1995 Ford Escort

We just purchased a 1995 ford escort, 90,000 miles, 4 door sedan LX.
Car is in good shape but I tried to replace the front brake pads today and cannot get them on. I pulled the clips that hold the pins in and removed the old pads without problems. I then compressed the piston and fit the new back pad with the squeker part on the back of the caliper nearest the piston. When I try to put the front on in it will not fit between the front of the caliper and the rotor. The rotor is in as far as it can go and there is tons of space between the new back pad and the rotor backside. I thought maybe I got the wrong pads but I checked others at the auto shop and they are the same size. Both front wheels have the same issue. Could the rotor or the caliper be incorrect? They all seem original. I really do not know much aboth the cars repair jistory. The worn front pad just fits back in with little room to spare. I put the old pads back on but I will need to get them replaced. Any ideas?
Thanks
Tim