb (1130 kg)
Related Ford Laser
Mazda 323
Mazda Protegé
Mercury Tracer