Ford Escort First generation (United States)

Class	Motor Car
Also called	Mercury Lynx
Production	1980–1990
Assembly	U.S.A, Canada
Body style	3/5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon
Platform	Ford CE14 platform
Engine	1.6 L CVH I4 1.9 L CVH I4 2.0 L Mazda RF diesel I4
Transmission	4-5 speed MTX manual 3-speed ATX/FLC automatic
Wheelbase	94.2 in (2,393 mm)
Length	69.4 in (4,303 mm)
Width	65.9 in (1,674 mm)
Height	53.7 in (1,364 mm))
Curb weight	2,243 lb (1,017 kg)

In the spring of 1981, Ford presented the new escort, which looked similar to the European model, but differed considerably in detail from this.

The Ford Escort was a built from spring 1981 to early 2003 by the US automaker Ford model of the lower middle class.

The escort replaced the Ford Pinto and the imported from Cologne Ford Fiesta I off; his successor was the North American Ford Focus. Main competitors were Chevrolet Chevette, Dodge Omni and Plymouth Horizon. The coupe version of the first Escort was called Ford EXP. The parallel models of the sister brand Mercury wore the name Mercury Lynx, later Mercury Tracer. An escort-derived notchback sedan was named Ford Tempo.

The escort was initially only as a three-door hatchback. From early 1982 were also the five-door variant and the five-door station wagon available. The model program was initially divided into base, L, GL, GLX and the sporty SS set. The drive took over a 1.6-liter, taken over by Ford Europe CVH four-cylinder with 66 hp (48.5 kW), paired with a four-speed Gearbox or a three-speed automatic transmission.

In the spring of 1982 came a "high-performance" variant of the four-cylinder added 81 hp (59.5 kW), while the base engine now 71 hp (52 kW) made. The SS was renamed GT.

In 1983, Ford introduced an injection version of the 1.6-liter (89 hp / 65 kW), at the same time the barren equipped basic model was dropped. From 1984, a Mazda- made two-Liter diesel engine (53 hp / 39 kW), a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine (122 hp / 90 kW) and a five-speed gearbox were also available.

PERFORMANCE 1.6L (normal asp)

• max speed: 90 mph, 145 km/h
• power-weight ratio:30.9 lb/hp (41.9 lb/kW), 14 kg/hp (19 kgkW)
• consumption 33.6 m/imp gal, 28 m/US gal, 8.4 1 x 100 km
• max power (SAE net): 65 hp (48 kW) at 5,200 rpm
• max torque (SAE net): 85 1b ft, 11.7 kg m (115 Nm) at 3,000 rpm
• max engine rpm: 5,600; 40.6 hp/l (30 kW)

For the model year 1985, the model range was streamlined, the GT accounted for.In the spring of 1985 also debuted the vintage "1985 ½" of the Escort with optical retouching (flush headlights, modified front and rear sections) and 1.9-liter four-cylinder (87-109 hp / 64-80 kW), the turbo accounted for and the diesel was offered unchanged. The offer now included the model series L, GL and GT and an entry-level three-door hatchback in basic version, which bore the name of escort pony from 1986 onwards. In 1987, all 1.9-liter engines received a port injection and made 91/117 hp (67/86 kW). In 1987 also accounted for the diesel engine.

In spring 1988, the escort received another facelift with a flatter front end and modified rear lights; the program now included Pony, L, GL, LX and GT. In 1989, L and GL accounted for and in 1990 the power of the HO four-cylinder dropped to 112 hp (82 kW).

Up to the expiry of the first escort generation in the summer of 1990, a total of about 3.37 million copies were produced (without 1990, as numbers are not available). In the 1980s, the escort was several times the best-selling car in North America.

Variations optional equipment
Transaxle automatic transmission central lever, 3.310 axle ratio, 48 Ah battery; power steering; air-conditioning; speed control; rear window wiper-washer.