1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Sport 2.0

Summary:

I love this thing

Faults:

The vents would close by themselves when the A/C was turned on.

When sitting at a red light, sometimes the car would stall out.

It started running like a whipped dog so I replaced the fuel injectors, then it ran fine.

The dealership basically refuses to fix anything.

General Comments:

I love my little car.

It is very fast on the takeoff, I have put a few modifications on it.

I could not have asked for a better car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th August, 2001

14th Feb 2005, 07:18

My 1998 ford escort runs fine and it has 152,002 miles and that's why I like my zrx.

1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Sport 2.0 Zetec

Summary:

Neat little car that needs more power

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I have auto-crossed the car with absolute domination in the 2L and under stock class at my local autocross club.

I have set 2 hill-climb records with it for the stock class of the Northwest Hillclimb Association.

I have used the car at drivers schools and track days for serious club (Cobra, Viper, Audi, etc.) events and it has NEVER been an embarrassment (oh yeah, I am a performance driving instructor, too). Unfortunately, the 104 MPH speed limiter keeps the fun down. Porterfield carbon-kevlar brake pads took car of the poor stock brakes and have given exceptional service.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th February, 2001

23rd Feb 2003, 18:15

I would like to say I don't understand why this fellow thinks the ZX2 hasn't enough power. I just got one, and it flies with the wind! I am about to have installed, a new muffler system which should serve to increase it's performance even more. I guess if you've flown a 707, a ZX2 would prove to be "slow".

Thank you.

7th Nov 2006, 23:12

Somewhere in the center console you'll find a single green (I believe) wire. Clip it to disable the speed limiter. If I remember correctly the wire is just looped back through the console from the computer.

1998 Ford Escort ZX2 2.0 DOHC 16v Zetec

Summary:

Great performance with nice looks for AMAZING price

Faults:

Small brake problems...

A/C had small problems, but the warranty fixed it free of charge.

General Comments:

This is a great car. I am customizing this car to be a show car, it has great style.

Intake and exhaust system works great and I love taking Honda's off the line! GREAT CAR.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2001

1998 Ford Escort ZX2

Summary:

I think buying this car was a great decision and I don't regret it one bit

Faults:

I've had absolutely no problems with this car so far. I've taken it on road trips and never once worried that there might be a problem.

General Comments:

I think if driven like it's supposed to be and not like a race car, this car gets great mileage and won't let you down.

I love my little car and brag about it to everyone, even my boyfriend loves to drive it. It's very easy to manuever and a lot of fun to drive on the highway.

I live in Colorado and this puppy can pull the passes with the best of them.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2000

1998 Ford Escort ZX2 2.0 Zetec

Summary:

Great small car, as long as you're short

Faults:

The climate control cable would come loose when changing the temperature. This has been replaced and I have had no other problems since.

General Comments:

The car has a good amount of power with the Zetec engine (even with the automatic transmission) around town and on the highway.

Handles well and is steady at high speeds (e.g. 80 MPH).

Also, the climate control is extremely effective in summer and winter, although there is no air recirculation capability.

Unfortunately, the engineers who designed the seats must have been very short. The reason is that the seats are terrible for me (I'm 6' tall), to the extent where I had to have them remodeled and needed a chiropractor after having the car for 6 months.

Aside from that aggravating problem, the ZX2 has been an excellent car and I would recommend it as long as the seats are comfortable to you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2000

4th Aug 2002, 23:14

Man, I own a 98 Ford ZX2 and I'm 6 foot 2 inches tall, and I've had no problems with it. I put the seat all the way back, but I don't have to, I just like it that way. I can comfortably drive it w/o being all the way back. I had absolutely no problems. Might be your mattress, get a serta man, LISTEN TO THE SHEEP!!!

31st Mar 2004, 18:04

I have had my escort for a year now and I am six foot and I don't have any problems what so ever. Just put the seat back a little bit and you won't have a problem. I love my car and yet I am only 16 years old and I plan on keeping it throughout college.

12th Jun 2005, 18:19

I am 6'2" and I hit my head when entering the car commonly. This car was the worst investment of my life. problem after problem. I have now 107K miles on it, but the problems started at 38K. I have spent a lot of money maintaining it. Luckily I am a motor head and do most of the work myself. Word to the wise, sell it quickly. The trade in value drops in a hurry.

21st Apr 2006, 18:39

Well everyone on this site seems to be complaining about the seats. REPLACE EM. Check out www.teamzx2.com for instructions, but it's the easiest thing you can do if you're tall. Get the seats out of a 92-94 Mazda MX3 (V6 if you can).

They sit 3 inches lower and hug your body better. They are worth every penny.