Against 263 other 4-cyl cars rated 2001–2003, the Escort sits right on their 24.3 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2L 4-cyl Hybrid (1985), does 40 mpg and the thirstiest, the 1.9L 4-cyl (1988–1996), 30.4: $303 a year apart.
Every Ford Escort engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl Hybrid | 36 / 46 | 1985–1985 | $960 | |
| 2L 4-cyl | 26.9 / 36 | 1984–2003 | $1,263 | |
| 1.9L 4-cyl | 26.9 / 36.1 | 1988–1996 | $1,263 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Dodge Neon gets 27.7 mpg, the Chrysler Sebring 22.2 mpg and the Toyota Echo 32.7 mpg, next to 25 mpg for the 2003 Escort.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2003) | $0.128 |
| Fuel per year | $1,536 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,680 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2001–2003 | −$44 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,157 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2003 Ford Escort gives up 5 mpg in town: 28 on the highway against 23 in the city, $299 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2003) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 28 mpg | $1,371 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (22%) | Typical for its type |
How the Escort changed over the years
The Escort peaked in 1984 at 39 mpg (35 city, 47 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2003 at 25 — 14 mpg apart, or $551 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2003 car does 25.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 23 / 28 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2002 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2001 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2000 | 24 / 32 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 1999 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1998 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1997 | 24 / 34 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 1996 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1995 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1994 | 26 / 34 | 1 | $1,324 | |
| 1993 | 26 / 35 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1992 | 27 / 36 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1991 | 27 / 37 | 1 | $1,280 | |
| 1990 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 1989 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 1988 | 28 / 38 | 1 | $1,200 | |
| 1987 | 31 / 40 | 1 | $1,097 | |
| 1986 | 34 / 44 | 1 | $1,011 | |
| 1985 | 33.5 / 42.5 | 2 | $1,038 | |
| 1984 | 35 / 47 | 1 | $985 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 21 EPA ratings of the Ford Escort — 3 engines across 1984–2003. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,157. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2003 Ford Escort get?
25 mpg combined, 23 city and 28 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the Escort has averaged 30.9 mpg.
Is the 2003 Escort more efficient than the 2002?
No: 25 against 26 mpg combined, about $59 a year more to run.
Which Escort year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 39 mpg combined (35 city, 47 highway).
Does the Escort get better gas mileage than the Dodge Neon?
No: 25 mpg for the 2003 Escort against 27.7 for the 2004 Dodge Neon, about $150 a year more to run.
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