1997 Ford Escort Base Auto
Unverified
All photo credits
- Photo: 1997 Ford Escort LX Sport wagon, front 8.18.19 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997 Ford Escort LX Sport wagon, rear 8.18.19 by Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: 1997 Ford Escort LX Wagon in Mocha Frost Clearcoat Metallic, rear left, 2026-06-21 by Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1997 Ford Escort Base Auto is a 110-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $11,430 MSRP and is rated at 27 mpg combined.
It makes 110 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 125 lb-ft of torque at 3750 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (27 mpg combined).
The Escort measures 174.7 inches long on a 98.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 2,457 lb.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Sedan |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Price | |
| MSRP | $11,430 ($23,145 *) |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 2.0L SOHC I4 (Ford CVH SPI2000) |
| Displacement | 2 L |
| Horsepower | 110 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | FWD |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic (F-4EAT) |
| Fuel Economy | |
| City | 23 MPG |
| Highway | 31 MPG |
| Combined | 27 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular unleaded gasoline |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 14 in |
| Wheels Rear | 14 in |
| Tires Front | 185/65R14 |
| Tires Rear | 185/65R14 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 174.7 in |
| Width | 67 in |
| Height | 53.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 98.4 in |
| Curb Weight | 2,457 lbs |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1997 Ford Escort Base Auto with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
NCAP safety ratings
| Overall | Not rated |
| Frontal crash | Not rated |
| Frontal – driver | ★★★★★ |
| Frontal – passenger | ★★★★★ |
| Side crash | Not rated |
| Rollover | Not rated |
Recalls
2 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford ESCORT. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Jul 12, 2004 · SEAT BELTS:FRONT
CERTAIN TRW DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELTS MANUFACTURED ON DECEMBER 6 AND 9, 2002, FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR 1997 FORD ESCORT 4-DOOR AND STATION WAGON PLATFORM VEHICLES, FORD'S P/N F7CZ54611B09AAC. THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES EXHIBIT A NO-LOCK CONDITION WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAY NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT, WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: TRW WILL NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASED THE REPLACEMENT SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 27, 2004.
NHTSA campaign 04E048000
Dec 9, 2002 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE INTEGRATED AIR BAG MONITOR (IABM) CAN BE CONTAMINATED WITH WATER OR OTHER LIQUIDS AND COULD EXPERIENCE INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORTING.
Consequence: THIS MAY, IN TURN, CAUSE THE AIR BAG READINESS LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE AND IN VERY RARE OCCURRENCES, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, MELTED WIRING, OR FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE SHIELD OVER THE IABM AND APPLY NYOGEL GREASE TO THE CONNECTOR. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
NHTSA campaign 02V323000
559 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 1997 Ford ESCORT
Owner Complaints
559 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Ford ESCORT (67 mention a crash, 85 a fire, 53 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov
| Air Bags | 150 |
| Electrical System | 115 |
| Suspension | 68 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 67 |
| Service Brakes | 42 |
| Hydraulic | 40 |
Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 1997 FORD ESCORT. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.