1998 Ford Escort SE from North America - Comments

I had to replace the rear brake cylinders and the front brake rotors and shoes at 67,000 miles.

The windshield leaked during the first few years and eventually became very serious. However, it was more of a dealer problem than a repair issue.

The radiator had to be replaced at 62000 miles. It had leaked for three years, but no one including me could find it. The car ran normally and never overheated. I had to add about a quart of antifreeze every winter, but that was the only inconvenience until a mechanic finally found the leak.

The battery had to be replaced at 52,000 miles.

A great car!

Most of the parts on this car seem to last a very long time. It still has factory rear brakes aside from the brake cylinders.

It also still has the factory tires.

Except for a few repairs this car has been the most reliable car I have ever owned.

The brake components seem to last a long time, but damage to rotors and other brake parts occurs quickly when a problem develops.

This car was in two accidents caused by two separate idiots, but it still looks and runs great.

This car still has the original starter and master cylinder and has never failed to start.

The hard part of owning this car has been finding a mechanic as reliable as the car on the rare occasions it has needed repairs.

I believe if maintenance is kept up on this model it will run forever.

I have never owned a car that handles better than this one does in snow and ice. It will climb any hill no matter how icy the surface.

This is a very tough hard-running car!

Thank you very much for your review. I am shopping for my first car. I am 17. I found a nice 1998 Ford Escort SE sedan, and I wanted to research it a bit before I went any further with the purchase. After reading your review I am fairly certain this will be a great starter car for me. I will of course make my own review after I have owned the car for awhile, but nevertheless, thank you very much for your insight. - Mike M. NY.