1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy
- Price
- Optional antilock brakes
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Road noise (ZX2)
- Wind noise (ZX2)
Vehicle Highlights
Redesigned subcompact Escorts went on sale in late May 1996, as early '97 models. The similar Mercury Tracer underwent nearly identical surgery. Buyers of the latest model got fresh styling, a new engine--and fewer body-style choices than before. Wheelbase was unchanged at 98.4 inches, but overall length increased nearly four inches. All body panels were new, as was the interior design.Two body styles went on sale initially: a 4-door sedan and a 4-door station wagon. Ford dropped the 2- and 4-door hatchback body styles of the previous generation. Only one engine was offered: a new 110-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with 4-speed automatic optional. Dual airbags were standard; antilock braking (with rear discs instead of drums) optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Ford Escort LX sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2.
Year to Year Changes
1998 Ford Escort/ZX2:
The previous base-model sedan now wore an SE label. Arriving in spring 1997, as an early '98 model, was a sporty Escort ZX2 coupe. The ZX2 was offered in two trim levels, dubbed "Cool" and "Hot." Though it shared the regular Escort's chassis, the ZX2 had unique exterior and interior styling, and sportier suspension settings.
1999 Ford Escort/ZX2:
Changes were modest this year, including a standard inside trunk release for Escort LX models and the ZX2 coupe. An antitheft system went into the Escort SE and Hot ZX2.
2000 Ford Escort/ZX2:
Introduction of a brand-new subcompact Focus for 2000 caused Ford to cut back on the old Escort. Wagons disappeared, leaving only a 4-door sedan and the ZX2 coupe, the latter consolidated into a single model with a firmer suspension and the 130-horsepower engine. Later in the model year, the ZX2 was to get a performance S/R option that included an upgraded suspension, bigger wheels/tires, and yellow paint.
2001 Ford Escort/ZX2:
Escort was dropped altogether and ZX2 dropped its sporty S/R option package. An emergency trunk release was added.
2002 Ford Escort/ZX2:
Base Standard models were joined for 2002 by Deluxe and Premium trim levels. Deluxe and Premium offered an optional sunroof. Available only on Premium was leather upholstery and a 6-disc, in-dash CD player.
2003 Ford Escort/ZX2:
Torque increased by 8 lb-ft to 135. Other changes include new front bumpers with integrated fog-lamp cutouts, new radios, and revised wheels and exterior colors. ZX2 did not return for 2004.
Our road test for the 1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Because the new Escort weighs about 120 pounds more than its predecessor, the increase of 22 horsepower does not result in inspiring performance. Acceleration is merely adequate, as before, but the new engine is smoother and quieter. The automatic transmission feels smoother with the new engine, and also downshifts faster for passing and merging. We averaged 23.9 mpg in an LX sedan with automatic, but most of that trial consisted of urban driving. On the highway, we'd expect well over 30 mpg. Manual-transmission Escorts feel livelier, as expected, and also get better gas mileage than cars with automatic. A well-tuned suspension helps the Escort absorb bumps better than most subcompacts. Handling on sedans and wagons is competent rather than sporting, though steering feels natural in turns and its on-center sense contributes to stable cruising. Visibility is generally good, but the sedan's rear roof pillars are thick enough to block the driver's over-the-shoulder view. Road and wind noise are noticeable on the highway, but sedans and wagons aren't much noisier than a Honda Civic. The ZX2 coupe suffers from a lot more road and wind sound--enough to cause annoyance. Partly due to the extra punch of its stronger engine, the ZX2 drives in a sporty manner. Here too, manual shift is quicker, but the 5-speed gets the engine turning at a buzzy 3000 rpm when traveling at 65 mph. We averaged an impressive 29 mpg with an automatic ZX2, which is at home on twisting roads, where grip and stability have proved to be good. Body roll in the ZX2 is well-controlled, too. Harder driving in a manual-shift ZX2 averaged 24.5 mpg. Front head room is generous, even for tall occupants. Leg space is adequate for adults. Rear knee room is tight, as is head room in the coupe. The new dashboard puts gauges directly ahead of the driver. Audio and climate controls sit in an oval "integrated control panel." Interior storage is adequate, consisting of small door map pockets, a console with cupholders, and a small glovebox. Cargo space also ranks as adequate, and the wagon qualifies as a versatile hauler. The rear seatback folds for additional space, but does not lie totally flat.
Value for the Money
Sensible design, competent road manners, and reasonable prices put both Escort and Tracer high on our list of desirable subcompacts, but we're less impressed by the noisier ZX2 coupe.
Sensible design, competent road manners, and reasonable prices put both Escort and Tracer high on our list of desirable subcompacts, but we're less impressed by the noisier ZX2 coupe.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Ford Escort LX sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 41 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Ford Escort/ZX2 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Ford Escort/ZX2 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Audio system:
Electrical noise caused by the electric fuel pump in the tank can cause a buzzing noise when the AM band of the radio is selected. (1997-98)
Automatic transmission:
The transmission may not engage right away when the car has been parked overnight because the torque converter drains down. (1997)
Doors:
The dome light may come on while driving or fail to come on when the door is opened. (1997-98)
Fuel gauge:
The gas gauge may have an error of about 1/8 tank, may drop from full too fast, and the tank may take fuel slowly due to a problem with the fuel sending unit or slosh module. (1998)
Hard starting:
If the engine will not start or the cooling fan does not shut off in cold weather, the integrated relay control module needs to be replaced. (1997-98)
Heater core:
Installing a restrictor in the heater inlet hose may repair heater cores leaks. (1985-2003)
Oil leak:
In cold weather, moisture can freeze in the PCV system. When the engine is started, the dipstick pops out of its tube and oil leaks out. (1997-98)
Vehicle noise:
The blower motor may chirp or squeak at low speeds. This can be corrected with a replacement motor. (1997)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $665 |
| Alternator | $475 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,175 |
| Brakes | $320 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $665 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $540 |
| Exhaust System | $430 |
| Radiator | $430 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $770 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $805 |
Our price chart for this generation Ford Escort/ZX2 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2003 | |||
| Escort ZX2 | $4,400-5,000 | $3,700-4,200 | $1,500-1,800 |
| 2002 | |||
| Escort ZX2 | $3,600-4,200 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| Escort sedan | $3,200-3,800 | $2,500-3,000 | $800-1,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Escort ZX2 | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| Escort sedan | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 2000 | |||
| Escort ZX2 | $2,600-3,200 | $1,900-2,400 | $500-700 |
| Escort sedan | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1999 | |||
| Escort ZX2 | $2,300-2,700 | $1,700-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Escort sedan | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Escort wagon | $2,300-2,800 | $1,700-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1998 | |||
| Escort ZX2 | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Escort sedan | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Escort wagon | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 1997 | |||
| Escort sedan | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Escort wagon | $1,800-2,200 | $1,200-1,500 | $300 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Ford Escort/ZX2 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.4 | 98.4 | 98.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.2 | 174.7 | 172.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.4 | 67.0 | 67.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.3 | 53.3 | 53.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2478 | 2468 | 2531 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.8 | 12.8 | 63.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 12.8 | 12.8 | 12.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.0 | 39.0 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 | 42.5 | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.1 | 36.7 | 39.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.4 | 34.0 | 34.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All sedans and wagons carried an overhead-cam 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, making 110 horsepower. The 1998 ZX2 got a more potent dual-overhead-cam 2.0-liter four, producing 130 horsepower. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard on all models; 4-speed automatic transmission optional.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 130 | 127-135 | 5-speed manual: 26/33 4-speed automatic: 25/33 |
5-speed manual: 24.5 4-speed automatic: 29 |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 110 | 125 | 5-speed manual: 28/37 4-speed automatic: 26/34 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 23.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Mexico, USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Ford Escort/ZX2 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Escort |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1997-2003 Ford Escort/ZX2 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1997-03:
Certain TRW driver's seat belts made on December 6 and 9, 2002, for replacement use, exhibit a no-lock condition and may not provide adequate protection in a crash.
1999 w/S/R option:
Manual-transmission shift pattern for some cars is not displayed.
2000:
Seatbelt-buckle assemblies were not properly heat treated and do not pass the load-bearing requirement.
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