Technical characteristics of the car Ford Escort I, II, III, IV and V

The Ford Escort is a small family car that was produced from 1968 to 2000 by Ford's UK and German divisions and from 1981 to 2002 in North America. In 2014, production resumed in China. The model has been very successful and is the fifth best-selling car in the world.

First generation

This generation of Escort was first introduced in the UK in late 1967 as a replacement for the long and successful Ford Anglia. Right-hand drive cars entered production in the last months of 1967, with left-hand drive cars entering production in September 1968. This model was produced from 1968 to 1975 year. During this time, more than 1 million cars were sold.

The first Escort had rear-wheel drive, a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission. The front suspension was of the MacPherson type, and the rear axle was mounted on leaf springs. Initially, it was a two-door saloon, and at the end of March 1968, a two-door station wagon appeared. In 1969, a 4-door saloon appeared, as well as a 2-door van.

The engine was of the Kent Crossflow type with a capacity of 1.1 and 1.3 liters. A 940 cc engine was also installed on a small number of cars. There were no diesel engines on the first Escort.

The Escort I was very successful in rally racing. In the late 60s and early 70s, the Ford team was virtually unbeatable.

Second generation

The first production models of the second generation Escort rolled off the assembly line on December 2, 1974, and went on sale in January 1975. The most noticeable change was the change from round shapes to rectangular ones, which were fashionable at the time. This modification was produced with 1975 to 1980 year. During this time, more than 2 million cars were sold. Production ended in 1980 in the UK and soon after in other countries.

The body was made in modifications - a sedan and a station wagon for 4, both with two and four doors, as well as a two-door van. The same engines were installed as in the first generation - 1.1L (45 hp) and 1.3L (70 hp). The suspension also did not change.

This generation also excelled in rally racing. From 1975 to 1979, the Escort II won the RAC Rally and other races around the world.

Third generation

In September 1980, the Escort III was launched under the code name Erika. The most important difference from previous generations was the front-wheel drive and transverse engine layout, as well as a new modern design. Production was from 1980 to 1986 year.

A new body type appeared - a hatchback with three or five doors. In 1983, they began to produce a sedan and a convertible. The Escort version in sedan format was called Orion. This name lasted until 1993. Previously, the station wagon was available only with three doors, and in 1983, they began to produce a 5-door station wagon.

The range of petrol engines expanded — 1.1, 1.3 and 1.6 litres. The first modification with a 1.6 litre diesel engine (54 hp) appeared. The transmission was available in three versions — 4- and 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. The suspension became fully independent, leaving the archaic springs in the past. Power steering was available on modifications for the USA.

The Escort was voted European Car of the Year in 1981, beating its rivals at the time, the Fiat Panda and Austin Metro.

Fourth generation

This generation of Escort was mainly a cosmetic upgrade. The changes mostly affected the hood, bumpers and interior. Production lasted from 1986 to 1990 year.

There were two types of engines: petrol with a capacity of 1.1, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.6 litres and diesel with a capacity of 1.6 (54 hp), 1.7 (60 hp) and 1.8 (60 hp). In 1987, a catalytic converter of exhaust gases was introduced. The transmission was the same as in the third generation.

Fifth generation

The completely updated body of this generation was presented in September 1989. Production continued from 1990 to 2000 year.

Later, in 1992, the engines were also upgraded and their choice increased. Petrol engines with a capacity of 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 liters, and turbocharged diesel engines with a capacity of 1.8 (60 hp and 90 hp). Transmission 4- and 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic.

The Escort became available with now commonplace options such as power steering, electric windows, central locking, electronic ABS and air conditioning.

Also in 1992, the model was facelifted. The hood, grille, and rear end of the hatchbacks were changed. In 1993, the Orion name was dropped for sedans and replaced by Escort again. All modifications were equipped with 16-valve Zetec engines with a capacity of 1.6 or 1.8 liters. The body structure was improved to improve crash performance, and airbags were added later.

Sixth generation

The latest generation of Escort is based on the previous model, but has undergone major modernization. Production has continued since 1995 to 2000 year.

There are new headlights, front fenders, hood, both bumpers, rear view mirrors, door handles and 4 radiator grille options. The interior has also been greatly changed - a new dashboard, seats, upholstery and a roomy trunk.

The suspension and body were also significantly changed. The angle of the front struts was changed, springs were installed, the rear shock absorbers and rear beam were changed, new amplifiers and side members, front and rear cups, amplifiers in the doors. This increased the rigidity of the body and the car's handling.

Transmission of two types - 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. Engines were both petrol and diesel.

Gasoline

• 1.3 8V 44 kW (60 hp)
• 1.4 8V 55 kW (75 hp)
• 1.6 16V 65 kW (88 hp)
• 1.6 16V 66 kW (90 hp)
• 1.8 16V 75 kW (105 hp)
• 1.8 16V 85 kW (115 hp)
• 1.8 16V 96 kW (130 hp)
• 2.0 16V 110 kW (150 hp) - RS2000
• 2.0 16V 162 kW (220 hp) - RS Cosworth

Diesel

• 1.8 D 44 kW (60 hp)
• 1.8 TD 51 kW (70 hp)
• 1.8 TD 66 kW (90 hp)

In 1998, demand for the Escort began to decline as a new model appeared - Ford Focus. From that time until 2000, various modifications were gradually discontinued, and in September 2000, the last Escort in Europe rolled off the assembly line.