2000 Ford Escort/ZX2: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Ford recently introduced its subcompact Focus, relegating the older subcompact Escort sedan to primarily fleet vehicle duty, though it is available for individual retail sale on special-order. Escort's ZX2 2-door coupe variant continues at dealerships. For 2000, ZX2 consolidates "Cool" and "Hot" trim levels into a single model with a firmer suspension and a 130-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, teamed with manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Antilock brakes are optional. Newly standard on ZX2s are 15-inch wheels and tires in place of 14s, while a cassette player, power mirrors, and rear defroster are now standard instead of optional. A limited edition S/R performance option package is a midyear addition that includes upgraded suspension, larger wheels and tires, and yellow paint.

COMPETITION

This crowded segment is best represented by two exceptional cars--one a Best Buy and the other a Recommended. Our Best Buy is the Honda Civic, which offers a wide range of bodystyles, engines, and equipment levels. Civic is a solid car that has good performance, a nice ride, and is very civilized.

Topping the Recommended list are the Volkswagen Golf and Jetta. They easily could be Best Buys as they are better than the Civic in many ways. However, they are also the most expensive cars in this segment. Other Recommended choices include the no-frills Chevrolet Cavalier and Dodge Neon, the slightly-upscale Chevy Prizm and clone Toyota Corolla, and the roomy Mazda Protege.

If you are looking for a Budget Buy we recommend you stay away from the Hyundai or Daewoo models and take a look at the Ford Escort.