1998 Ford Escort ZX2 Hot Sport review from North America

Cigarette lighter didn't work from day one.

Multi-switch for lights/signals/wipers went out at 24k. Fixed under warranty.

Inside left door handle came off in my hand around 30k.

Transmission started shifting funny around 38k, took it to dealer who adjusted the shift points.

At 62k the right side wheel bearing self-destructed.

At 76500 the transmission self destructed.

While under warranty, this was a relatively cheap car to own. But when the major mechanicals start going, you're looking at major expenses. The transmission currently needs to be replaced be cause it blew a seal and ground to a halt. $1800, that's almost as much as the car is worth.

The interior is cheap both in appearance and workmanship. The rear seatbelts are prone to jamming if you are not extremely gentle on them.

The car handles like it's on rails however and with a few modifications is a real mover. The car has about 180 HP now (127 stock) and before the transmission gave out was a heck of a mover.

My car is lightened (2250 lb) and with 180 HP, it can blow away many bigger more powerful cars such as Mustang GT's, Z28's and the like. Matter of fact there's not a Honda in town that'll race it.

All said, I have mostly enjoyed ownership of this car, but am quite less than impressed with the quality of the parts that Ford put into it. Mostly because their Mazda division's Protoge` which this car is based on comes equipped with much stronger, otherwise identicle parts and many of them are cheaper.