1998 Ford Escort Consumer Reviews

1998 ZX 2 cool coupe

Written by: Mike on 06/10/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 2 Dr ZX2 Cool Coupe

Review

I bought this car with 91K it now has 170K just replaced timming belt, water pump, regular belts and pulleys, still has original clutch (5 speed) and some of the vacume lines are starting to crack but it is a very reliable car . Parts are cheap and avalible. down fall is it is a very hard car to work on as it is very tight in the engine compartment. All above work was done as preventive maintenace not corrective. This car also wears tires a little funny and somtimes you will get a woomp woomp woomp from the under carrage as the tires wear though that phase of wear I guess. Anyway I wish more companies made cars like this they would be in less trouble now.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive overhead cam engine has nice pickup and great ecomomy 36+ MPG

Suggested Improvements

Since its not in production this would be a mute point

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167,000 miles and still going strong!

Written by: EHWRYN on 06/08/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 2 Dr ZX2 Cool Coupe

Review

I bought this car used with around 70k miles on it and so far in the past 5 years only have had 1 major break-down ( pullies for the serpentine belt broke)since this is a non-interference engine - no engine damage. Other than that I have had very little trouble (alternator went out and a PC valve - around 120k miles). It is very reliable and starts every time! For a 11 yr old car, it still has power and is fun to drive. The engine has never overheated, even when charging up a hill with the A/C on full blast while it is over 100 degrees outside. I never worry when I have to drive long distances - And a mechanic told me it was a "throw-away car not built to last".

Favorite Features

Reliable, well constructed, (no door handles breaking or knobs falling off) and AMAZING gas mileage. Back seat size is fine for me - never get chosen to be the driver on a long road trip with friends!

Suggested Improvements

Ford needs to manufacture them again, with the added feature of an interior trunk release.

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This pony won't quit

Written by: Dennis on 05/26/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

I have put on 40,000 miles after the first owner's 206,000 miles. The engine still runs perfectly with surprising mileage --30-32 mpg in my daily 45 mile commute through and around Detroit and up to 40 mpg in slower highway driving. The body has not a squeak or rattle. Snow traction is great. I've driven through a foot of snow without any problem other than ice getting jammed in the suspension. The AC failed last year; estimates were for more than I paid for the car so I am living with that. I replaced rear struts at about 230,000 miles. Looking ahead, I see only months left on the clutch and 3rd gear is down to a nub so I have to decide soon whether to see if I can get another 200k.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive. I loved it on Kentucky mountain roads; no problem with potholed Detroit alleys. So reliable and durable. Still no oil use. This is a much better car than my previous six Fords.

Suggested Improvements

The padding in the seats is not designed for a 600 mile day.

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1998 Ford Escort

Written by: 1998 Ford Escort on 03/28/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

Very Reliable vehicle. Great gas mileage 40 HWY miles. This vehicle was subjected to a MN winter- 30 days in a row of zero degrees. The car started EVERY morning without a problem. Vehicle is just now starting to show a little rust. Dependable, great gas mileage. feels solid when driving during a MN winter...

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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GREAT

Written by: tink on 03/07/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 2 Dr ZX2 Hot Coupe

Review

I bought this car used 3 years ago i had to do very little mechanical work the major thing that went wrong was the timing jumped i am getting ready to buy a 2nd ford escort if that tells ya how much i loved this car my son(teenager) drives the one i bought 3 years ago and loves it i would reccommend this car it very realiable and trustworthy

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

a cd player and make it a lil more roomier on the inside

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Excellent Small Wagon

Written by: senior citizen on 02/09/2009

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 4 Dr SE Wagon

Review

Bought this car new for my late wife. I've used it as an around-town car since she died. It's been a great small wagon for that purpose. Very dependable, good quality, minimal repairs, great gas mileage, still looks good and drives well. (I keep it garaged and regularly serviced at the Ford dealer.) I expect to keep it until I die or wreck it.

Favorite Features

Economical, good handling, good utility (I usually keep the back seat folded down), good quality, minimum need for repairs (only replaced the starter and the interior blower motor in 50,000 miles).

Suggested Improvements

Front seat cushions too short to give good thigh support on long trips (I'm 5'9"), road noise at freeway speeds.

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Cheap, affordable, and great

Written by: Nambow on 12/31/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

I got this car after it had been sitting for 1-2 yrs. I had to replace the tires and tie rods. It drives good, and is a manual. I average anywhere from 31-35mpg. My car has 119k and shows no sign of giving up.

Favorite Features

5 speed, good mpg

Suggested Improvements

None, since they do not make it anymore.

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What a good little car

Written by: redgirl on 12/30/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 2 Dr ZX2 Cool Coupe

Review

Bought car 11 months ago it now has 134,000 miles and I think with a new clutch. It will make it to 150,000. Only thing is it is beat up looking. The person who owned it last scratched it all up. So I am selling her. It took me to Gainseville, and Orlando. I live in Stuart and that's a hike. Again great little car

Favorite Features

Stick shift

Suggested Improvements

Leg room for driver

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Original satisfied owner.

Written by: Joe on 12/04/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 4 Dr SE Wagon

Review

98 SE Wagon. This has been a good economical vehicle. Simple interior design. 24 to 34 mpg. Scheduled maintenance routines were followed for normal usage. Fair to good handling in moderate snow conditions. Final assembly, U.S.A. (I purposely avoided the non-U.S.A. assemblies). Original tires, Uniroyal Tiger Paw, lasted 70K. OEM battery, 8 yrs. Uncomfortable seating on long drives.

Favorite Features

Reliable & economical. Good exterior & interior apearance. No warranty issues. Competitive & reasonable cost.

Suggested Improvements

Improve finish at weld points on roof area above rear doors. Rear suspension springs failed (broken at top ends) at about 25K (3+yrs.). Engine noise at hwy. speeds. Engine oil & filter change is more inconvenient if done by owner. Constant contol relay assy.& fuel pump assembly failed at 88k/10 yrs.

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I love this car

Written by: chris on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

1998 Ford Escort 2 Dr ZX2 Cool Coupe

Review

I bought this car with 165k on it in jan of 08. It now has 200k on it. I have replaced the wheel bearings, the serpentine belt, and tires. It is by far the cheapest and most reliable car I have ever owned. I would recommend it to anyone. I'm kinda upset they stopped making them. When or if this one dies I will be buying another one.

Favorite Features

I own the 5 speed. I love the performance. i Put a lot of bolt on parts and for what it is it's pretty fast. And I love the gas mileage. I consistantly get low 40's. Easily keeps up with a stock Honda v-tech.

Suggested Improvements

Larger interior. Maybe make it a 6 speed transmission. It runs at a kinda high rpm at 60 mph.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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