1999 Ford Escort ZX2 review from North America

Numerous small complaints all fixed under warranty. Excellent dealer service! The constant control relay module blew, resulting in no A/C. Easy do-it-yourself fix, but the darn thing was $200. The serpentine belt tensioner blew at about 80,000. Should have done it myself for the $200 this mishap cost. Timing belt went about two weeks ago...$375 and a couple of return trips to the repair facility later (one of the cams was misaligned resulting in computer error) and the thing runs like new. Quality of the cloth upholstery is so-so, but has worn quite well. Sheepskins are definitely called for.

If you can find a good used one or a leftover 2003, buy it. Performance is on a par with far more expensive cars, aftermarket parts are plentiful - although nowhere near what you can find for a Honda - and overall quality is excellent. Don't let that "Made in Mexico" tag fool you. If you're buying used, have the transmission checked, especially the automatic. No problems with mine, and I'm still on the original clutch. Still, ZX2 discussion boards are full of transmission horror stories.