2002 FORD Escort

Really great car for the cost

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I've owned a 2002 Ford ZX2 (5-speed) since 2004. I bought it used with 43k miles and am trading it in tomorrow with over 156,000 miles on it. Overall, it has been a GREAT car and I wish I could keep it but my needs have changed and I need to get a car with more trunk space. I think the car has broken down twice- once the fuel pump went out and the other time was a timing belt I put off replacing & it broke. The engine was great and I consider the car to be reliable overall. Also it was great in snow w/all-season tires. I never even had to recharge the A/C or buy a new battery. Great budget car.

Value Priced, Get What You Pay For

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 2

Bought brand new in 2001. Great value, decent gas mileage, but you get what you pay for. Several issues with this car. First off, there is a terrible vibration at idle, which from what I have found is a problem that cannot be fixed. Due to this, there are cracks in the dash and even the bumper, which will need replacing soon now. At around 50,000 miles the blower went out, around 80,000 the cruise control went. Have also been getting an intermittent service engine soon light. Have changed oil and rotated tires every 5000 miles. The car only has 3 cup holders, two of which are placed in front of your A/C controls and one that is not usable if you are using the DC outlet.

"ong lasting

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought brand new back in summer '02 brand new from ac collins dealership. It was fun to drive, loved everything about it too but after about 7 years it's time to let go,

ZX2 fun

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I love this car alot. i bought it for cheap with low miles. i did have some problems such as misfiring when cold but after a tune up, pcv valve replacment, fuel system cleaner, new fuel filter. the car runs great. shifts great with pennzoil synchromesh in the trans. Its just a great car al together for the money. Better then any old rusted civic that is for sure.

Our little 02 Escort

Performance: 5 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought the Escort with 62000 miles, drives great, does idle a little rough, but understand that is it nature. Oil is and diy chore, as is changing spark plugs. Car did start to misfire at 92,000 being a diy'er I investigated the problem and was a simple, spark plug and wires. The front disk brakes are the easiest I have ever changed, but cannot get the real brake drums off, will have to investigate further. Over all very good little car, gas mileage super, really luging in steep grade country, it gets at least 25 mpg, the average is 33 to 35. The best I have gotten several times on the flat freeways is 48 mpg. Overall really satisfied with the 02.

Jacque Le Bleu

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Graduation car- 2002 4-door sedan, gets 34 mpg, better than Mom's 2001 ZX2 Escort at 32 mpg and dad's 2001 ZX3 Focus bubble at 30 mpg. Medium pickup speed, but not quite as good as dad's ZX3, and no match at all to mom's Escort ZX2. Really fun car, but only had a stupid cassette, where I needed a cd player. Great starting in the winter and handled well. We are each hoping to eventually replace all of these cars with new Ford Escorts (we don't like the Focus with trash gray seats) and we like the better fuel economy and better pickup than the Focus. We sure hope tan or color- coordinated interiors are available soon.

Excellent ZX2

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The car far exceeded expectations. No mechanical problems, has all the bells & whistles-moon roof, etc. I have gotten over 40 mpg on trips. The only problem with Fords is the cars develop a rattle that Toyotas do not have. I love this car, fun to drive and handles well.

Home Run for Ford

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought my 02 in 2006 with 17000 miles on it for $4500; it's loaded with every option. Now there are 58000 miles on it with nothing other than oil changes. This car can't be beat for the price, performance, and reliability. The lowest mileage I have ever had was 29 and that was in Houston traffic. On the highway 37-40 isn't unusual. Hands down, this is one of the most reliable models Ford has produced. There have been no recalls, yet Ford never really marketed this car at all. If you get the chance at least take it for a test drive. I never thought that I would end up in a four cylinder coupe - I was driving a 79 Bonneville - but I really love my car.

Not bad

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Looking back, I probably should have bought a Civic or Corolla, but this car has been good basic transportation. As long as you keep up the maintenance, it is a very reliable car. I've had to replace a wheel bearing, but other than that, just basics like tires, filters, etc. Still gets great gas mileage (25-30) and drives smooth. Complaints: Noisy, no armrest, and totally unacceptable amounts of vibration when the car is in Drive and idling. It doesn't vibrate any other time, but at a stop light the thing feels like its about to come unhinged. I guess I didn't notice it during the test drive. Quality fuel, and on time fuel filter changes keep it to a minimum. Overall - Fair.

Awesome Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Hello. I am a junior in high school and needed a car by the time school came around for various activities. I have a white deluxe edition ZX2. I love it. I live 18 miles from school and this car is awesome on fuel mileage. I was getting about 30-33 mpg when I first got the car in August. However, after replacing the oil with Mobil 1 I now get 31-37 mpg. It has 96,700 miles and the only work done was replacing a wire. The only complaint I have is rough shifting when it is cold outside.

Sweet Car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Just bought my ZX2 in November with 17,000 miles on it. It came loaded with everything; leather seats, cruise control, 6 disc cd player, and a sunroof. My car also has the 5 speed transmission. This is an absolutely amazing car; it has power to spare and looks good too. Mine just hit 21,000 miles on a trip to Texas from Pennsylvania ... it ran superbly. I averaged over 40mpg the whole trip! I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a quality car (there have been NO recalls), with performance, and good looks for not a lot of cash.

Cheap, Fun & Upgradeable

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

It's a fun car to drive and easy to maintain. My ZX2 gives out good handling and power, mostly due to its low weight.

Great, fun, trouble-free car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I'm very pleased with the Focus, and would definitely recommend it. The design, handling, comfort, and "fun-to-drive" factor are all first-rate. So far (I only have 25,000 miles on it) the car has held up great, and I've had no problems with it. My only complaint is that my car gets substantially lower than the advertised gas mileage ... I get about 20 city/30 highway, compared to 27 city/30 highway advertised.

Loving it

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I love it! It drives really good. Fuel in this car will last a very long time and with the way gas prices are right now I still can fill my tank for a little under $20. I can't beat that and I know that. I get about 300 miles in the city per tank! So it is awesome. Fun lil' car to drive and it is a pretty smooth ride.

Goods and the Bads !

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

The vibration is annoying..suprised Ford didnt have enough ambition to fix it before letting it out of its cage !..It is reliable though and has ample power and handeling ! gets me from point A and B.

My First New Car

Performance: 2 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

I bought this car as a way for me to get back and forth from school. Shortly after, however, I moved out of town and, to my displeasure, found that this car is not a long drive type of car. In the city, it does alright, except the fact that it has a horrible vibration that I've been told can't be fixed. But as far as driving, it is good and saves me quite a bit on gas.

2002 ZX2 Manual Transmission

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

It is a suprise to get decent power and good reliability for under $14,000. I had two transmissions put in within the first 20,000 miles but it was my fault the first time and the dealers fault the second time. My only complaint is it is rough shifting but it could be the result of the multiple transmissions.

great to drive

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

it fun to drive and good on gas.this is my second car. the last one was a 1998 now i have a 2002

low initial cost and fun to drive

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

It is just a fun car to drive.

ZX2

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Very nice car for the price. The 2.0 Zetec is a great engine design that comes standard on the ZX2 but must be bought as an option on the Focus line. Not only does it have better aerodynamics but its also lighter than the Focus. Driver and Passenger seating comfortable even on non stop (except gas and food) trip from Austin to Philly with my brother.

02 zx2

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Great car for single people with a limited budget! if you need to put a car seat in it however problems arise (esp. with rear facing models. there is no middle seatbelt in the back seat so children need to be behind the driver or passenger - not the safest places to be!

I like my ZX2 ok

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

Well, if you're wondering what the purpose of the ZX2 is and how it's superior to the Focus ZX3, I'll tell you... it's a great looking car. People look at mine all the time and say that they can't believe that it's a Ford Escort. But its performance is limited. But then again, it's a very inexpensive car that's obviously made to look good.

Holy Smokes Batman!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After reading reviews of the Focus/ZX2 here and at other sites/publications I was pretty convinced that was the car for me. So I went to the local dealership and took some test drives. You all know what I ended up buying. :) I certainly *WILL* buy another when this one kicks the bucket. . .if Ford doesn't do something stupid like keep the Focus before the ZX2. The Focus needs some serious refinement in build quality before I'd consider it again.

Depreciating Asset

Performance: 1 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

I actually purchased the automatic deluxe model and wish I had the manual transmission. This car is extremely under powered. Both window seals leak air when driving at highway speeds. The engine vibrates severely at stoplights due to faulty engine mounts (Per Ford Service Techs) The body style is great, good handling, dependable, but - lacks horsepower, expect HUGE depreciation loss! I Tried trading in my 2002 ZX2 for something better but found out that it had depreciated 60% in 4 months. Most dealers only offer $7,000 tops on trade.

zx2 is cool

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

awesome car with many after market products available

FORDS GREAT ZX2

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

THIS IS FORDS BEST BUILT HIGHEST QUALITY CAR IN MY PERSONAL OPINION. I HAVE OBSERVED THE ZX2 SELLS AS SOON AS IT HITS THE DEALERSHIPS, WITH LITTLE OR NO ADVERTISING. THIS FACT BY ITSELF IS VERY INTERESTING. THIS IS A VERY WELL BUILT CAR A TRUE VALUE FOR THE MONEY. I HOPE FORD ALWAYS BUILDS THIS FINE CAR.

Totally Satisfied

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I researched my new car purchase for two months before I made a move. I wanted into a Subaru, but my college kid budget wouldn't let me. I was looking to stay in a sporty 2-door with good mileage. The ZX2 has come through -- cheaper than the comparable Chevy Cavalier and every import (except Hyundai, but we won't go there). Premium package has great sound, comfy seats. Great power on the Interstate, great mileage, just a great car!

Keep ZX2 In Production!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned escort sedans since 1997 for use as a commuter car and they have proved to be the most reliable car I have ever owned with virtually zero problems. I purchased my first ZX2 after driving a friends and find it to be one of the most fun to drive, best looking, reliable, and cost effective vehicle on the road today! FORD - please keep the ZX2 in production at least until you produce a good replacement for the Focus. Currently, the ZX2 beats the focus in every category. Thank you Ford, for the ZX2.

No Contest

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I test drove the Focus SE Comfort and the ZX2 Premium, and walked out with the ZX2. Great for single men after college-turns a lot of chicks' heads. I'm not sure why it's getting such bad reviews. Handles great, economically sound, eye-catching. All-around the best car I could ever have bought.

I must have got a lemon

Performance: 2 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

I bought a 1998 XZ2 in the spring of 1997. I have had continual problems with the brake system throughout the life of the car. I've had it back to the dealer at least 5 times for the same intermittant clunking noise, that the dealer can't seem to pin down. I've gone through two sets of rotors in 40,000 miles. In April of this year, the timing belt jumped off, for no known reason, to the tune of $700 repair work (it is out of warranty). That should not have happened at only 38,000 miles. The radio on-off switch is malfunctioning, half the time the radio won't shut off.

well kept secret

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Just bought my 2002 ZX2 loaded with all options except leather seats. The dealer traveled 200 miles to get one with ABS for me. Handling is exceptional with virtually no body roll while cornering. Pickup is brisk and super on the hills in these mountains. Ride is quieter than my Mitsubishi Mirage and Ford put all controls within easy reach. I can't wait to see what I get for gas mileage.

FORDS BEST KEPT SECRET

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

THIS IS THE BEST 2 DR COUPE FORD HAS EVER MADE, THEY SHOULD SCRAP THE FOCUS ZX3. THE ZX2 NEEDS TO BE KEPT IN PRODUCTION AND REFINED OVER THE YEARS. IT HAS A CLASSIC STYLE WHICH WILL WEAR WELL. THIS CAR HAS MUCH IN COMMON WITH THE ORIGINIAL 65 MUSTANG. THE FOCUS ALREADY HAS A REPUTATION FOR POOR WORKMANSHIP. I HAVE NEVER KNOWN A ZX2 OWNER WITH ANY SIGNIFIGANT PROBLEMS!!

Fun with UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS

Performance: 4 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Overall a good buy, a nice balance of performance and economy for the dollar. The seats are miserably uncomfortable (way too soft, like sitting on a sponge)... I had to remove the 2002 seats and replace them with the seats from my old 1995 Escort...

Cheap, sporty, fun!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Mine is a 99. Great build quality, very peppy, engine pulls very strongly,quick steering, good looking exterior and interior. Smooth ride for a small car. Car has a battery saver. Good snow traction even with the optional 15 inch Eagle GA's. Car is very easy to drive and control. Rumored to be just as fast the Focus SVT. Magazines rate 0-60 7.4 - 7.8 seconds. Great gas mileage I get 29mpg minimum in the town. I have the 5 speed. Zx2 is very reliable. This car is cheap and fun.

What A Bargain!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 5

I've had my ZX2 since April of 1998 and have put 60000 miles on it. What a fun car to drive! I got a 5 speed and it really performs when you keep it over 4000 RPMs. You seem to love the ZX3, but my ZX2 is much more attractive than that ugly Focus and ,from what I hear at the local dealer, much more reliable. Good lookin',great mileage,reliable,inexpensive, and FUN!

one hullavu car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

i bought my 98 zx2 with 50k plus miles on it. ive had it now for about 18 months and all i can say is: ford has a winner! i have not had a single problem with it. the best part of the car is when you tell someone you bought an excort and their jaw hits the floor when they see it. Thats not an escort! Oh yes it is, and it's MORE reliable than grandma's apple pie!

ZX2 is the greatest!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought my ford Zx2 a few weeks ago and I think it's all excellent. There isn't any other car that can compare up to the ZX2. It's great in the styling, the fuel, everything. Edmunds shouldn't downgrade the ZX2, they don't even know what their talking about.

This is a great car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

The zx2 not only gets much better gas mileage (28-36mpg)once it's broken in but it is also quicker accelerating than not just the Focus Zx3 but ALSO the Focus SVT! I mean one wonders why all this marketing effort is going into hyping up the slightly restyled (new edge) yet still old fashioned euro box hatchback style. Brakes from 60-0 in 128 feet. To compare the mustang does in 127 feet. That's safety folks! The Japanese cars and VWs are far worse than that.