Used 1998 Ford Escort Consumer Reviews
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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.
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.
1998 Ford Escort for sale near you
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- ZX2 Cool CoupeMSRP: $5,9991,092 mi away
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
No more Fords!
Frank, 03/08/2008
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had an 87 Escort wagon made in New Jersey, got good basic A-to-B transportation & made it to 250,000 mi. So I got this newer 1998 replacement but only made it to 150,000 & had to junk it. Was made in Mexico & had many poor quality problems (rust, bad dash & dome lights, replaced P/S, etc & finally internal engine damage). Have had other Fords before & know they're generally lesser quality than other brands, but this was worst experience. Now I'm an angry ex-Ford customer.
Crash Review
KarenRottie, 05/20/2003
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was involved in a 60 mph crash and the design of this vehicle saved my life! While the car was totalled in the accident, I walked away with only some serious bruises.
Been Great for the Long Haul
JennyFL, 05/31/2003
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my ZX2 since buying it new in 98--its been great! I've put over 100000 miles on it with few problems-- had to replace the alternator. The 5spd is zippy and tight. Nothing better than knowing its gonna start up every time I need it to. I'm sooo pleased to have gotten so much out of this little car and hope I'm driving it for a few more years b/c I'll hate to give it up!
Good for a Student
BDbuddy23, 06/23/2003
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my Escort for about 2 years now and I have to say it has been a solid experience. The escort gets excellent gas mileage, and has a reasonable ride for a 'no frills' type of car. I've only had one problem and that was a radiator hose break.
My Green Escort
Julieturtle, 06/23/2003
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My hubby & I bought our '98 light green Escort LX in 2000 and we've put a lot of miles on it. In 3 years alone, we've doubled the miles. It has been a great, reliable car for us and our growing family. I tend to have a lead foot, so I wish it had more balls, but it's probably better that it didn't. It's a great car, anyway, and we're very sure it'll be our family vehicle for a long time.
Great Car
claus, 03/18/2008
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in '02 with 29000 miles on it. It now has 106000 and I have had to replace the water pump, timing belt, tie rods 3x, serpentine belt a few times and the ac is out on it right now, but other than that it has been a reliable car to get me through college. Excellent gas mileage and sound system.
Reliable!
Diane, 03/19/2008
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 190K miles on this car and it is still going strong! It serves its purpose, but now I am feeling that it may be on its last leg (the gas mileage is lowering and it struggles a little to get up certain hills), but I haven't had any major breakdowns or work done to it - just a timing belt and the e-brake chain. Brakes are worn easily, but I stop and go a lot. A fine little car that does a decent job.
great little car with get up and go
slats, 03/27/2002
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the escort five years ago and have had no problems whatever. It has more get up and go then would be expected and the gas mileage has been 27 to 29 pg. Just this past month the generator failed. first time I had to send money on it other then tires and windshield wipers. Currently 95,000 miles.
Very trusty, reliable car
artbkward, 04/11/2008
1998 Ford Escort LX 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven my 98 Escort since I turned 16 (8 years ago), it has never required any more than routine repair. It's got 147,000 miles on it now and still has alot of life left in it. Gets good fuel mileage although does have small spot of rust on the door. I added a CD player since it came with AM/FM radio only. It's been a great little car for me, I would highly recommend.
It Could Be Worse (but not much)
Justin, 08/07/2008
1998 Ford Escort SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Do not get this car if you enjoy driving or like cars even a little bit. You'll be dissapointed with the performance, handling and just about everything. Fuel economy is great as long as you don't touch the gas and don't look at the A/C. I don't think the designers even knew what fun-to-drive meant. Interior is basic. Not even a tach or cd player. If you stare at the exterior long enough it starts to look alright. It's only broken down on me once because of a bad alternator but there are a few parts that have needed replacing in the two years I've had it. (Motor mounts twice and A/C.) The trunk leaks on the right too. Summary: If you're old or don't like cars, the Escort is for you.