In 1994, the Ford Escort came in a trio of body styles -- sedan, hatchback and wagon -- and with two engine options. In all three setups and with both engines, the Escort used a timing belt to keep the valves and cylinders in their proper synchronization. Over time, the rubber timing belt does degrade, and timely replacement will help avoid becoming stuck on the side of the road should a worn out timing belt break.
In the GT version of the 1994 Escort, which came standard with the 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine, Ford recommended inspecting the timing belt every 30,000 miles and replaced, regardless of its condition, every 60,000 miles. Models equipped with the base 1.9-liter, four-cylinder engine did not have a manufacturer-recommended timing belt replacement schedule, but most experts recommend replacing it every 45,000 to 90,000 miles.
