Used 1998 Ford Escort Consumer Reviews
Used Escort for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
A great small car value
Satisfied owner, 07/11/2007
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought our Escort SE new in January 1998. This car was going to be a commuter car for my wife. Well, nine and a half years and 100,000 miles later it is still commuting! It has been a very reliable car. The only thing we have done is change the oil and replace items as they wore out. We replaced the struts/springs in 2005 and the clutch in Sept of 2006. Overall cost of ownership has been low and the gas mileage is still good (30mpg+). Other than a dent on the left rear quarter panel from a parking lot fender bender the body is still in good shape.
I love this car
chris, 11/06/2008
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
1998 Ford Escort for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- ZX2 Cool CoupeMSRP: $5,9991,281 mi away
- ZX2 Hot CoupeMSRP: N/A2,343 mi away
Wagon's Ho !
Phranq, 04/08/2002
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a used '98 SE Wagon with ~25K miles. Overall I am very satisfied with the performance and reliability of the wagon so far. The extra cargo area and roof rack have come in handy when hauling stuff and taking a short trip. Great Gas mileage (35+ on freeway with automatic trans.) and the controls are logically placed. Great Used car for the $ and features.
167,000 miles and still going strong!
EHWRYN, 06/08/2009
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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".
Horrible Car
Will, 02/25/2010
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
2 of 9 people found this review helpful
This car is the most "Gutless" piece of machinery I have ever encountered. My dog can accelerate faster than this car. We have been stricken with repair after repair. Now the entire exhaust system is shot and needs replacement.
good for the money
triniman, 01/14/2004
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a fun little car that is good on gas and cheaper to maintain. problem free if you ask me
She's good
Lovemycar, 11/05/2005
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first car, has held up very well. Bought her with 39,000 on it, so far am at 52,000 in a little over a year. Very few maintenance problems, and any problems were minor, like windshield wipers. Excellent for all of the driving that I do between school, work and home (over 60 miles daily M-F) and I only fill up about once a week. She's always been there for me.
weee
iced98lx, 01/31/2004
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 5spd helps with performance, and it never breaks down, get 38mpg on the road, what more do I need?
Great little wagon
Rod, 06/27/2010
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new in 1998. As of June 2011, it has 193,000 miles on it. Only failing were the rear springs at 150K in 2005. Regular maintenance and regular (3K interval) oil changes. Starting to show it's age (some rust), but still gets 29-32 mpg to/from work in mixed highway city driving.
What a good little car
redgirl, 12/31/2008
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
best car i've ever owned
mevix, 02/25/2004
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my escort since brand new, it's only had 2 things ever go wrong, stereo when it was fairly new and the other the electronic sensor for the a/c. I was told by a Ford mechanic that it was a design flaw and in 1999 it was changed. This is the best car I've ever owned, 100% reliable, great gas mileage, roomy inside for a compact car. Sorry to say I was involved in an accident this week, got hit by an S10 truck directly in the left front, and I think held up well. Unfortunately it was totalled and I can honestly say I'm devastated as it was such a great car! Too bad Ford quit making them.
Fun to Drive Expensive to fix.
Erinf, 02/02/2004
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car back in 2000, off a lease. Got the extended warranty. Until 60k the car was fine. I had one transmission problem, which the dealership fixed and gave me a rental for a week. At around 60k things got scarey. Repairs in the 2-3k range, all over the place. It like the car had been built to survive just past the warranty then totally fall apart... hondas and toyotas don't do this, why do fords?
Excellent Small Wagon
senior citizen, 02/10/2009
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
the perfect first car...
CodyB, 03/05/2003
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car!!! I bought one as my first car last year, and it's great. It's great to find the S curves on back roads and fly by my friend with a civic. The only reason I only put a 9 for performance is because it doesnt really compare to my dad's nissan 300ZX, but it's still a peppy little sports car and I love it.
Good car
Sis, 02/29/2004
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car for the most part. Handled well, good in snow, easy to drive, spunky. Repairs over 4 years included new fuel pump, new tie rods three times, one brake job. The last two break downs were almost the end. The CV joint broke, literally, in the middle of the road. No warning that is was bad. That was relatively cheap to repair. But the same week, we had to deal with the engine light on constantly. The code told us something was wrong with the cam shaft. Apparently, this model has the V-tech engine. Cam shaft repairs would be around $800-1000. What to do with trade-in value of $1800 at best? We traded it in and will probably never buy another.
hauling Goods & Dogs
SEwagon, 04/16/2002
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great in town -peppy drive if you stay in torque range (3750 & up)--easy lane changes, great visibility, intr. noise low. seat best in near upright. Yoko Avid Touring tires are a perfect compliment to this wagon! Frim, stable, grip, and corner. Wagon will oversteer if you don't go spritely into the corner--waking up stabliz'n rear assembly. Ford means 80lbs in the boot! Heavy loads off the axle are nerve racking. Drop the seat --pull it out! Smart pack can put 625lbs of goods in; predictable ride follows. Very Utilitarian w/smart looks--Ford really did a nice exit w/the escort wagon!
Great Car
Pauline Stewart, 04/20/2004
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had this car for less than a year and it had a lot of miles on it when i bought it. i bought i for $3,000. i though that was a good deal. i am a senior in high school and use it everyday to go to school, work and sometimes the mall. I really like my car. It is depenable, has great gas milage and it is just a perfect car for someone;s first car.
GREAT
tink, 03/08/2009
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
Zippy
cb, 05/13/2004
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, fun to drive and great on gas. There is a small rattle in the engine that is from a cap that cannot be removed so it hits the hood of the car causing the rattle.I also had to change the front left tie rod on only 33000 miles. Those were the only problems that have arised; Otherwise I have had no other problems with it.
Ruby the racecort
angel_marie03, 08/05/2002
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a nice little car. Very fast for a V4. I have only had it for a little bit but it seems to be pretty realiable.
It just keeps on going
mruconn, 06/10/2004
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1998 LX after my 1993 Ecort GT started to give me problems and it was the most affordable car for me at taht time. I bought it new with 18 miles on it and as of today, 6/10/04, I now have 209,670 miles. No major problems, just things are wearing out but that is to be expected, plus I ma still getting 35+ mpg. It just keeps running and running, maybe thats why Ford discontinued it, it was too good.
Buyer Beware
Mrs. Den, 08/08/2002
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This cute, sporty car has been awesome...until now! Only four years old and both the transmission AND engine have gone belly up in less than 40,000 miles...NOT GOOD! More trouble and money than it's worth ~ gave up and traded it in for a Toyota!!!
I love my ZX2
BonBon, 08/31/2004
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car is great. Good gas mileage, reliable, small (but not too small!), sporty....Ford did a great job.
Been good to me so far..
2 Ford Owner., 08/19/2002
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1998 Escort in Nov 1997 when the new models came out. I paid about 13K. This car has been very good to me, I have never been stranded, the car runs great, of course I did not put alot of miles on it and I do get the maintenance done as instructed by Ford. I have since bought a 2002 Taurus SEL premium (and kept my Escort too) which blows my 98 escort away in comfort and power. However, when filling up at the pump, the Escort wins hands down.
Excellent economical car!
carbunny, 09/12/2004
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an excellent car if you want an inexpensive car and don't car much about extras. This was my first car. I have had it for 6 years, have 50,000 miles on it and nothing on it has EVER broken. It is a "bare minimum" car...no casette player, no cd player, no power windows, etc. But...if what you are looking for is low price and good performance this is the car.
Love our little Red Escort
rail81, 01/04/2005
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used as a replacement for a Nissan Sentra. Other than being a little noisy, it's been a great car. It now has 110K on the odometer and still going strong. We've had to replace motor mounts and the drive axles in the past few months but at 100K those are wear items anyway. This car has been flawless otherwise. Car has never had to go in for service except for routine maintenance items. For those who are shopping, stay away from the dual cam engine unless you just gotta have the power. Routine maintenance for the twin cammer is far more expensive than the single cammer, or so I've read.
Good, but watch out
wingchunner, 09/16/2002
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I didn't like the way the automatic transmission shifted. It handles and responds well, but because of the lightness of the car, it is affected by wind which at times makes it a little more difficult to control. Changing the serpantine belt is a little coslty .I thought there was a squeecking noise which I thought was the belt (not), then they thought something was rubbing against the transmission, so that was pulled (not that either), so the mechanic believes that the crankshaft is somehow getting out of kilter or the bearing might be worn wrong. It will cost over two grand to replace the engine or repair the crankshaft.
Not a fan of the look, LOVE the rest
MikeMG, 03/09/2005
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car last September. I was originally looking for a ZX3 but this one was CHEAP. I test drove it and bought it the same day. The performance is unbelievable for a stock car, if only the aesthetics could be comparable. If you're young and want a tough, quick car, then this is it. I can't seem to break it, which is hard to believe. Parts are cheap too ($25 Cdn for a wheel bearing). Service it regularly and this car will last forever.. And if you live in an area where salt is used on the roads, undercoat it every year.
GREAT CAR
fromthetown, 03/13/2003
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My experience has been great with my ZX2. It is fun car to drive and gets great mileage. I have put very little money into the car except for regular oil changes and a K&N Air Filter. My only complaint is the spongy feeling brake pedal. Besides this the car is awesome. I would recomend this car to anyone, but especially to any college student who needs reliable transportation like me.
Good looking,reliable, gets the job done
Drive it to the bone, 03/24/2005
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car after high school graduation and had it throughout college. My dad used it to drive pretty far to work everyday while I was away, and this whole time nothing bad has gone wrong. Besides the usual wear and tear, the worst thing that happened was the horror that was installing my CD deck over the old trim. I would change some small things, but overall, its a fun, reliable and good looking vehicle considering some factors.
I'm hard on vehicles, but...
andreaguinn, 04/27/2005
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I adore my Ford Escort! I drive constantly because of school, work, and club outings. Not once has it died or not started up on the first try, and I got it at 110,031 miles. I would highly recommend this car to anyone at all. It's wonderful. Perfect for a busy teen like me.
This car has been sooo good to me!
Aileen, 10/01/2002
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my ford escort in May of 1998. I have never had a serious problem with this car (other than the ac compressor giving out at 65,000 - but it IS florida). This car has never let me down. The reliability is excellent and for only a 2.0 it hauls ass!!!! I wish I would ahve got the one witht the sun roof!
Great commuter
Lily, 07/13/2005
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car since it came out 7 years ago and it's a fantastic car. Other than routine maintenance, I've never had a problem and it has been the most reliable car in my driveway. Its compact size but interior comfort make it a great commuter car, which is fantastic in an area with some of the worst traffic in the nation. Overall, great car and I plan to keep driving it for years to come!
My First Car
Dre, 09/07/2008
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just resently got a 98 Ford Escort LX as my first car. When I first saw it I wasn't very happy with it. It just didn't look quite right. Now that I have it I really like it. My Escort only has 74,950 miles on it! Not bad for a 98.
good car
probe user, 10/10/2002
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this was my first car, it was a good car until i totaled it. oops. Never gave me any problems the 3 years i had it. good car
Basic Transportation, Noisy on the Road
Ken H, 01/12/2006
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car for our daughter's use while at school on the east coast. It spent three years in Philadelphia, crossed the country three times ending up on the west coast. The car has 101K miles on it currently. We've had two major engine repairs. One involving an internal governing device in the engine and the other was a head gasket that had to be replaced at 80K miles. One thing that does stand out with this car is the high road noise especially at freeway speeds. Only other item that is an irritant is the seat belts are attached well behind the front seats and are very difficult to reach with the doors closed.
"98 Ford Escort Wagon
Shey, 02/21/2006
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A/C not working but has been a very reliable car.
1998 ZX 2 cool coupe
Mike, 06/10/2009
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Watch out Ferrari!
Jeffro, 12/15/2002
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, the car has been great since day one. Put more than 35k in one year and it just won't die!
alive to tell
alive, 09/04/2006
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is what you'd expect, a 4/5 person economical car mover with a little more space because it's a wagon. My Escort was totaled last week, T-boned at a traffic light. Honda CR-V ran the red light, impacted my car on the front right corned just in front of the tire. Both air bags deployed, all seat belts held, everyone survived, air bags bruised our faces pretty well. This car saved all 3 of us. Due to the car being 9 years old the car was totaled, not because of extensive damage but because the air bags cost $1K each plus labor. Yes I'd buy another Escort if I needed good cheap transportation, 36 MPG highway.
Unexpectedly decent car
Escort driver, 11/22/2006
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought a used 98 model in late 2002. Since then we made a round trip to Canada (about 1500 miles) made a trip to Virginia twice and so far has put on mileage of 60k. The car runs great. No mechanical problems so far. Hope it would keep running, since I am a JDM fan, so astonished by its performance.
Amazx2ing
mike1975nj, 01/20/2007
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used in 9/03 from a private party. I have all original receipts from this car since new including the window sticker. I lucked out big time. I have a 1998 5 speed and at the time I didn't want red nor did I want a Ford. After three years of owning this car I must say it is without a doubt mint. I love everything about this car except the fact that Ford canceled it and replaced it with junk. I must say that I am so happy that I got a stick rather than the automatic which is terrible and boring in this car. This is not a sport or racing car rather a sporty little economical car that if treated right with go head to head with any Toyota, Honda, or Madza (lol). Amazing!
After nearly 5 years, it's been great!!
wje, 02/02/2003
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my '98 ZX2 Sport brand new. After nearly 5 years, I've put 40K miles on it. I'm using Mobil1 sythetic oil in my car. It's never been in the shop for a repair. Sadly, my daughter is now 9-years-old and I need to spring for a 4-door car, so I've got to sell my ZX2 :( The car has been a fun car and my red paint shines as good as (or better) than the day I purchased it due to my extensive upkeep on the car. I'm not young - nearly 40, but this has been a fun car to drive.
Highly Recommended!
Meg022, 02/08/2007
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really love this car--it's the second one I have owned (totaled the first one). It has great pickup considering it's a 4-cyl. The exterior design is fabulous! (I have the 2-dr coupe with spoiler on the back). I love looking at it, even after all these years! Bought both of my ZX2s used, and had minimal repair...until I hit the 90K mark. Then, every inspection has been a $500+ ordeal, but had no emergency repairs. I had to replace the E-brake cable, the thermostat, needed to add freon for A/C, replaced the CAM shaft, and one of the control arms, etc. over a period of about two years. It does get a little uncomfortable for long trips--the interior is small, and the seats are FIRM.
158,000 miles so far
158,000miles so far, 02/18/2007
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car! My wife and I have been driving this one for a few years now. Bought it at 70,000 miles and have driven it nearly trouble free to 158,000 miles presently. I have no complaints about this car. Here are the few small repairs. Water pump replacement, some small A/C module to restore normal ac function, serpentine belt of course, radiator leaked a little when it was real cold outside, I finally replaced it after watching it drip during startup for two winters and a small water leak in the cab and trunk. Lastly, emergency brake cables are sticking some, the rubber is breaking on them and the weather has gotten to them. This is normal STUFF. THIS CAR IS GREAT! I used to be a mechanic.
98 zx2
ritchmonty, 06/09/2002
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
runs great and gets 35 mpg. Everything under hood is very well designed.
Best car ever owned
Horst Odparlik, 02/16/2003
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a tremendously reliable vehicle. I would have bought 10 of them if I had known what little this car would have cost me over the course of these 4+ years.
Useful & reliable
Boston driver, 03/04/2007
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new in 98. It's been very reliable and a great city car for maneuvering and parking and mileage. Decent pickup with the five-speed manual. Wet-road handling got better with new tires at 50k. The trunk opening is very small, but with the back seats down you can stuff a lot in. E- brake is starting to fail at 73k.
1998 Escort SE - A great, reliable car!
Scooter, 07/24/2007
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car new in '98 for my wife to drive around town, an SE Sport model that's still fun to drive. After 9 years and only 31,000 miles, the engine still has a lot of pep and gets GREAT gas mileage. No major repairs other than a serpentine belt and A/C work (common to Escorts). Most problems due to age rather that normal wear and tear. Routine maintenance was as expected. Will be a great car to pass on down to the kids!
1998 Ford Escort ZX2
RodDogKen, 09/01/2003
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Features: Automatic and A/C. Front-wheel drive. Only 23,500 miles in 5 1/2 years. Everything still works well! Right front wheel-bearing was replaced/was making a noticable noise.