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Ford Escort ZX2

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Comments

  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    The really funny part in all my misadventures is that I have the strangest gut feeling that something good will come of it. Case in point my Black ZX2 was destroyed but I ended up with a much better version of the car (albeit it made for the most expensive ZX2 in Northern Virginia). And it did get me more involved in web design and got me back into shooting cars (With a camera).

    My cat dying... Well not much of a positive nature can be said about the passing of Miss Mottles. My mother described her as gift following my failed engagement, and the ruination of my credit by a certain petite little bird of my past. As silly as it sounds that cat taught me to feel love again.

    As for My insurance skyrocketing... I am hard pressed to find a good thing in that, beyond perhaps teaching me a little humity.

    Then there is that spectacular looking German I fell in love with. Well one thing that has come of it the showing that I can have an intimate relationship last. Another thing that she showed me quite plainy is that I still have some emotional issues to be resolved. Ones that date back to Genny (the tart who dumped me just before my wedding 8 years ago). So who knows in 8 years I may again fall in deeply in love, only this time it may actauly last.

    My credit card number being stolen... Hmm well it taught me to check my statements VERY CAREFULLY...

    My freak accident with my neck... I have been blessed by reasonably good health for most of my life. Most injuries I have sustained have been fairly easy and quick to heal. In my arrogance and over confidence I have always approached physical tasks with a "bull in china shop attitude". The more physicaly aggressive I can be with a project the better. Now here I am faced with the reality that I growing older and I can't do things the same way as I did when I was 30 years old. So perhaps in the long term the very real threat to my own way of life will teach me to think things through a little more carefully.

    I am not overly religious, but I do believe everything happens for a reason and every transgretion (spelling)we commit has a price. Where the devil I am at right now I have No idea.
  • jsminjsmin Member Posts: 11
    Hmmmm. Wasn't the escort the most dependable car in the Ford lineup? Looks like ford will have about 8 lines of trucks/suvs/minivans and only 2 lines of cars? I mean yes everyone and their borther has a F150, but I am suprised they are putting so much on the truck line which is oversaturated. Really, I am just sad to see the escort go.
  • hudraheadhudrahead Member Posts: 169
    too bad the ZX is going away but it opens up a lot of great opportunities for some great buys. A lot of 1998's for just over $5000 retail and even 2000's for less than $7K in these parts.

    hudrahead :)
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    Rather quiet in here isn't it???
    One thing I will say about the ZX2 is that it can't handle 80+ mph speeds for long periods of time. I have recently moved out to Gainesville, Va about 26 miles south west of my former apartment. I am now faced with open highway driving on my daily commute. Much to my pleasure there is an 9 mile section of I66 which involves pretty intense highspeed driving at 80 or above just maintain traffic speeds. Whenever I take my beloved ZX2 up and let her fly; she gets up to speed like the proverbial pocket rocket that she is but then it seems as if the car wants to back off. If I keep my foot almost all the way down there is no problem, however it feels like I am close to the top end of the speedometer. Despite this sensation even so I still have tons power left over and if I put my foot down further I can quickly reach 95 (The fastest I have gone in this car), though admittedly I haven't tried to hold the higher speed for obvious reasons.

    Any thoughts??? Any readers left???
  • charliemikecharliemike Member Posts: 87
    That's way too loud for me ... this car is geared so stupidly (probably due to wanting more peppy acceleration). The way it's geared now, there needs to be a sixth speed ... 4k RPM gets to me REALLY quickly.

    That's why I'm getting out of my Z as soon as I can ... I commute too long each week now. I love the car, it's perfect, but it's too loud.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    I agree. There's just too much noise comming through the firewall at highway speeds. I suspect it's because of the lack of insulation combined with the low gearing and hight rpm's that result. I appreciate the acceleration the Z produces with it's lowly 130 hp, but I too would like some taller gears. Seems to me that 1st is way too low. I haven't dug up the gear ratios, but 1st should be closer to the existing 2nd - not quite that tall, but close. If the relative spacing were maintained from that point then 5th would be a decent hiway gear, the car would be quieter and acceleration would still be respectable. Ford must have thought we were going to pull bass boats with our Z's.
  • photog0264photog0264 Member Posts: 314
    I think Ralex is suggestion has merit. 2nd gear is way too low. It would have made more sense to increase the top end of 1st, and raise the low end of the other gears proportionatly. This would in theory make 5th a better highway gear.

    Still when I merge from I66 to 495 the capitol beltway the driving can get very exciting as to get to my exit I have cross about 6 lanes of traffic in 2 mile stretch added to which all cars are moving faster than me, as I attempt to merge. In this area the ZX2 excels as it can out run most of the traffic while still in third gear.

    Perhaps I should forget about it and get a Sebring...

    Though the ZX2 isn't quiet I have reached the conclusion that I am the only person not bothered by the engine sound.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    The ZX2 is indeed too loud for prolonged highway driving.
    That is at speeds 65mph and over. At 55, it's not so bad but you would be the slowest car on the road, with the way folks drive around here.

    photog: I'm in agreement with you. A Sebring LXI convertible or sedan will be very nice with the 2.7L V6 engine. Acceleration is mild, not even as quick as the ZX2 but certainly your highway driving will be a pleasure.
    Don't go for the Sebring coupe which is really a Mitsushitsu Galant/Eclipse in disguise, a much different car. It doesn't even have the same engine. The only thing I don't like about Chrysler cars, is that they put cheap tires on them that generate road noise. The only decent Michelin tires they have are put on the 300Ms.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    I just noticed the Focus SVT with the 170 hp 2 liter in it. That engine would sure make up for some of the ZX2s rough edges. I can't help but wonder what it took to get those extra 40 ponies.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    ralex2: probably same way the zx2ners do it. with some tuning tricks: start with freed up intake and exhaust, open up the throttle body, put in a more aggressive intake camshaft, change the programming (more power, more fuel consumed)to go with the VCT on the intake (rather than on exhaust as in ZX2), perhaps change the pistons, perhaps port and polish job, etc.
    You will notice that even though HP went way up, torque did not go so high. What that means is you will spool your engine up to higher RPMs to get the extra power, in the same way Hondas do with their high output-high revving engines. In the end acceleration will not be much faster (Focus body is heavier than ZX2), but it probably will get quicker in the 1/4 mile, and will have a higher top speed.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Read a report on the SVT Focus and just at you said Rick, dual stage intake manifold, variable cam timing on the intake side, and a less restrictive exhaust. The peak hp is at 7 grand and there is only a 10 ft/lb increase in torque. Given the weight of the ZX3, I think I prefer my light little Z and it's lower output engine. In fact, just a simple superchip added to the ZX2 would probably make it a more spirited ride that the SVT Focus.
  • arn93500arn93500 Member Posts: 1
    Daughter is looking for a car and likes the Escort but I am not really familiar with them so was wondering if anyone could tell me the difference between the Escort ZX2 cool coupe and the ZX2 hot coupe? Thanks in advance
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    Those were Ford option ordering labels for the 98-99 models. The cool was basic with 14" steel wheels and am/fm radio, and the hot had some options like radio cassette stereo, 15" aluminum alloy wheels, a/c, tilting steering wheel, etc. I think power door locks and windows too. Mine is a 2000 model with manual transmission plus convenience group that included leather covered steering wheel, tilt steering wheel, a/c, map lights, remote trunk release. Other folks got theirs with the power package which meant power windows and locks.
    The 2002 models also come in convenient ordering packages: basic, deluxe and premium.
    All 2002 ZX2s come with 15 inch alloy wheels, am/fm cassette stereo, remote trunk release, power steering as standard. A/C is still an option that comes standard on the deluxe package. Auto transmission is also an option.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    There weren't any significant differences. A/C was std on the Hot and optional on the Cool. The option list for both was pretty much the same. I wanted to keep mine as simple as possible, so I ordered the Hot with a Sport pkg. Nothing to add weight other than the A/C. Not tilt, no cruise, no electric windows, etc.
  • cdubois1cdubois1 Member Posts: 1
    Hi all ZX2er... actually I say ZedX2er... Just wanted to say that I love my ZX2... Its a 2000 atx... Got a good deal on it... would have loved a mtx but what can you do... eh! Also, just wanted to add that the car is handling the cold pretty well... I find that the gas mileage isn't that great in the city... but maybe its because the engine roar and I love to slam on the gas... I find it funny when some compact cars (with teenagers) try to race me... I'll kill them until i hit the speed limit and then stay at that speed... then they'll pass me... they think they won... but I know that I could have killed them... It's a nice feeling... Anywho, I hope you have a great day...
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    I like that, even if it does sound like a sleeping pill or a secret ingredient : )
  • ddoggddogg Member Posts: 13
    Nice to see another Canadianer around these parts :) Where are you from?

    www.teamzx2ontario.com
  • deplorableonedeplorableone Member Posts: 8
    The SVT is so much faster than the ZX2 they shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath. I have recently driven an SVT Focus and all I can say is damn. This car is fast. As a former owner of both a 2000 ZX2 S/R and a ZX3 i think that my first focus was faster and that the SVT would drive circles around them both. I actually raced a RSX in the SVT and beat him so badly I think he went home to cry I had at least 3 car lengths on him after aroung 1/8 mile. The six speed the different gearing the extra oomph. It all makes this car great and it out-handles most BMW's. I am buying one as soon as I can afford it.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    no one's arguing that the ZX2 is faster than the SVT. Quite the opposite, folks on this board are quite impressed with that car. As for your ZX3 being faster than a ZX2, perhaps you modified it? Otherwise the lighter body weight and its gearing give the ZX2 a slight advantage.
    Re. driving the Focus SVT: till now only Ford employees and trade journalists have booked rides in the SVT, so I trust you are one of the privileged few. Are dealers accepting orders yet?
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    Ford will be down to four cars in 2003: Focus, Taurus, Mustang, and Crown Vic.

    Another mid size car is coming based off of the 2005 Cross trainer SUV and a Fiesta based sport wagon too.

    Maybe the ZX2 name willl appear again on a new compact? Im betting it will.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Don't get me wrong - if I had the money to fritter away, I would consider buying a Focus SVT to drive for a year or two. I wouldn't touch a used one a year from now, nor would I keep a new one very long. I just don't believe Ford is building Zetec engines with enough precison to survive frequent trips to that 7,000 rpm range where the 170 ponies live. I may be wrong, but I think if you are looking for a high rpm 4 banger with a respectable life expectancy, you should look to Honda or the Toyota/Yamaha power plant.

    I also noticed that the SVT is about 300 pounds heavier than the ZX2. I hate weight. Weight demands more power, bigger brakes, more rubber, etc. Of course the ZX3 has all those things, but they will cost you an extra five thousand bucks.

    The SVT is cute in a video game sort of way, with it's swoopy dash, up to date hatchback body, and a gee whiz six speed gear box that will undoubtedly embarrass more than a few rookies and infuriate wives. The old ZX2 however, is butt ugly inside and out. It's cheap. It's light and it's quick. For just a couple of hundred bucks you can stiffen up the suspension and with 205 rubber you'll find the handling quite good. I'd love to see the ZX2 and SVT at he same auto cross. I can't help but think the old ZX2's lower CG and lighter weight would be significant.

    The ZX2, as far as I can tell, does not have one endearing feature. The engine is a little rough and though torquey, doesn't make much horsepower. The gear ratios aren't right and the drivetrain isn't smooth. The seats are neither supportive nor comfortable. The cockpit is noisey and it's the wrong kind of noise. Fit and finish....well it's a Ford. The total package is a different story though. What a bargain. No other car offers as much fun per dollar and if you keep your Z, in a few years you'll realize it is the ultimate beater; durable, economical, and still fun.

    So I guess it boils down to whether you are a boy racer and want to hang with the tuners and straight line racers, or you're an old fogey who prefers a solid, unpretentious coupe with ho hum specs and a down to earth price tag. For driving to work or occassionally out running a Neon, Sunfire or Cavelier (not to mention some of the lamer V6 junk out there) or for roaring along twisting, scenic roads through Arkansas' answer to the Alps, make mine a ZX2. In fact, I think I'll order that Superchip today.

    I apologize for the length of this post, but it's a slow day at work, and there isn't a lot of activity here anyway. As usual, this is just my opinion. Your mileage may vary. Batteries not included.
  • 2000zx2guy2000zx2guy Member Posts: 15
    Hi All!
    I've been checking back occassionally, but have not posted in a while.
    FYI re: my 2000; 28,000 miles and holding. Need new tires this summer and will review the old postings before purchase. Gonna keep the Swirles though, still kinda like em'. Besides, Although I would not tolerate hubcaps, I am past the need for Chrome.
    Been doing some distance traveling lately and although I have long since developed an immunity to the road noise of this car, others do notice it. I was thinking of adding some stick-on insulation to the fire wall. Should be inexpensive, add little weight and hopefully will somewhat improve the road noise.
    Still think the car was a great choice, great value, is super dependable and have never regretted my selection. Thankfully, I do not have to worry about what I will be purchasing for a replacement for a few more years. Hopefully, the ZX2 be available in some form or another.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    the daughter wants her own car, and doesn't like the manual tranny. So I'll probably have to trade this in. There's only one problem: I now owe more than what Kelly Blue Book says it's worth in trade in value.
    Looks like I'm going to owe the bank between $2K-$3K over its $5K residual value.
    It's got 20,000 miles on it with a dent in the fender courtesy of my student driver.

    Is there anyone out there who sold his car for more? Is Floridian still around, I think his son traded his car in for a Mazda.
    Any tips guys?
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    The worst part of your situation is that a Ford dealer will deal better with you than the competition, or at least that has been my experience out here in Yoyo Junction. If a dealer has several used ZX2s on his lot, he's not going to cut you much slack either. My local frog dealer just bought four or five at aution and that has diminished his interest in mine. Of course he wants repeat business so that helps, but if you end up at the GM joint, just bend over.....
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    okay folks, time for me to say so long...
    traded in the ZX2 for a Ford Focus ZX3 with all the bells n whistles. 16"wheels, sunroof, power windows, 6-CD changer, side airbags, etc. everything except leather. let's say I bent over anyway even at the Ford dealer, because of the negative equity in the ZX2. The only nice thing was that they cut me a good deal on the car, including a very good discount and interest rate. At first they said 8.9% with the $1500 rebate. I almost shouted "I can't do that!" I must have sounded real angry, and appeared to walk out of there. Anyway my wife asked me why I was so mad. It must have been too much bending over, blood rushing to my head.

    I still don't like the upright driving position, there is not enough of the telescoping action in the steering wheel, can't get it closer to my body. So the position is like in delivery vans of old - like the old milk trucks where your feet are almost tucked in to your body but your arms are stretched out and your back is upright. The seat won't go down low enough either. But the daughter and wife are happy.

    By the way on the lot there were about 25 brand new Focus and 10 ZX2s. I guess it means there is still a lot of interest in the ZX2. One thing I found is that this dealer gives its price as advertised. You have to be careful because they give you the low discounted price, but you have to add the freight charge back on. Whereas other dealers include it in the quoted figure.

    If you're interested, take a look at Ford Sheehy Springfield VA: www.sheehyford.com and pick the Springfield branch or any of the other branches in MD.
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    Congrats on the new ride, Rick. It appears hatchbacks are where it's at now......ZX3 & 5, Matrix, Vibe, etc. I checked out a ZX3 similar to yours just a week ago. I liked it, but I agree with you on the seating. I did like the feel of the seat back much better that my ZX2 though. I didn't care for the red paint or the little crank for seat height adjustment. Check in from time to time and let us know how you're doing. You know you will want to know how long it takes Photog to crash his green ZX2.
  • zx2racing1998zx2racing1998 Member Posts: 1
    Why would a company that wants there custermors to be satisfied get rid of basicaly a trouble free car like the ZX2 and bring in a pos like the Focus. It has more troubles than a Yugo. The Focus lacks performance, styling, economy. I think that if you are at the shop more than at work then you are loosing money. Ford doesn't care about the consumer. They still have not fixed the heater core problem from about 5 yrs ago and it still is in the Focus.
  • TMURFTMURF Member Posts: 10
    Where did everyone go ? :(
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,147
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  • TMURFTMURF Member Posts: 10
    Like to hear comments from owners of 98's & 99's with high mileage. How are the cars holding up?
    Any squeaks and rattles, etc?
  • ralex2ralex2 Member Posts: 287
    I bought my ZX2 new in '99 and have driven it to work on a daily basis. It has about 40,000 miles on it now and is running just fine. It certainly hasn't been pampered by any means, but it has no squeaks or rattles and no malfunctions. Though I'm disappointed with seats, the shifter, and the slow steering ratio, I still insist the ZX2 was a helluva bargain. If it had an extra 20 ponies and stiffer anti-roll bars, I would put a Recarro in it and keep it forever.
  • 2002zx2man2002zx2man Member Posts: 20
    One week ago, I just bought a 2002 ZX2 Premium. Dark Shadow Grey Clearcoat with the charcoal interior. Automatic transaxle, 6 disc changer, remote keyless entry, power windows, locks, brakes, AC, blah blah blah. I love this car. I couldn't have picked a better one!
  • hudraheadhudrahead Member Posts: 169
    zx2man: Just curious,what kind of deal did you get on that puppy (out the door), big dscount ? I will be getting a car of that type (sporty coupe) for one of my employees in the next few days. So far it's down to a ZX2 or a Sunfire. Really impressed with the Sunfire with the new Ecotec 2.2 engine. That engine is very impressive. So smooth and quiet you literally have to look @ the tach sitting at a stoplight to see if it is running and with a lot of low end torque very quick off the line.With $3000 cash incentive it's gonna be hard to beat. Not really a GM fan but this one just may win me over, $ talks.

    hud :):)
  • 2002zx2man2002zx2man Member Posts: 20
    Hud: There's a 2000 rebate. I also receive 400 back for being a recent college grad, plus I was able to put 3000 down. 5400 all-together. Overall was 14,323 out the door. I was actually test drove the 2002 Ford Focus SE Comfort sedan, but then I test drove the ZX2 and there was no going back. The ZX2 was between 2000-2500 cheaper than the Focus, and offered just as much (or even more).
    What kinda business are you in that you get your new employees new cars? Are you looking for any database programmers? :)
  • hudraheadhudrahead Member Posts: 169
    zx2man:You did real well on the price, congrats. My son just traded his 1999 ZX on a new Mazda P5. He put 45K trouble free miles on his Z and really liked it. He mostly just wanted a "new" set of wheels LOL ! my only complaint about his Z was that the 2.0 vtec engne always seemed to be a little rough. Especially @ idle. I put several thousand miles on his car during some trips we took together and that apect of the car always bugged me a little. Funny thing, that same engine in the Focus seemed a lot smoother. I hope yours is OK.

    Sorry, no DBP needed. The cars in question are for our field service technicians. We are a dealer (sales and service) for engineering graphics equipment, large format copiers and plotters.

    We provide a new car for each tech rep. They are responsible for maintenance and appearance. At the end of 100K miles they get the car free and clear IF no accidents or tickets. believe it or not some decline as they don't want to start paying for insurance and license. Those cars are raffeled off @ the annual company picnic, usually one or two, and the proceeds go for the next picnic or Christmas party. If any surplus then a vacation cruise goes to the tech that has the fewest call-backs and sells the most service contracts. Lotsa fun !!

    hud :):)
  • 2002zx2man2002zx2man Member Posts: 20
    Hud: The 2002 Z's come with 2.0L DOHC 16V Zetec, not Vtec. I'm not sure what the difference is. To me, it's just one letter of a difference.

    I had a Honda Accord (used) before this purchase. It was nice for a used car to get me back and forth from the college years, but after a while the maintanence was getting too expensive. Repairs for Hondas seem to be about 100 dollars more than on domestic cars. I had a timing chain snap on that Honda, got an estimate for about 1500-1700. My brother and I fixed it for much less, but it took 2 weeks.

    Thanks for the correspondence. :)
  • hudraheadhudrahead Member Posts: 169
    zx2man: Can't explain the difference between the perceived difference in idle, smoothness etc as they are virtually the same engine with slightly different tuning. I was told by a Ford mechanic that the main difference is in the motor mounts that are used in the Z vs the ones in the Focus. Judging from all the recalls that have come down for the Focus I guess the Z IS the better choice,all the bugs out in what will most likely be it's last year of production.

    I did a little research on the new GM Ecotec 2.2 engine. It seems that Lotus had a hand in it's design & development. What impressed me was the features of a balance-shaft crank, chain driven cams (no belt to worry about)all aluminum head, block and cast oil pan, 5.8 quart oil capacity,all accessories such as power steering pump (gear driven), alternator and A/C compressor bolted directly to the block, less vibration and no belt tensioning to worry about. I drove a 2002 Sunfire this afternoon and with the deal they are giving it looks like that's going to be the one ! I hope it is a good choice for the employee that will get it.

    Good luck on your job quest.

    hud :):)
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    Hud and ZX2man:
    I had a 2000 ZX2 and traded it in for a Focus ZX3. Not my choice, but rather my wife and daughter preferred an auto, and also wanted all the bells and whistles the "blah, blah, blah". The ZX2 was a manual, plus no power windows, no CD player, etc.

    Anyway, the engine is the same except for the camshaft grind which are slightly different, and the gearing. The ZX2 also has VCT (variable cam timing) on the exhaust cam for emissions and fuel economy reasons, to compensate for its otherwise larger appetite for gasoline. (The Focus SVT ZX3 has VCT on its intake cam for more power) The ZX2 is definitely the more aggressive and faster off the line. However because of the gearing, it is much louder at high speeds even on 5th. Its optimum speed seems to be at 55, after which it starts getting progressively noisier. The Focus on the other hand seems to have been built more with refinement as one of its objectives, with acceleration a much lesser priority. The Focus is also a few hundred pounds heavier, which has two effects: it makes it slower, but because of the additional sound insulation used, results in less noise inside the cabin.

    I now prefer the suspension of the ZX3, as it seems to be more solid and yet less noisy. The "thump" of the ZX2 going over potholes was audible. Maybe it is just a matter of perception and the fact that there is a lot more insulation, because it seems to me that with the much smaller wheel well, there is less travel for the Focus's wheels. I have indeed noticed that there is more "wallow" from side to side in the Focus, indicative of less travel on the suspension.

    Since my ZX2 came with the regular thin stock 185/60 tires on 15" wheels, and the Focus ZX3 came with the wider 205/50 on 16" wheels the Focus is obviously far grippier. I think the anti-sway bars are the same. The ZX2's rear anti-sway bar can be upgraded using the one from an older Escort GT, as I understand from the ZX2 web sites.

    I have found that the ZX2 is a huge improvement over the Escort with which it shares the Mazda 323 design platform. I recently had my Focus in to repair hailstone damage. They gave me an Escort as my rental car, and this car was awful. It had the 2.0L SPI engine that is shared with the lower Focus models (LX & SE). It has far less horsepower, is noisier, the cabin fit and finish is "REALLY CHEAP".

    As for the GM 2.2 Ecotec engine, it is really a nice design which in Europe they are putting into the Opel Speedster which is built on a Lotus Elise platform. In fact it IS the Lotus Elise except with a different body, much cheaper price, with less engine tune.
    Nevertheless, it develops 147 HP and goes 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds.
  • 2002zx2man2002zx2man Member Posts: 20
    Thanks for the information. I hear a lot of people complain about the loud cabin noise. I notice that I can hear bumps, but that doesn't bother me at all. I would rather be able to hear when I hit something, than not to hear it at all leaving possible damage unheard.

    Also, there is a little wind noise in the cabin as well, but nothing that annoys me. I find it to be a smooth, corner-hugging, quiet ride which allows me to feel the road. I'm not a big gear-head, and I'm not impressed with how long it takes my car to go 60 mph. If I can get from point A to point B without dying, and all the while loving every mile I drive, I consider the car to be perfect.

    Plus, you just can't beat the new car smell! :) Childish, I know, but it's truthful to some extent.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    Moderator: Why is ZX2 classified now as an Escort in the Ford listings? Doesn't Ford Motors itself no longer market the ZX2 as an Escort?

    Other than the chassis, suspension, brakes, wiring and some interior parts the ZX2 shares nothing with the Escort. Not the exterior panels or bumpers, headlights, nor the windshield nor windows, nor engine.

    Now would you say the Mazda 323 is the same thing as a Mazda MX3? NO? But they share the same chassis don't they? In fact they share the same engine, don't they?
    In fact shouldn't we call the ZX2 a Mazda 323?
    Being slightly facetious here, but I am sick of people calling the ZX2 an Escort. Big mistake by Ford, which they realized too late.
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    It IS an escort.

    Body panels, windsheilds, lights, and any other cosmetic change does not make it another kind of car.
    The engine is different, but then, many cars come with different engine configurations right? The ZX2 is an Escort with the Zetech.
    All of the cars guts except the engine are the same. The suspension is the same, just tuned a little tighter. The drivetrain is the same. The chassis is the same. Have you driven the sedan? It is very similar. I personally think this is speaking well for the sedan rather then the other way around so don't take it personally.

    Sorry to disappoint, but you drive an escort. And if you are happy with your car it shouldn't matter.
  • hudraheadhudrahead Member Posts: 169
    freddyk:
    Yes, there is a deep kinship between the Escort and ZX. There is a "tuner type, boy racer" here in town that has dropped a ZX engine into a Escort Wagon. It is tweeked a little too and goes like hell. He told me it was a really "simple" almost a bolt-in swap. He really surprises a lot of the street racers at the local outlaw drags.Who'd expect a Escort wagon to smoke the tires off the line ?

    Whatever happened to "photog", never see him on here anymore ?

    hud :):)
  • freddy_kfreddy_k Member Posts: 376
    I was never once deterred when my '94 Escort was actually called an Escort. And there was more difference between the regular LX and the GT back then, then there is between the ZX2 and Sedan now. The biggest dissapointment when I purchased my Z besides reverting back to an Ford engine was the lack of rear disc brakes, which the GT did have.

    hudrahead: I've always liked the idea of 'sleepers'
  • 2002zx2man2002zx2man Member Posts: 20
    The ZX2 is an Escort??? Hahah...just kidding. I think everyone who owns either an Escort or a ZX2 knows that they are the same car, derivatively. However, it's hard to imagine when driving a ZX2 that it ever spawned from the Escort. I know on the inside they are the same, but outwardly, I like to think the ZX2 projects its own image. I think this may be one of the reasons I like the damned car so much.
  • 2002zx2man2002zx2man Member Posts: 20
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    Don't follow me yet?

    Should we start calling the ZX2 a Mazda MX3?

    Here are the cars derived from the same Mazda 323 chassis:

    - Escort LX and GT 1997 and years before that.
    - Year 1998+ Escort and 1998 ZX2 and Mercury Tracer
    - Mercury Capri convertible in USA (Ford Capri in Australia where it was made)
    - Ford Laser and Lynx in Asia and South Africa.
    - Mazda MX3 both 4 cyl and V6.
    - Mazda 323 F, S and C in Japan and Europe
    S was the sedan, C was the hatch and F was a 4 door fastback hatch.
    I understand that some Korean cars made until 1999 were also based on that dependable platform.

    So should they all be called Mazda 323s or Ford Escorts?

    They are each different from each other that they deserve their own names.
    I insist Ford made a mistake when they first marketed the ZX2 as an Escort because they did not have any marketing dollars to give it its own advertising budget. They realized their mistake too late to stem the damage, but they still did correct it. Take a look at Ford's website.

    'Nuff Said.
  • rickgonzrickgonz Member Posts: 87
    it appears to be hibernating for the summer, specially as the ZX2 folks are having their 2nd National Zetec Meet this weekend. The forum is still alive and well at:

    http://pub76.ezboard.com/bzx23270
  • tomcat630tomcat630 Member Posts: 854
    According to Edmunds, there is a 2003 ZX2.

    It is the last "Escort" derived car.

    The platform dates back to 1991 and is related to the Protege.
  • 2002zx2man2002zx2man Member Posts: 20
    Hud:

    My girlfriend and I had the opportunity to test drive a Sunfire, which I suggested after reading one of your last posts. I'm not sure if it's just the dealership and it's care for their cars, but the 2002 Sunfire just drove terribly. The steering was very touchy, and the exhaust sounded horrible. I know it might just be wear, but it only had 17 miles on it, and it was a 2002! As far as comfort, it was "decently" comfortable, but I did not have a lot of head room and I'm only 6 feet tall. My head was practically hitting the roof, and my seat was back as far as I thought it would go.

    The 3000 dollar incentive is hard to pass up, but a fully loaded Sunfire is only 300 cheaper than a fully loaded ZX2, which is far more worth the dinero. But, I'm sure you've already bought the Sunfire for your lucky new employee.

    You gotta hand it to Ford; they keep making very affordable cars that are extremely comfortable and fully loaded (with the exception of the 350000 2002 Thunderbird, which always boasted it's affordability until now).
  • 2002zx2man2002zx2man Member Posts: 20
    That was supposed to read 35000 as in thirty-five thousand, not 350000 as in three hundred thousand. My stupid bad.
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