Overview & Reviews

The aged Escort receives a few changes this year. On the outside, there are stylistic changes to its front and rear fascias, including standard foglamps. Inside, new cloth spruces up the seats, and the standard model receives a cassette player. Fifteen-inch wheels are standard on all models, and two new colors make their debut. For 2003, Ford has renamed the options packages "deluxe" and "premium." The deluxe package gets you a CD player, a leather-wrapped steering wheel that tilts, cruise control and map lights as standard equipment. Premium models also get power windows, locks and remote keyless entry. Finally, the in-dash six-disc CD changer is no longer available.

• Affordable price, standard 130-horsepower engine.

• Superior Ford Focus ZX3 competes in the same showroom, lack of cabin space, uncomfortable seats.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 56.00

• 

  2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jennie Graham - August 26 - 9:09 pm

  I purchased my ZX2 in 2004 with 39000 miles on it. It now has 53000 miles on it. It has been a very reliable car and I have had not one mechanical problem with it. It does idle rough. I love the sporty style and it is fun to drive and is good on gas. I wish Ford would build these cars again because I would love to purchase a new one.

• 

  Best gas mileage is at 60 mph - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Tom P. - August 10 - 12:18 am

  I drive this car 100 miles a day. My best gas mileage is at 60 mph. 40.1 mpg at that speed with the A/C off and 37.6 with it on. This car gets 33 mpg at 80 mph withthe A/C on and mpg increase as you slow down. Ive owened this car since it was new. I bought it with 6 miles on it I have put 149,994 miles on this car and it has yet to leave me walking. It is a small car and has very good looks for a small car. Its roomy in side and not bad on long trips. Ive driven it will 3 other adults in for over 4 hours. The trunk is very big for a car of this size. The rearseat folds down and Ive put 4 8ft 4x4 in side the car. I do not know why Ford quit making them with gas prices as high as they are.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Terry - April 27 - 12:58 pm

  I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2003, I own the ZX2 model. Its a peppy car for a 4 cylinder but yet it still gets good gas mileage. Ford should bring this vehicle back into production I believe that it would boost their sales with any age group. The car handles well, it does shake a little while idiling, but I would definetely reccomend this car to anyone looking for a used car. It has a great sound system and comfortable front seats.

• 

  Great MPGs, Fun to drive - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Bailey - April 3 - 1:44 pm

  This car has excellent fuel economy and is so much fun to drive. For being a four cylinder its pretty zippy and definitely stylish. Great car for work, school, or play. Definitely worth the money.

• 

  My Ownership Experience with ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Douglas H. Sowards - April 30 - 1:01 am

  From July 2003 till the present, my ZX2 has not needed anything except two oil changes in the 10,000 miles I have driven it. Has not needed even minor adjustments. It has nice silver paint, A/C, automatic, tilt wheel, fog lights, CD player, AM/FM stereo, tach, folding rear seat, and spoiler. Ford should have continued building this car as it was reasonably priced and very reliable.

• 

  Its a great car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Christy - February 7 - 12:14 am

  This car has been one of the best cars I have owned. Its like driving a race car. My car is a 5 speed. It drives really smooth. It handles curves really good.

• 

  2003 ZX2 - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Patricia Smith - August 14 - 4:04 pm

  I actually love this car because it is my size. If you have people sitting in the back seat its not so comfortable. I like to think of it as more of a two seater with some storage space. It does Idle high and is very loud, passengers usually complain. I have taken in back to ford to have them fix the Idle but it actually seems to have gotten worse. But I really love this car, it hasnt left me stranded yet!!!

• 

  125,000 trouble-free miles.. - 2003 Ford Escort
  By crashnburn - April 3 - 1:50 am

  I owned a 2001 ZX2 and put 125,000 miles on it. It was absolutely unbreakable - that is until a minivan hit it recently and now its toast. Heres the repair history: New tires at 90,000 miles (thats right, the stock tires made it 90k!), brake pads at 100,000 miles, and the only mechanical problem was an alternator at 110,000. I used synthetic oil at every oil change and the motor still ran like brand new. The only complaints I can say about this car is that its loud at highway speeds (a lot of wind and engine noise) and a pretty cheesy interior design, but Ill gladly accept those problems for a car thatll run forever. Im gonna miss it.

• 

  practical sports car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By crash86 - November 17 - 4:31 pm

  i purchased this car for $6500 with around 23000 miles, 5speed, the whole package. accelerates and turns very well. a lil rough but its a small car so no surprise there.

• 

  My Little Red Machine - 2003 Ford Escort
  By bumble bee - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in 2004, but it is a 2003 model. This car had only 17 miles on it when I bought it. I have have 2000 miles on it now, and I love it.