1999 Ford Escort ZX2 Z Tech

Summary:

This car is a bargain $$ wise. Performance is a question mark as of now

Faults:

It burns more gas than expected. I am getting about 20 miles per gallon. About the same that I get with my Nissan Pathfinder. I thought I would get at least 30 miles per gallon.

Has anyone else had this kind of issue with their Ford Escort ZX2? If so, what is the problem?

General Comments:

The Ford Escort ZX2 is generally a good car. I have never owned a Ford vehicle before, so this is my first experience with it.

I have noticed that the engine while in idle shakes a little bit too much.

The car handles fast and "tight", I like it.

The lines and curves are very attractive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th August, 2002

31st Aug 2002, 11:09

I'm getting the same problem with the gas mileage. I drive the highway to work and it just sucks gas. Another issue is with the a/c on. The car doesn't run very well with it on at higher speeds and it feels like someone is pulling back on the car every once and awhile.

Ryan.

4th Oct 2002, 23:40

My mom has a Ford Focus and I saw an improvement on the gas mileage when I used a better gas. She usually used Thorton's and got arround 19 to the gallon, I put Chevron in it and got almost 33 on the highway, so try a type of gas you rarely use like chevron or BP.

5th Nov 2002, 10:25

You won't believe it, but mileage went way down as well. LOL

It's the fuel filter guys, change the fuel filter and you'll go right back up to 36 or so. Give it a try.

19th Dec 2002, 10:38

When I put my Zx2 in reverse, it kinda gets stuck in between drive and reverse then catches itself and jolts back wards, anyone else with this problem?

Matt.

13th Sep 2003, 09:52

I just inherited a ZX2 with 38k on it and much to My chagrin it idles terribly. No one seems to have the answer. I would not buy another.

1999 Ford Escort ZX2 2.0 ZETEC

Summary:

It ran 15.7 at 86.9mph in the 1/4 mile!

Faults:

I replace the front brake pads at 80,000.

That is it so far. And I beat this car every time I drive it (people ask me all the time "aren't you worried you are going to break something?" I just say NO).

Oh, I do dislike the stock Goodyear Eagle RS-A tires, they are fine new, but they did not wear well and I got bubbles in them that made the car shake at speed.

I now have Kumho 712 tires, very happy with these!

General Comments:

This thing is FAST! I actually took it drag racing with my friends and after some practice I ran a 15.7 sec. at 86.9mph! That is a second faster than almost any Honda at the track that day!

Also with the above mentioned tires this car handles very well!

I have gotten 38mpg without trying on long trips with four people in the car and the air on. I average 32 with some city driving.

Did I mention this car is cheap to buy?

It is the perfect car commuting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th June, 2002

13th Nov 2006, 18:14

I doubt he is exaggerating. My 2 door 1999 escort manual transmission is surprisingly fast as well.

1999 Ford Escort ZX2 2.0 DOHC ZTECH

Summary:

Perfectly Fine for a 16 yr. Old Driver

Faults:

Engine mount replaced. $50.

Screws missing on clutch assembly. $4.

General Comments:

I bought this car salvage. A ford employee took it out to lunch, and then hit a post on the way back. Stupid, yes, but it hit the airbag sensor dead on. Only damage was the airbags, fender was cracked, and the alignment was thrown. Ford couldn't sell the vehicle so they scrapped it and I fixed it up.

It is super fast on take offs and handles like it would never flip.

I am 16 and drive it into the ground and it hasn't once shaken, rattled, or broken down/died on me.

Very reliable, very cheap, and very easy to modify.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2002