1998 Ford Escort ZX2 review from North America
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The serpentine belt slips off when I drive over puddles.
The car is not reliable. I have changed the tensioner three times in the last two years.
Whenever I drive it over a puddle, the water splashes into the area where the belt is located and it must be stopping one of the pulleys just long enough to damage the tensioner. The belt falls off and the battery light comes on.
The car continues to run but with no alternator, power steering, or coolant going to the engine.
The only place where this car is good is in the desert. Other than that it doesn't have too many other problems except for always needing ball joints and wheel bearings.
Recommended reviews
| Would recommend to anyone looking for a reliable, well made car in it's class |
|
| Reliable, sensible, economical and with basic creature comforts; BUY IT if you are on a budget :-) |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1998 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | |
| Reliability marks | |
| Comfort marks | |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | |
| Distance when acquired | 98000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 195000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 6th November, 2008 |