A few years ago I started a new job that required a lot of driving and I realized it was time for a new car. Basically, I was looking for something sporty but still relatively inexpensive and that would have good gas mileage. After looking at all the options available to me, I decided to go with the 2002 Ford Escort ZX2 with the sports package.
And I couldn’t be happier.
WHAT IS IT? In the late nineties, Ford was looking for a way to open its economy. car line, runner, for the younger market. Frankly, until now Escorts were considered anything but sporty, yet Ford knew there were people out there without a lot of money who still wanted to drive something with power, handling and a stylish look. The redesign of the 2-door hatch on the ZX2 was their solution… and it was a good one.
THE LOOK: The purpose of this 2-door frankly had more in common with the Mazda Miata than it did before the introduction of the Escort line, for styling tips from both Taurus and Jaguar models. The ZX2 is a real sport with curved lines, front and rear colored bumpers, side body crown, optional rear spoiler and round front grille that few people seeing it would think of as an “economy” car. This made the ZX2 the best choice for young drivers or those who just wanted to feel young.
PERFORMANCE: The Ford ZX2 rolls out of the showroom with a 2.0-liter, double overhead cam, 16-valve 130-horsepower engine that provides plenty of torque for a 2,500-pound car and allows the ZX2 to turn in performance numbers from 0 to 60 mph. in 7.4 sec
1/4 mile in 15.7 sec. While numbers like that don’t go to match a true sports coupe, they are far better than what it actually is. I saw the lower priced 2-door economy models. The suspension is well tuned and together with 15″ alloy wheels, stock Baru Aquila P185/60R15 tires and front ABS brakes (optional) the ZX2 ensures excellent handling and tight turns. The standard 5-speed gearbox shifts beautifully. It adds to the overall sporty feel to car
COMFORT: For the driver and front passenger, the ZX2 offers a very comfortable ride, with enough head and leg room to handle even people taller than 6’4″. used primarily as a car for one or two people, the rear seats are very desirable. /a> adding to the amazing space in the trunk, the driver’s seat manages to be six feet tall, the steering wheel and gear shift are perfectly placed for use. info.vn/tag/wall-panels”>wall panel is protected and easy to read and features such as power mirrors, window defogger and air sole add to the greater comfort of driving the ZX2.
DRIVABILITY: I bought this car with the expectation that it would be both drivable and economical and the ZX2 lived up to both attributes. It’s a fun car to drive that still manages to give me approximately 27mpg on the highway and 22mpg in the city. Both in the city and on the highway, the ZX2 is just a joy to drive and its small size and ability to make tight turns make parking a breeze.
SUPPLIED EXPENSES: In the eight years that I have had this car, I have spent almost nothing on auto. repair Besides the usual buying maintenance for new tires, battery and oil changes are the only repairs that need to be done. It was $220 for the vehicle that was spent to replace the A/C blower. The interior upholstery and trim look almost the same today as they did when I first saw the car- dealer and paint. He held it so beautifully. While I can by no means say that all ZX2’s have had similar minor maintenance, I can definitely attest that owning a ZX2 has certainly been easy on my wallet.
WARRANTY AND SAFETY: The 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 originally came with a 3 year/36 month bumper to bumper warranty and was built with roll cage construction, dual airbags and optional ABS.
SUMMARY: For the past several years this car has been a necessity for me and my wife and has been our primary vehicle for almost all of our short and medium drives. I have to admit that I have never in the least regretted buying this car back in 2002, my ZX2 not only met but exceeded every expectation I had for it when I bought it. I can honestly say that if I had to do it all over again, I would not only buy this car again, but I am frankly saddened by the fact that Ford decided to drop this model and that my 2002 ZX2 is one of the last of these cars. which has ever been produced.
If you are in the market for a good, reliable, economical used car, I strongly suggest you take a serious look at any low mileage ZX2 you come across. I seriously doubt that you will be deceived.
