Driving Impressions
reviewed by
It is here that the split personality between the base and LSEscorts and the GT version becomes more noticeable. The first two models are powered by an 88-hp, 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine. Obviously, a car with 88 horses isn't overpowering, particularly when compared with its chief competitor, the 132-hp Plymouth Neon.
We had an opportunity to drive a 5-door Escort hatchback and were really surprised by how acceptable the power level was.
During a trip with luggage and passengers, the car never felt weak and performed well passing on 2-lane country roads. It was quick to accelerate and was zippy with either the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional 4-speed automatic.
About the only real drawback to the engine was its relatively high noise and vibration when we made extra demands, such as hard acceleration.
The ride was light and maneuverable, with a direct steering feel. A well-designed chassis really showed to be an advantage here.
Although the Escort hatchback was a capable performer, the GT was a classic pocket rocket; if performance is important to you, this one's got it.
We went from 0 to 60 mpg in less than 8 seconds, and the stiffly tuned suspension on our test car gave us a firm - not hard - ride that would probably be best suited to the young of body as well as heart. The GT's responsive, sporty handling compares favorably with the best cars in this class - the new Neon coupe, the new Nissan 200SX and the Honda Civic coupe, for example.
As a general impression, our GT test car was an absolute blast to drive, and is so far removed from the feel of the other Escorts that you may find it hard to believe it's in the same family.
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