We also tested the Escort against the Civic, Neon and an uplevel Saturn through agrueling 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.