1985 Ford Escort

The 1985 Ford Escort is a notable model from the first generation of Escorts, which replaced the Ford Pinto starting in 1981. Initially, it came equipped with a 1.6-liter engine, but later models, including the 1985 ½ version, were upgraded to a 1.9-liter CVH engine featuring a 2-barrel carburetor that generates 86 horsepower. This year’s model introduced aerodynamic enhancements, such as a smaller grille and flush-mounted headlights. The Escort is recognized for its impressive fuel economy, achieving up to 30 mpg in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. A variety of trim levels were available, including base models and higher-end variants like the GT and LX. It offered both manual and automatic transmission options, with the GT models featuring a 5-speed manual transmission. Despite its popularity for economy and reliability, the 1985 Escort faced criticism for underpowered base engines and potential mechanical issues if maintenance was neglected.