8th Jun 2004, 14:30

I have a 99 Escort ZX2. I bought it new and only have about 52,000 miles on it. My transmission started slipping at about 30,000 miles and went on me at 40,000. It vibrates a lot. When I took it into the dealer they told me that there is nothing that can be done, Fords are just known to do that. I have never put any after market parts on this vehicle. I do not beat on the car or drive rough. The car is now at the dealership for repairs again. This time it is stalling. I will never buy a ford again.

16th Jun 2004, 08:10

I purchased a 2000 Ford ZX2 in 2001, and I have had problems ever since. My check Engine light came on at 20,000 and no-one could diagnose the problem. My transmission has been slipping, and has been worked on 4 or more times I have spent over $2000 dollars in work on the car and now My transmission is completely gone. I am a single mother and have not finished paying for this lemon. I have no idea what I am going to do, but I can tell you that I will never purchase a Ford again!!!. My sister had the same problems in 1994 with her Escort, but I didnt listen, I hope people will pay attention.

5th Oct 2004, 20:03

I have a 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 and have had the same vibration problems, air conditioner problems, stalling problems and transmission problems along with the check engine light. I drive about 500 highway miles a week and have 148,000 miles on it. The transmission was starting to slam into gear in forward and reverse then it starting slipping more and more until finally it wouldn't go into any gear-forward, reverse, low, low 2 etc. I left the car for 5 hours and was able to get it to work again to get it home. It seems as if the car runs great when it can make it to 55 miles per hour, but it races 4 to 5000 RPM from 15 to 45 or 50. Is it worth putting a new transmission in it? The number of comments here seem to suggest it is junk.

31st Oct 2004, 12:29

I have a 99 escort zx2 that I bought new from the dealer. I have in the past 6 months experienced the following problems: replaced the fuel pump, I have no a/c, and I'm experiencing a horrible popping noise now when I apply the brakes. The car has only around 78,000 miles on it and most of those miles are highway. I should have taken my husband's advice and bought a civic. The car does have a little get up and go to it though. I guess I got what I paid for.

22nd Nov 2004, 08:21

I purchased my 2000 zx2 S/R with 34,000 miles on it. It ran great when I got it. Then I threw N20 in it and it was a relatively fast car---> 14.85 at 99mph fast (60 shot) <----I was on 17" wheels none the less, but because the stock tire size is the same (by diameter) there should really be no "extra stress" on the tranny. However when my transmission went, the quality of my fluids were "sub-par" I was informed that the trans was drained and filled prior to purchasing the vehicle and due to my own neglect I suffered the consequence. Luckily for me it cost me $425 to do myself. So I am going to remove the Bottle, in hopes that my car will out last the terms of the loan... <sigh>

22nd Sep 2005, 12:16

I purchased a 99 Ford ZX2 about six months ago. Its got almost 150,000 miles and its still running fine. Getting regular maintenance done (oil change, tire rotation, normal driving) will extend the life of a car. I do however have a minor coolant leak and I need a new serpentine belt. Haven't had any transmission problems and like others didn't "pimp" my ride. Every car will be different, it all depends on how you treat it.

28th Sep 2005, 08:38

2000 Escort ZX2

My wifes car has 80,000 miles on it and slips on a regular basis. We've had it in the shop 4 times because of the check engine light and it still slips. Not to mention that our serpentine belt busted at 50,000 miles. Because of the slipping problems, I anticipate the transmission only lasting a little longer (100,000 miles maybe). This is not acceptable in my opinion.

For goodness sake I had a mercury topaz with 300,000 miles on it and never did any major transmission work, so I know how to take "care" of a vehicle when it comes to regular maintenance, tune-ups, minor repair, etc.

I think people should really consider a different vehicle if looking to buy. Spend a little more on a better quality vehicle.

4th Oct 2005, 22:47

I bought my 2001 Ford ZX2 brand new and it has always vibrated a lot while I am sitting at a red light. The serpentine belt fell off for the 3rd time last month - the first 2 times it was covered by warranty. The belt tensioner had to be replaced the third time it happened.

Tonight the battery just died on me with no warning signs.

If you have one of these cars, invest in AAA or any roadside service. You will need it often.

18th Oct 2005, 14:12

I have a 1998 Ford Escort Zx2 and aside from a wiring problem resulting in the A/C not working for 2 days (new concept.. got it fixed) I have had no real problems other than preventative stuff like tires, brakes, belts, coolant flushes, oil changes (regular every 3000 miles does wonders), and oh yeah gas. It has been a good car and I don't know what you people are doing with yours, but you gotta keep up a car in order to make it last and I am no mechanic trust me...

23rd Oct 2005, 20:28

Regarding the above comment, I did ALL THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE on the car since it was brand new and the belt still fell off three times. I take very good care of it and it still is not reliable. Some cars are just lemons no matter how good you treat them. I will never buy another Ford because of this. My old Escort ran like a charm. This new ZX2 has been terrible.

29th Oct 2005, 19:30

I bought a '99 ZX2 about 2 months ago. I do a lot of traveling (I drive 40miles/day) I've already put 4,000miles on the car and haven't had any problems. I bought the car for $3,500 and everything was mint and worked. It's a great car. Its not very fast, but it moves. The car came with a 6CD changer in the trunk, its nice to have. I want to tint my windows, put a sound system in it, slap a sun roof in it, and buy new tires and rims after the winter.