1999 Ford Escort ZX2 from North America - Comments

The transmission went out with only 46,777 miles on it.

We have also had problem with the anti lock break sensor.

I think the make and model of this car has serious transmission problems. I can't see how a transmission can go out with such low miles. We were told by the dealer that it has internal problems. They want to charge us $3000.00 dollars to install a rebuild one that is only guaranteed for 3 years or 36,000 miles. That's more than the car is worth not to mention I still owe quite a bit on it. I've read on your site that we are not the only ones that have had problems like these. From what I have read, the transmissions go out in between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. That doesn't sound much better then what I'm dealing with now. Does that sound like a dependable car to you? Who knows what will go wrong next.

This is my only transportation that I have back and forth to work. I drive 40 miles round trip a day and I need a dependable car.

We have spoken to Ford and they tell us that it is not there problem. Someone from Ford needs to step up to the plate and take a good look at these transmissions and take some sort of responsibility. Times are hard and people can't afford to dish out $3000.00.

I Totally agree my Escort has been through 3 transmission and only has 85,000 miles on it... I would not recommend this car to anyone... go with a Chevy!

I totally agree I own a 1998 zx2 bought in 2002 with 60,000 miles on it we treat it good store it winters and it now has 86000 and has gone through 4 transmissions since we got it I am finally going to turn around and sell it for 3600 to make a little profit off of it and I only pay 1500 for a rebuilt transmission if you want more info on were to get one that cheap leave a comment.

I disagree, you have to understand that any car is liable to have some sort of mechanical failure. Think of any dodge half ton bult in the 90's and think about how many tranny's those things eat through, and rear ends as well, however just because you are a vulnerable buyer and the dealership dished a junk car on yuo because they knew you wouldn't do a damb thing about it exept complain on an internet forum, dosent mean you have to not reccomend the car to others, especially seeing as how this is the only negative comment on this page.

I must disagree with you I had a 2003 zx2 and loved it. I had no problems with it what so ever. I wouldn't have gotten rid of it if it wasn't totaled. That car actually saved my life. Maybe the owners of the other zx2's just need to learn how to treat a car. They are very dependable cars.

I am going to have to disagree. it must be a user problem. either your harder than I am on my car (HAHAHAHAHH!!!) or you just don't know how to do basic upkeep on your vehicle. my ZX2's transmission did go out, but it wasn't until 117 K miles (and that's considering that the average tranny life is 60K miles). and the reason I say that you must not know how to treat a car is that I race my ZX2 and have done tons of after market work to it with no troubles at all. at least 10K of those 117 were going 120 MPH or better. my car is currently putting out 212 hp (from the stock 130) and I still have not had any tranny troubles since I got the new one about 29K miles ago.

Just want to add that... Ford is known for sucky transmissions in their cars...

They are horrible transmissions.. especially in the taurus's.

I would have to disagree with the comment about the Taurus's having the worst transmission. We have had three Taurus's in the past 15 years none of their transmissions went out, and we got well over 100,000 miles on them. We love the Taurus. And they don't have that many transmission problems.

I've never rode in a taurus that didn't have a messed up trans.

I disagree with the Ford Escort being a reliable car. I bought mine in 2000 new and had to replace the transmission only after 15,000 miles. Starting at 17,000 miles, there has been a HORRIBLE vibration anytime my car is in idle. There are MANY comments I've read about the horrible vibration problem with this particular car from other people on the internet which means I'm definatley not the only one experiencing this. It's paid for so I hate the thought of buying a new car and having the monthly payments that go with it, but I'm seriously considering it because after years of this LOUD and obvious vibration-driving the car has been a crappy experience. It's only been 5 years and the serpetine belt has already broken off three times. I treat the car well-but the car doesn't treat me well. I would NOT advise buying this vehicle.