1988 Ford Escort

US · Compact Cars

The 1988 Ford Escort is listed in the US market with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.

Engine: Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS), 1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS) (SPFI)
Transmission: Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Drivetrain: FWD
Fuel: Gasoline
Economy: 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) combined

Generic outline for this body type. An illustration, not a photograph.

Specifications at a Glance

Key Figures

Units:

Engine / Powertrain

1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS), 1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS) (SPFI)

Combined Economy

24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) combined

Drivetrain

FWD

Transmission

Automatic, Manual

Market: US·Switch units to convert the figures shown.

Compare 1988 Ford Escort ↗

Engine

Engine
Specification	Value	Source
Engine	Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS), 1.9L 4-cylinder (FFS) (SPFI)
Displacement	1.9 L
Cylinders	4
Fuel type	Gasoline	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Transmission and drivetrain

Transmission and drivetrain
Specification	Value	Source
Transmission	Varies by configuration: Automatic, Manual
Gears	3 to 5
Drivetrain	FWD	EPA fueleconomy.gov

Fuel economy and range

Fuel economy and range
Specification	Value	Source
Combined	24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km)	EPA fueleconomy.gov
City	21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) to 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km)
Highway	28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) to 38 mpg (6.2 L/100 km)

Our sources do not publish these for this vehicle: Aspiration, Power, Torque, Electric range, Battery capacity. We leave them out instead of estimating.

Trims and configurations

7 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked November 7, 2026.

96V071000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
THE IGNITION SWITCH COULD EXPERIENCE AN INTERNAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH.
Reported April 25, 1996. View on NHTSA
87V139000: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
Reported September 4, 1987. View on NHTSA

Data sources

EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data
NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 21, 2026 · US Government public data

Source checked: October 21, 2026

Data verified: October 22, 2026

Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.

Related vehicles

1987 Ford Escort
Varies by configuration: Gasoline, Diesel
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 2.0L 4-cylinder ((NO-CAT)) · FWD
35 mpg (6.7 L/100 km) to 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km)
1989 Ford Escort
Gasoline
Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS) (SPFI)), 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS) (MPFI)) · FWD
32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km)

Frequently asked questions

What engine does the 1988 Ford Escort have?

Varies by configuration: 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS)), 1.9L 4-cylinder ((FFS) (SPFI)). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.

What is the fuel economy of the 1988 Ford Escort?

Combined fuel economy is 24 mpg (9.8 L/100 km) to 32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.

Is the 1988 Ford Escort front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?

Drivetrain: FWD.

Are there recalls for the 1988 Ford Escort?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked November 7, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.