Used 1998 Ford Escort Consumer Reviews
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Can't be killed
This car is ridiculous. Got this in 11/01 used from some dude who wanted a car with cruise control. Had 56K miles on it, almost 8 years later I have 143K on it. No problems at all with this thing. Runs as smooth as it did the day i took it over. Oil is always clean, probably dont even have to get an oil change every 5k miles. I still have to replace the timing belt. The tie rods had to be occasionally replaced every now and then. But thats it. I wish this thing would die already so I can feel justifed to get a new car already!
I really love my Escort
This is my second Escort. I purchased my first 98 escort new and drove it to well over 300k miles. It was sadly taken out by a tractor trailer while parked, but was still running strong. I am on my second 98 escort (took me months to find one) and it's also great. Purchased it with 108k and have taken it all over the country since. Just like my first escort, this one just keeps going and going. I like dependability and economy in my vehicles and this car serves them both up with a smile.
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- ZX2 Cool CoupeMSRP: $5,9991,272 mi away
- ZX2 Hot CoupeMSRP: N/A300 mi away
escort 330 k miles
bought the car with 156000 miles about 6 years ago..im at 330;000 and still running good had to replace the clutch,,but u should expect that with that mileage...other than that just regular maintenance.......
Fantastic City Car
I've driven this car for the past 11 years and have had very few problems with it. It has enough power to be fun to drive, and to get you around slow trucks when you need to, while still getting good gas mileage. The best thing about it, though, is the amazing amount of cargo space for an economy coupe. Between the surprisingly roomy trunk, and the fold-down seats, you can actually haul quite a lot of stuff. I am regularly surprised at how much I can stuff into such a small car. On top of that, it's one of the best-looking cars in its class, (IMHO), it turns on a dime, and it fits in almost any parking space. The only thing it doesn't do well is snow. But then, what little car does?
98 wagon
Bought used in 1999 with 25,000 miles. Not a lot of power but fun to drive around town. Reliability has been better than average, interior and body/paint have held up well and average 30 - 32 mpg. A great second car and will keep it until it dies.
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Loretta
After having this car for a couple of years, we decided she deserved a name, Loretta. We bought her when she was already 12 years old but she only had 63,000 miles on her. Now she's got almost 150,000 and still going strong. The fuel pump has been replaced and a couple of other things, but she's never left me stranded. All of those were things that I needed to do, but she gave me the time to save the money and never quit on me. We love this car. She is now being passed down to my daughter who loves her just as much as I do.
THIS CAR JUST KEEPS GOING!
Bought this car back in 2005, have had it almost 6 years and have put close to 50,000 miles on it. This car has been through snow storms, and near floods. Has never left me stranded or broken down on me. Has never had a day where it didn't start. This has been the most low maintenance car I've ever had. Over the past 6 years I can't say that I've spend more than $1,200 on my car. Which is like an average of $300 a year including oil changes and tire replacements etc. Love this car, and at 140,000 its tickin' like it just left the dealer's lot.
awesome little car
Bought this car 7 months ago, haven't had a problem since, never had to replace anything, sure there are worn out mounts and all, but it's typical. Does 0-60 in 7.8! Cannot say enough good things about the fuel economy. I get 42 mpg on flat highway at 65, and 36 aggressive city mpg. Biggest complaint, the vibration and noise. Tires and/or suspension seem to amplify road noise, engine runs at 2900 rpm at 65 which can get annoying. And wheel hop when accelerating at traction limits is ridiculous. But it has a large comfortable back seat and a very inexpensive car to own. Great little car, wish Ford still made it with a Mazda suspension, Zetec engine, 6 speed and standard power EVERYTHING! Oh and yellow!
Great Car
We had issues the very next day after driving it off the lot. The engine would die while driving. We took it back twice and when I demanded a free loaner while they fixed the problem, they replaced a sensor. At 30,000 miles, the transmission went and it took the Ford dealership in Sierra Vista, AZ 6 transmissions and 3 weeks to get the right one, they finally put in a Mazda transmission. AC went out, 2 dealerships could not find out why, it was never fixed.CD changer stopped working. After that, we had very little problems and we had to get rid of it after I hit a bear and totaled it out. It had well over 230,000 miles on it and was still going strong. Overall, great car & fun to drive.
Great little hauler!
Bought this car new in 1998; wish I had bought two of them! Only major work in 12 years was replacing timing belt and rear brake lines. I put snow tires on their own rims on for 6 months of the year to help save original rims and tires (replaced twice). Live in New Hampshire, so a little rust has shown up around wheel wells. For less than $500 in body work, I'll have a car that should last for several more years. Gets mid 30's mpg on highway with manual transmission. Wish that Ford hadn't discontinued the Escort line. Will consider the Fiesta down the road for my next car, but am in no particular hurry.
Got me around
One of Ford's best for basic trasportation. Purch from original owner with 111k mi after sitting in yard for 2yr. Have driven it 65k miles since. Never left me stranded, only normal maint. items; i.e. timing belt, brakes, tires, muffler. New England winters & excessive road salt have taken a toll on the body. Engine still runs strong and uses less that 1qt. of oil per 2k miles.
1998 Ford Escort
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...
10 years and still going strong!
We have owned this car for 10 years and we can't complain. We've never had to replace anything except for a brake, the alternator, and some tires. This car has been on 3 long road trips (about 650 miles each way with a dog) and we had no major breakdowns. The car is still running (even with over 200,000 miles on it) but we're finally going to purchase a new 2007 Elantra so we will donate it to charity. BTW: We have the bare bones model-5 speed manual, cassete player (no cd), power nothing, no spoiler, basically just a shell with an engine and some tires.
LIKE THE ENERGIZER!!! IT JUST KEEPS GOIN AN GOIN!!
Ive had my 98 zx2 forever. She never lets me down. Im the third owner. The guy b 4 me literally drove the wheels off of it. didnt change the oil for 3 years over 41000 miles. when i got it did a tune up an a oil change.I only run the best. 93 octane ngk11 plugs an 8mm wires. castrol sytec fully sythetic. has 336,588 miles on it right now. still rips. took it to quaker drag strip ran a 15.3 at 91mph. bone stock. blew quite a few doors off it its time an will continue til it dyes on me. Its a fact if u take care of ur car ur car will take care of u. i have replace everthing on it once or maybe twice but i definatly got my moneys worth !!!!!5 STAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not a fun to drive, but it never dies
I bought my Escort because it is what I could afford at that time. It had only 20K and looks almost new. I have been driving this car on daily basis for 2 years and put 30k on it. Escort is a plain, compact, low-priced seden. There is really not much fun to drive it. The engine, transmission and brake system works fine for commuting daily, but performance is mediocre. Overall it is a reliabe car and gives me great gas mileage (~28 city and ~36 highway). I have never had any problem with its mechanical quality, even after one collision and one weather disaster. I changes the oil regularly at local Ford dealership. A great car for daily life!
Phenomenal
I bought my pre-owned Escort coupe as a temporary replacement for my older car, until I could decide what I wanted. Well, I fell in love with the car right away and I've had it for five years. It has a great ride for a small car. I was especially pleased with how it runs with ease on the highway. Now, after five years, it has 90K miles and I cannot recall a single repair. I've only changed the oil on schedule, kept up with the rest of the maintenance schedule and replaced the tires. I've been very pleasantly surprised with this car. Now, with the price of gas, I really am glad that I have it. It is still one of the most efficient cars out there.
Broke all the time
I bought this Escort, my first car, with 55k miles on it and drove it until the transmission went at 210k miles. Every month from the time I bought it, it was in the shop. I had to replace everything, some things twice, such as the muffler and exhaust. I replaced the e-brake, shocks, struts, fuel injection system, intake valve, just about everything in this car. I loved it because it was my first car and the fact that it was so roomy, I loved having so much space in the back. I used to see these on the road all the time, but now I hardly ever see one, I'm guessing it's because they all fell apart.
realibility plus
i purchased this auto from my employer 6 years ago with 74k on it. i now have 140k. i get 25mpg around town and 35mpg highway.the timing belt broke at 110k. did not cause any engine damage as with many autos. purchasd new belt for $20 at auto parts store.alternator went this year,very easy to replace. ($45used with 1 year warrenty)as with most drivers i would like a newer auto but the escorts reliability and very reasionable replacement parts cost will have me driving it for a few more years.
Good for 6 years only
I purchased this as my first car way back on Halloween 1998. This car was very good to me for the first 6.5 years. I did all the required maintainance. Then the transmission went after 110K miles - expensive repair. After repairing that, the engine went 2 years later - expensive repair. I have had to replace the alternator twice as well replace the water pump and some drive pulleys all expensive repairs. Finally, just now, the AC compressor went and had to install an aftermarket AC delete pulley. I've gotten 11 years so far out of it but the repairs have been expensive over the last 4 years ~$8000. But (unfortunately) still cheaper than new car payments so I could not justify a new car
One of the better Fords
Very fuel efficient and reliable - almost 5 years old and no mechancial problems - far superior to its replacement the Ford Focus
1998 Ford Escort Sedan
Reliable. Good gas mileage. Dependable. Great trunk space.
Good car for young drivers
Bought for teenage driver. She has been driving it for 5 years. Other than some "wear & tear" items & maintenance, this has been a very trouble-free car.
High milage, still goes and goes!
I thought my ZX2 about 4 months ago, with over 300,000 miles on it. I am amazed at how very minimal upkeep it needs for the age and mileage. It does have a fuel pump issue which I will soon be able to get fixed reasonably cost efficiently. I hope to have this vehicle for as long as it's willing.
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Great Car for the money
I bought this car for college transportation. and it is great! I now have over 72000 and still runs great. I bought it with trans. problems and fought the dealer till he rebuilt if for free. ($1500 worth) Gas milage in the mid 30s, but I drive hard.
GREAT ZX2
I have a 1998 ZX2 ; dark green with the DOHC 2.0 ltr Z-tec Engine , 5 speed manual & I bought this one to replace the 2000 ZX2 that I thought I was trading up for a 2009 Focus Base w/ 5speed manual.. They say " always test drive before deciding". That is very good advise. After driving the Focus HOME THAT day ; compared to the ZX2 I traded for it , I felt like I had traded DOWN..!!!! The base Focus did' not even have a spare tire....it had a bottle of " slime" & a plug in compressor.....WHAT A JOKE !!!! Anyway I cannot say enough good things about the ZX2 & with my '98 that I now have ; I'm treating it like a queen ; royal purple oil, K n N airfilter , Bosch iridium spark Plugs & Goodyear Assurance tires ; 195-60 x 15. I love this thing !!! I have A/C , power windows , pwr door locks, cruise control ( which I didnt even know manual tranny cars had..) AM/FM Cassette player with the CD changer in the trunk, anti-lock brakes & 8mm plug wires , cig. ashtray & lighter , passive anti-theft auto locking doors. This car is amazing !!! Now I understand why there are ZX2 clubs in and around this country.
Hipstermobile
I loved the look, how it was small but spacious, and I loved how a 12 gallon tank could get you almost 400 miles. Saw it on let go. Bought the car used under 100k miles for 1,000. I drive for Uber and door dash so I drive roughly 150 miles a day 5+ days per week. I drove this car from 98k miles to 156k in one years time and yeasterday the engine threw a rod. Since it’s not worth much I won’t be replacing the engine, but I will miss it dearly. Definitely my favorite car I’ve ever had. Only problem I found with it that was on going is I kept having to replace both the mass air flow and idol sensor. But I’ve had that problem with other fords too.
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The little car that could!
We bought the little red 98 Escort for our daughter’s graduation in 2000. She drove it all through her college years and beyond. She gave it to her dad to drive when she got an SUV so it wouldn’t be sitting. Dad got a new paint job on it and it looked sharp! Then daughter’s husband needed a daily driver so dad gave back to them. They are soon giving it to their first driver for his first car. Never thought when we bought that little Escort that she would be the best and longest running car our family ever had but she has been a gem!
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Sporty and Peppy for its class!
I've had my ZX2 2.0 LT sport for 3 yrs in S.CA. Good mileage on (expensive) Regular Gas. I get around 300 miles a tankfull. It has 121,500 miles (I've put on 18,000)! Head gasket, timing belt, thermostat were replaced before I bought it. I'm my time with it the pulley broke off, and did a pin ball job in the engine compartment. I replaced the p steering hose, the water pump, belt and the pulley : Radio/CD player, tires and tune up too. It passed the trucks on the freeway under 42 rpm even up hill! Good acceleration for merging. Hugs road well. I love the Fog lights. A.C. Hosing seals needs replacement. Great Heater. Front Seat belts mount too far back, hard to reach. Auto Trans is ok. Car makes skweeling sound when at low speeds (off and on). Has road noise. My dog does not like it...oddly. Looks good and behaves. Easy to drive and park. I would have liked a moonroof. Don't use washer fluid with window open! Thinking of driving it back to South Jersey this summer. I would recommend owning one! Funny my first car was a '68 Falcon. I've come full circle. Basic Car and worth it.
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A sleeper
Bought Ford wagon 2002 used with 48,000k miles drove it to 155,200k doing courier deliveries gave it to my daughter she drove it for 3 years, then she gave it to grand daughter for college later she gave it to younger sister then the care was sold in 2008 with 243,000, this car is still running only routine maintenance tires brakes timing belts tune ups
not gooood
man i got a 98 with 50k and all ready MAIN Body Frame rusting (inside under Fenders) engine loud as hell, drive is horroble, inside look - looks like from a STONE AGE when ppl live in caves, seat are SUPER UNCONFTEBLE my back hurts from 10 min drive in em, its got a nice out side look ill give a + to that and the rest is horoble a sport car with 130 horse and inside looks like crap
Great basic transportation!
We have really enjoyed this car. We have 75,000 miles on it and have no problems. It is great basic transportation. Excellent gas mileage 34 city, 39 highway
Satisfied Customer
Have had this vehicle almost a year now. Very satisfied with performance and gas mileage. I avg. about 32 mpg driving a mixture of about 70% interstate and 30% city. Some interior improvements would make life easier (see "Suggested Improvements").
dependable
take care of it and it will last just sold mine today it had a 145,000 it will go another 30,000 I believe.never gave me a bit of problem
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Great car
This car has never left me stranded. I love the reliability, performance and low maintenance. Even those who borrowed it for periods of time wanted to buy it from me because I fell in love with the car. Wish they were still made, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.
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Sturdy, Strong, Roomy, Great
I bought this car two years ago and although had some mainenence done on it, it has not let me down once. I changed the timing belt, water pump and an O2 sensor. Engine at 143k going strong, with a lot of life left in it. An air filter was missing and a bug got caugth in the idle air flow solenoid. I drove from Grand Canyon to Las Vegas with idle at 4000 rpm. Engine is still going strong without a problem. These ZTEC engines are fantastic. Team Ford at Las Vegas did rip me off with a 1000 dollars to change the solenoid! Never go to the dealers! This car is fun to drive, I hauled our whole house with it, big cargo, nice space in the trunk. Very fun to drive the manual!
zx2
I have owned this little car since I purchased it new in 1998. It has been a fun and economical. I have never had issues until the car reached over 200k. Then things started to break, typical stuff alternator, rear wheel cylinders, struts, just recently the fuel pump. The a/c works some times. Heck what do expect from a car with nearly 300k
This pony won't quit
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.
ZX2
I love it!
A great small car value
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.
Great car
Parts are cheap compared to others
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1998 ZX2 Escort
The Escort isn't the best car but for the price come on. It never had trouble only needed a new pair of cheap tires and some cheap brakes and that was right before I sold it. It's a great car. Family look but great performance. Get one if you want a reliable cheap sport car.
I love this car
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.
My Escort
I've had my Escort for 6 and a half years. I bought it brand new and it is as reliable today as it was back in June 1998! It has almost 130,000 miles and going strong. It even survived about two years of being used by my wild teenage son. When this car finally retires, I will definately want to buy another Ford. Wish they still had Escorts.
great little car that keeps on running!
I purchased my 1998 Ford Escort LX back in Sept. of 2005 and this car has been nothing but a great little ride. It is very reliable, has peppy performance with the 5-speed, drives very well, the interior is very functional, and the body is in excellent shape. It provides me with great all-around transportation. It had 121,000 miles when I purchased it and the motor continues to run strong like new. It gets excellent gas mileage. All around, it has been a great car to own. The only things I have had to replace was a thermostat and a new battery. Other than that, it just keeps running and running.
Nice Nice Nice car
Second car my car for running around town love the car love the silver color hope to have it another 10 years. Have a grand marquie for other car feel safer with grandkids in bigger car, escott is a nice nice nice car and I love it.
cabin car
Purchased 5 years ago at 29000 miles. It had been dealer maintained, driven as second car, never in salt, paid $3600. I have alloy wheels (I had on a Mazda)and hi performance tires. We drive summers only as our (2 people) only car during that time. Now with 86000 miles replacement tires and front brake pad only. Nothing has failed. It is a great car for local use. Mileage with automatic, driven in a spirited manner is 30mpg locally, 33-4 at 73mph using cruise. On extended interstate trips it is acceptably comfortable, shifts out of lockup on hills when using cruise. Very reliable, economical utilitarian vehicle. Nowhere as comfortable, peppy, sporty handling as our 2004 Mazda 3.
This car won't die
I put about 500 miles a week on this car on my daily commute to work. I have been waiting for it to die since I graduated college and got my long distance job. I have never broken down in it yet. So far since I took it over I have only had to replace tires and the tape deck/Radio which I was going to do anyway. One year I didn't even change the oil from inspection to inspection and it still ran like a champ. I wish I had a reason to get a new car but it is so reliable even at 130K. Who ever said foreign cars are more reliable than domestic really needs to check the date it isn't the 80's anymore.
Sensible Car
This is the first new car that I have ever bought and it was a great investment. I had it paid off in 4 years which was great. I have never had anything major go wrong with the Escort and it rides smoothly. I get great gas mileage down the highways.
This car is solid
She is at 109,000 kms - just change the oil every 3K kms - only have had to change out the tie rods - that is it. I was going to buy a new car, but I don't have any need to. Great little car.
Best first car ever...
I bought this car 6 months ago, and have put on 10000 miles since. Have never had to replace anything yet. I use synthetic racing oil and the engine is just as good as any import. My biggest praise of the car is its mpg. I get a hair over 40 on the highway. I've never gotten below 35 mpg. Also the engine is very fun at higher speed with the 5 speed. The biggest complaint that I have with the car is the noise. The tire noise is actually much louder than the engine noise on the highway. It is a very rough engine when it's idling at a drive through. If Ford still built these with a higher overdrive and a better interior, it would dominate.