Friday, November 23, 2007

Ford Escort GT. Timeless Favorite

by Kevin Dark

The Ford Escort GT was first put into production in 1968. At first most people thought of the Ford Escort GT to be way too conservative to become a bestseller among other popular name plates, but the critics were eventually proven wrong in a big way. In 1968 the Ford Escort GT topped the sales charts and sold approximately 300,000 cars in its first year alone. This car has not only been a hot seller in the United States as of late. The car, famous for the engine that was motoring it, was also a huge success in Germany and the Great Britain. The GT helped Ford of Germany to regain a greater share of the domestic marketplace.

During its launch Ford also prepared a rally version of this car that would appeal to a younger audience. This concept proved effective as the population ate up the Escorts good looks, and loved the Ford Escort engine that was provided. The Ford Escort GT had its biggest success squaring off against bigger cars, which were usually more popular. In a huge surprise, the GT was a huge hit overseas again, this time in Australia. Whereas most Australians go for bigger cars, with bigger engines, sporting only 2.0 liters shot to the front of the pack.

Jump to the 1990's and the Ford Escort GT was still going strong; this time more so in the United States. This car appealed to a younger crowd that was looking for a sport design, and also looking for an alternative to Japanese rivals. The press did not give these early 90's Escorts good reviews, stating that the engine was undersized, and that the reliability was not good. This did not stop loyal Ford buyers from giving this car a chance. By 1995 all of the kinks seemed to be worked out, and the GT was again selling at a modest number, bringing Fords small cars sales to the top. In 1996 the Ford Escort was remodeled again for a more modern look. This was needed to keep up with the other cars in its class from Toyota, Honda, and Chevrolet. The Ford Escort GT did a good job of that and its sales continued to climb throughout the end of the decade. This was in large part thanks to the Ford Escort engine which did a great job of making this a sporty car.

Generally, Ford Escort GT has been a great thing for Ford. It has brought in a lot of revenue, and has also held a strong following over the years. If you are looking for a good, reliable, used car, take a strong look at a late 90's Escort GT. You will be sure to enjoy the ride, and the immense power of the engine that has made this car so popular for the last 40 years. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you know that the Ford Escort GT can provide you with that rush. Screaming down the long roads in the Ford Escort GT can make you realize the full power that this machine can handle.

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