Both used to have basic versions which sold for less than 10K.
Quite probably.
By comparison, the former cheap-car leader, the Chevy Aveo, *starts* at $12,625 and is smaller.
Personally, I’d never buy an econobox for my own usage, but I can certainly appreciate basic transport modules.
The ford escort was the best small car ever built.
2.3 engine with a 5 speed manual would get over 40mpg highway and would tow a boat!