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1998
Ford Escort

Starts at:
$11,430
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New 1998 Ford Escort
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn LX
    Starts at
    $11,430
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe ZX2 "Cool"
    Starts at
    $11,580
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SE
    Starts at
    $12,730
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe ZX2 "Hot"
    Starts at
    $13,080
    25 City / 33 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn SE
    Starts at
    $13,930
    25 City / 34 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1998 Ford Escort review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

The Ford Motor Co. has a cool version of a hot set of wheels in its new 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 coupe.

The ’98 ZX2 comes in “Cool” or “Hot” form and is aimed at young buyers who want to combine sporty with a brisk performance.

Ford hopes the ZX2 will become Generation X’s favorite vehicle. Although the ZX2 shares key components with the regular Ford Escort Sedan and Wagon, the coupe has sleek body work unique to this model, more power, and a fractionally longer overall length than the sedan.

The principal difference is a potent Zetec 2.0-liter (121-cubic inch) four-cylinder engine that delivers 130-horsepower, 20 more than the 2.0-liter motor in the sedan or wagon. Suspension is tuned to deliver maximum responsiveness to agility and driver control. The interior features an asymmetrical instrument panel that blends into the door surfaces. And frameless door glass adds to the lean look.

The coupe is a four-passenger automobile, and, as with all coupe structures, access to the rear is not as convenient as with four doors. But when you are young, little things like that really don’t bother you.

To help things along, the driver’s seat has a memory recline device that automatically returns the seat to its original position after it is tilted for rear access.

The coupe is built on the Escort platform that has a wheelbase of 98.4 inches, the same as the sedan and wagon. But the overall length stretches just a bit, 175.2 inches vs. 174.7 for the sedan and 172.7 for the wagon.

The body contour is more sleek in appearance and lower in drag. Rounded sheet metal transforms into a slippery shape. But it also encroaches just a bit on interior room.

Headroom and shoulder room in the ZX2 are down about an inch compared to four-door Escorts. But not to worry. At 120 mph past the grandstand nobody will ever know the difference.

The Zetec is a dual overhead cam engine with four valves per cylinders Horsepower peaks at 5,750 rpm, so with a five-speed it should be possible with the rev-happy Zetec to go to about 7,000 rpm or so without the valves floating. At that engine speed you can play a little tune with the gearbox.

An optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic is offered, an $800 item. It obviously is more convenient for everyday mundane motoring. But for the youthful types who really want to go, the automatic loses the versatility of downshifting through the gears.

An interesting facet emerges from the comparison of these two powertrains. The automatic flies in the face of convention and offers a slightly better city cycle fuel mileage rating than the five-speed.

The EPA fuel economy estimates for the automatic is 25 miles per gallon vs. 26 mpg for the five-speed manual transmission. The highway rating is 33 mpg for both transmissions.

Conforming to the sporting touch, the front-cockpit layout is the standard individual seats separated by a center console that mounts the shift levers. Full instrumentation plus a low-fuel warn ing light are standard.

The tachometer when the coupe is equipped with the five-speed gearbox is a very viable instrument, much more so than when an automatic is on board, as it tells a driver when he or she is in danger of overreving the engine.

Ford groups its climate controls and audio system into what it calls its Integrated Control Panel packages that are positioned in one location. With this arrangement, drivers have easy access to the controls without losing concentration on the road.

The standard audio system in the ZX2 consists of premium speakers and a stereo system, the thinking being that younger drivers are into cool music.

If you really want to go upstream, additional individual options include items like anti-lock brakes, a power moonroof and windows, and two remote entry systems. And if you really want to be sporty, a sports package is offered that includes 15-inch aluminum wheels a rear spoiler, fog lamps, upgraded bucket seats and integrated headrests.

W ith a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $13,080, a ZX2 represents a sporting proposition at an affordable cost, one that offers life in the fast lane without busting the budget.

1998 Ford Escort review: Our expert's take
By

The Ford Motor Co. has a cool version of a hot set of wheels in its new 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 coupe.

The ’98 ZX2 comes in “Cool” or “Hot” form and is aimed at young buyers who want to combine sporty with a brisk performance.

Ford hopes the ZX2 will become Generation X’s favorite vehicle. Although the ZX2 shares key components with the regular Ford Escort Sedan and Wagon, the coupe has sleek body work unique to this model, more power, and a fractionally longer overall length than the sedan.

The principal difference is a potent Zetec 2.0-liter (121-cubic inch) four-cylinder engine that delivers 130-horsepower, 20 more than the 2.0-liter motor in the sedan or wagon. Suspension is tuned to deliver maximum responsiveness to agility and driver control. The interior features an asymmetrical instrument panel that blends into the door surfaces. And frameless door glass adds to the lean look.

The coupe is a four-passenger automobile, and, as with all coupe structures, access to the rear is not as convenient as with four doors. But when you are young, little things like that really don’t bother you.

To help things along, the driver’s seat has a memory recline device that automatically returns the seat to its original position after it is tilted for rear access.

The coupe is built on the Escort platform that has a wheelbase of 98.4 inches, the same as the sedan and wagon. But the overall length stretches just a bit, 175.2 inches vs. 174.7 for the sedan and 172.7 for the wagon.

The body contour is more sleek in appearance and lower in drag. Rounded sheet metal transforms into a slippery shape. But it also encroaches just a bit on interior room.

Headroom and shoulder room in the ZX2 are down about an inch compared to four-door Escorts. But not to worry. At 120 mph past the grandstand nobody will ever know the difference.

The Zetec is a dual overhead cam engine with four valves per cylinders Horsepower peaks at 5,750 rpm, so with a five-speed it should be possible with the rev-happy Zetec to go to about 7,000 rpm or so without the valves floating. At that engine speed you can play a little tune with the gearbox.

An optional four-speed electronically controlled automatic is offered, an $800 item. It obviously is more convenient for everyday mundane motoring. But for the youthful types who really want to go, the automatic loses the versatility of downshifting through the gears.

An interesting facet emerges from the comparison of these two powertrains. The automatic flies in the face of convention and offers a slightly better city cycle fuel mileage rating than the five-speed.

The EPA fuel economy estimates for the automatic is 25 miles per gallon vs. 26 mpg for the five-speed manual transmission. The highway rating is 33 mpg for both transmissions.

Conforming to the sporting touch, the front-cockpit layout is the standard individual seats separated by a center console that mounts the shift levers. Full instrumentation plus a low-fuel warn ing light are standard.

The tachometer when the coupe is equipped with the five-speed gearbox is a very viable instrument, much more so than when an automatic is on board, as it tells a driver when he or she is in danger of overreving the engine.

Ford groups its climate controls and audio system into what it calls its Integrated Control Panel packages that are positioned in one location. With this arrangement, drivers have easy access to the controls without losing concentration on the road.

The standard audio system in the ZX2 consists of premium speakers and a stereo system, the thinking being that younger drivers are into cool music.

If you really want to go upstream, additional individual options include items like anti-lock brakes, a power moonroof and windows, and two remote entry systems. And if you really want to be sporty, a sports package is offered that includes 15-inch aluminum wheels a rear spoiler, fog lamps, upgraded bucket seats and integrated headrests.

W ith a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $13,080, a ZX2 represents a sporting proposition at an affordable cost, one that offers life in the fast lane without busting the budget.

Safety review

Based on the 1998 Ford Escort base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
3/5
Frontal passenger
3/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
2 years / 24,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.4 / 5
Based on 34 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.8
Interior 3.8
Performance 4.3
Value 4.7
Exterior 4.1
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • I still have my Escort (98) I am the 2nd owner and have

    I still have my Escort (98) I am the 2nd owner and have spent little to keep it in good condition. Low on gas, may not have all the bells and whistles the new cars do, but I don't have payments and she's only left me on the side of the road once. Had her over 12 years. Great little car. Worst thing about car is as I've gotten older it's hard getting out of it due to being low to the ground.
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great Value

    After considering all my options, I decided to purchased a new '98 SE wagon because of it's versatility, value and predicted reliability. Though the ride is a bit bumpy & noisy, the manual 5 speed provides plenty of pep. Cost-wise, the battery, struts & tires were replaced, and fuel efficiency continues to be excellent. Shortly after buying the auto, I took a new position literally right around the corner from my home, so my mileage is slightly under 41K. It's dependable, versatile, and Still fun to drive - one of Ford's best products.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car! My first car

    This is my first car, I love it so much. Currently running great at 230k miles, except some tensioner pulley and serpentine belt issues. Great performance
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • this car is the modern Fiat ABarth Zagato

    I specifically like small high performance cars, This is the best I've ever had, Yes: it's an inexpensive, gawdaffully complex car more difficult to work on than My Jaguars, Aston Martins Lotus etc AND no one including the Ford dealers seem to know much about how to maintain it meaning I must learn how to speak Ford's computer language ~~!! I love it's looks and performance which now in 2019 isn't THAT fast compared I frequently see them in good condition so maybe they're going to be the MG-B of this era!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Never let me down

    I bought the 1998 Escort SE brand new back in 1998. And from day one I knew it was a wise and sound decision to have been made. It never required much up keep except for the standard oil changes, tune up, tires and brakes. It was not a high thrill car and I did not expect as much when I bought it. I wanted a dependable and reliable car. I was not disappointed. I drove it pretty much everyday both city and highway, a lot of highway driving. Up and down the east coast from North Carolina to Vermont and back multiple times . And the way the car handled in the snow, very nice, sure footed and stable. I owned for 18 years, each day it started up with no problems. I sold it back in 2016 after it had sat untouched for about 5 months with 181,000 miles on it. After that length of time I thought it would not start without a jump, to my high surprise it fired to life as soon as the key was turned. Every electrical part under the hood was original when I sold it, alternator, power steering and even the water pump. The buyer had no concerns buying it from me after a quick test drive. If you take care of this car and do what is needed to maintain it, it will last. If Ford was to ever make another Escort with the same specs and to the same standards it did for the 1998 Escort I would buy one without question.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • An Oldy but a Goody

    The car is an older model so at first I worried that it would not be in great condition. However, despite it's age it seems to be in excellent condition. Both the outside and the inside of the car look to be very well taken care of. The motor also sounds good and all the fluids have been holding up well. I have only had the car for a short time, but so far it has been running very well. I am very pleased.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • One of the most reliable cars I ever ownes

    Good car very has sufficient and reliable !!! This car is great on gas and has never let me down !! I would refer this car to anyone looking for a easy stress free drive steering is really easy and brakes are really good !!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • It's a Ford Escort

    It does what it does. It goes where it goes. I enjoy having a car that goes. Blue is my favorite color. This is the 5th Ford vehicle I have owned.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Nun else like it i had to!!!

    This car started my driving ability watching my mother drive it with grace. I took it upon my 12 year old self to drive it. I was raised by a woman but I?m more than sure I was Built Ford Tough! Thank you Makers for Bringing the world and America a Great Model.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I bought the Escort new

    I bought this car new. It was then driven by me, my daughter and my son. It's a basic reliable car. The odometer has 158,000 miles but the engine, water pump and clutch have only 12,000 miles. I was planning on keeping the car longer when I had the remanufactured engine put in, but plans change. It gets 30-40 mpg. I have gotten 40 mpg on drives to San Diego.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • Didn?t keep it long

    I bought the Escort because of the value but I only kept it a few years. There was a lot of road noise, wasn?t a smooth ride and not very comfortable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Nice car!

    <h1> Car in Great Working Condition </h1> Low Miles - approx. <b> 138850 </b> <br> <br> <b> No mechanical issues. </b> Very dependable, never had any problems <br> Clean title. Tires in great shape. Cold A/C. Everything works! Paint faded in few areas. Alloy wheels!<br> <br>
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1998 Ford Escort?

The 1998 Ford Escort is available in 4 trim levels:

  • LX (1 style)
  • SE (2 styles)
  • ZX2 "Cool" (1 style)
  • ZX2 "Hot" (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1998 Ford Escort?

The 1998 Ford Escort offers up to 25 MPG in city driving and 34 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 1998 Ford Escort reliable?

The 1998 Ford Escort has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1998 Ford Escort owners.

Is the 1998 Ford Escort a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1998 Ford Escort. 94.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 34 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.8
  • Interior: 3.8
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.7
  • Exterior: 4.1
  • Reliability: 4.5
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