1987 Ford Escort

The 1987 Ford Escort sits at the tail end of its first generation, a period not directly captured in the provided federal data (which begins in 1990). However, the trend across the 1990–1995 model years—particularly the sharp rise in complaints, recalls, and investigations—suggests systemic issues were being identified and addressed in the years *following* the 1987 production run. The 1987 model’s complaint profile, dominated by electrical system (31) and engine/fire-related (31 combined) issues, aligns with broader patterns of early-generation reliability challenges, though the data doesn’t specify root causes. Compared to later years, the 1987 Escort’s federal record is effectively a "prequel" to the escalating scrutiny seen in the early 1990s, implying Ford may have refined or corrected some of these concerns in subsequent updates. That said, the 1987’s fire-related complaints (31) and electrical system failures are red flags, particularly as these areas often correlate with long-term wear in aging vehicles. The absence of recalls or investigations in the data for this year doesn’t equate to reliability—it may simply reflect fewer units remaining on the road by the time federal tracking intensified. **Takeaway:** While the 1987 Escort avoids the peak complaint years of its successors, its electrical and fire-risk profile makes it a higher-risk purchase unless thoroughly inspected for wiring integrity, engine cooling, and recall completion. Proceed with caution.