Ford Escort vs Honda Civic
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Honda Civic
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Honda CivicLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | ZX2 | LX |
| Body style | Coupe | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Honda CivicLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $13,205 (best) | $24,695 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $23,822 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $27,850 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $28,907 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 22 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Honda CivicLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 32 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 30 MPG | 41 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.7 gal (best) | 12.4 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Honda CivicLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 150 hp (best) |
| Torque | 135 lb-ft (best) | 133 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Honda CivicLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 11.8 cu ft | 14.8 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,464 lbs (best) | 2,875 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 98.4 in | 107.7 in (best) |
| Length | 175.2 in | 184.8 in (best) |
| Width | 67.4 in | 70.9 in (best) |
| Height | 52.3 in | 55.7 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Honda CivicLX |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Escort | Honda Civic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZX2 $13,205 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LX $24,695 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | ZX2 Deluxe $14,355 MSRP | Sport $26,695 MSRP |
| 3 | ZX2 Premium $14,810 MSRP | Sport $27,895 MSRP |
| 4 | — | Sport Hybrid $29,395 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Sport Hybrid $30,595 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Si $31,495 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Sport Touring Hybrid $32,395 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Sport Touring Hybrid $33,595 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Type R $47,395 MSRP |
Live inventory
Honda Civic22 for sale
See all
New2026 Honda Civic
Sport
Meteorite Gray Metallic•Black4 mi$27,022MSRP $27,890Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
Used2024 Honda Civic
Touring
Aegean Blue Metallic•Black42,293 mi$26,412Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
New2026 Honda Civic
Sport
Crystal Black Pearl•Black4 mi$28,222MSRP $29,090Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
Used2024 Honda Civic
EX-L
Meteorite Gray Metallic•Black21,052 mi$25,733Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
New2026 Honda Civic
Sport
Platinum White Pearl•Black4 mi$28,300MSRP $29,545Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
Used2025 Honda Civic
Sport
Meteorite Gray Metallic•Black19,188 mi$25,110Rancho Santa Margarita Honda
Santa Margarita, CA
Ford Escort vs Honda Civic FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Honda Civic?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Ford Escort vs 2026 Honda Civic on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Honda Civic?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Escort starts lower at $13,205. Live Honda Civic listings start at $23,822.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Honda Civic?
- The 2003 Ford Escort leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,205).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Honda Civic?
- The 2026 Honda Civic leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (49).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Honda Civic?
- The 2026 Honda Civic leads on horsepower in this comparison (315).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Ford Escort or 2026 Honda Civic?
- The 2026 Honda Civic leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2003 Ford Escort vs 2026 Honda Civic?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Honda Civic (5/5 NHTSA overall).