The Ford Escort EXP, a sporty coupe variant of the popular Escort, often gets overlooked in automotive history. Specifically, the 1987 Ford Escort EXP represents a unique chapter in this model’s short-lived run. This article delves into the history of the second-generation EXP, highlighting its design, features, performance, and ultimate demise.
Design and Styling of the Ford Escort EXP
The 1987 Ford Escort EXP boasts a distinctive aerodynamic design, a significant departure from its predecessor. Sharing the updated front-end styling of the contemporary Ford Escort, the EXP featured a more streamlined and modern appearance. While aiming for a sporty aesthetic, the EXP’s design often drew comparisons to the Fox-body Mustang hatchback, especially from the rear. This resemblance, however, didn’t translate into the sales success Ford had hoped for.
Performance and Engine Options
Under the hood, the 1987 Ford Escort EXP housed a 1.9-liter fuel-injected inline-four engine, producing a modest 90 horsepower. While this engine was adequate for the EXP’s relatively lightweight body (2,388 lbs), it didn’t deliver a truly exhilarating driving experience. A turbocharged version, known as the Sport Coupe, offered a slightly more potent 106 horsepower but remained a rare option. This lackluster performance, coupled with the availability of similar engine options in the standard Escort models, further hampered the EXP’s appeal as a sporty alternative.
Interior Features and Practicality
The interior of the 1987 Ford Escort EXP mirrored that of the standard Escort, offering basic amenities and a functional layout. While durable, the interior lacked the flair and excitement expected from a sporty coupe.
The Demise of the Ford Escort EXP
Ultimately, the Ford Escort EXP failed to capture the hearts of car enthusiasts and the broader market. Its lackluster performance, compromised practicality, and generic styling proved to be its downfall. While Ford attempted to inject some excitement into the EXP lineup with a convertible variant, an ASC McLaren conversion, and even an experimental EV, these efforts failed to resonate with consumers. Sales figures for the EXP’s final year remain unknown as they were combined with the standard Escort. It wasn’t until the release of the Escort ZX2 in 1998 that Ford revisited the concept of a sporty compact coupe based on the Escort platform.
Conclusion
The 1987 Ford Escort EXP serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned automotive ventures can fall short of expectations. Its blend of mundane performance, questionable design choices, and a lack of clear market positioning contributed to its ultimate demise, solidifying its place as a forgotten footnote in Ford’s history.
