Listen to the commercials, and they'll tell you the 1997 Ford Escort is an all-new car. Listen to the auto writers, and at least a few will say this latest version of the popular compact--a perennial on the list of America's top 10 best-selling cars--is merely a re-skin of last year's model. Like much of the Escort's character, the truth rests squarely in the middle. Indeed, the Escort and its Mercury Tracer twin aren't so much new cars as they are carefully balanced refinements. While the sheetmetal is all new, both cars still share the same basic floorpan, chassis and drivetrain with the previous model. Yet the sub-structure is 25 percent stiffer, the suspension more controlled and the engine far more powerful. Both cars also share much of their design with Mazda's last-generation Protege, and are still built with Mazda as a joint venture. But here, too, Ford balanced improvement with economy by improving the existing platform instead of spending heavily for the extra tooling that would have been required to adapt to Mazda's newer one. That allowed Ford to deliver cars that are better in nearly every respect at about the same price. Are the new Escort and Tracer also better than their competitors? In an arena populated with a number of competent offerings, the answer hinges on whether you prefer cars with a few outstanding characteristics or a balanced blend of good ones.
Ford
Escort
1998
1998 Ford Escort
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Expert Rating
Unavailable
Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.
Select a Trim Price: - From $11,430
1998 LX 4dr Sedan
Select a Trim
1998 LX 4dr Sedan
most popular
1998 ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe (1998.5 model)
Price: - From $11,580
1998 ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $12,580
1998 SE 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $12,730
1998 ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe (1998.5 model)
Price: - From $13,080
1998 ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $13,145
1998 SE 4dr Station Wagon
Price: - From $13,930
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Select a Trim Price: - From $11,430
1998 LX 4dr Sedan
Select a Trim
1998 LX 4dr Sedan
most popular
1998 ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe (1998.5 model)
Price: - From $11,580
1998 ZX2 Cool 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $12,580
1998 SE 4dr Sedan
Price: - From $12,730
1998 ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe (1998.5 model)
Price: - From $13,080
1998 ZX2 Hot 2dr Coupe
Price: - From $13,145
1998 SE 4dr Station Wagon
Price: - From $13,930
Overview
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Not Available
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.0L I-4 / 110 HP / 125 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Standard:
5-spd man w/OD
Available:
4-spd auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
28 / 38 / 33 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque | 2.0L I-4 / 110 HP / 125 ft.lbs. |
Drive Type | Front-wheel |
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined | 28 / 38 / 33 Mpg |
Brakes | Front Disc/rear Drum |
Front Suspension | Strut |
Rear Suspension | Independent Multi-link |
Spare Tire And Wheel | Compact Steel |
Fuel Tank | 12.8 Gal. |
Recommended Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded |
Average Cost To Fill Tank | $49 |
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume | 12.8 Cu.ft. |
Passenger Volume | 87 Cu.ft. |
Exterior Length | 174.7 " |
Exterior Width | 67.0 " |
Exterior Height | 53.3 " |
Front Headroom | 39.0 " |
Rear Headroom | 36.7 " |
Front Legroom | 42.5 " |
Rear Legroom | 34.0 " |
Front Shoulder Room | 51.6 " |
Rear Shoulder Room | 52.1 " |
Front Hip Room | |
Rear Hip Room | |
Curb Weight | 2,468 Lbs. |
Wheel Base | 98 " |
Turning Radius | 15.7 ' |
Exterior Features
Door Count | 4 Doors |
Wheels | 14.0 " Steel |
Paint | Monotone |
Exterior Mirrors | Dual Manual |
Bumpers | Body-colored |
Grille Moldings | Black |
Rear Spoiler | |
Exhaust | Stainless Steel |
Interior Features
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Rollover Crash Safety Rating |
Not Yet Available
|
Front Impact Airbags | Driver And Passenger |
Driver Side Impact Airbags | |
Knee Airbag | |
Passenger Side Impact Airbag | |
Rear Side Airbag | |
Seatbelt Pretensioners | |
Anti-Lock Brakes | 4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs) |
Forward Collision Warning | |
Blind Spot Sensor | |
Lane Departure Warning | |
Autonomous Cruise Control | |
Pedestrian Detection | |
Driver Attention Alert | |
Daytime Running Lights | |
Auto High Beams | |
Adaptive Headlights | |
Parking Sensors | |
Security Systems | |
Panic Alarm | |
Ignition Disable |
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Major Components Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Included Maintenance Months | |
Roadside Assistance Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Corrosion Perforation | 60 Months / Unlimited Miles |
Accessories Months | 36 Months / 36,000 Miles |
Used 1998 Ford Escort for Sale
Other Ford Escort Listings
We have expanded the search to include other Ford Escort years that you might be interested in.
SE
Color: Green
Price
$5,988
Mileage
53,999 mi
