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 1 through 10 of 56.00

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  Approaching 200,000 and counting - 2003 Ford Escort
  By rimrocks@hotmail.com - July 10 - 1:46 pm

  I purchased my ZX2 new because I needed a car and this one fit my budget at the time. I had intended on keeping it 2 to 3 years and then trading up. Needless to say that was quite some time ago and I have no plans on getting rid of it yet. It is dependable, economical, and fun to drive. I drive in the mountains and the 5 speed manual transmission is a real kick. We go over a mountain pass to Yellowstone Park and the ZX2 handles it well enough to have the Harleys pull over to let me pass. I have done minimal repairs to it and do not expect that to change.

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  A great little car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By mark_s3 - April 30 - 1:12 pm

  Bought this car new (13 miles) and drove it 143,000+ miles. I love this car. Got standard transmision that makes it even more fun to drive. Vibrations from the motor can be rough in idle, but its not too bad. Gets 34 MPG in stop and go traffic. Very comfortable inside and sporty outside. Never had a machanical problem with it, and its been very dependable. The ride is very smooth even after all those miles. Plan to drive it until the wheels fall off! It is MY car! **Sorry for any misspellings**

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  Great first car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2 in IL - August 7 - 1:56 pm

  I drive on average 600 miles a week, so Ive put this car through its paces. I love it. It gets great gas mileage, looks great, runs like a dream. Some people complain about the vibration or the engine volume but I really dont notice it. My only complaints are that with a 2003 its hard to find replacement parts if your girlfriend puts it in the ditch trying to drive in six inches of snow.

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  Good Car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Lauren - June 22 - 8:09 pm

  I just got this car as a graduation gift and it definitely was not my choice car, but anyways it drives really well and its fun to drive. It is as basic as a car can get, no power anything, no cruise control, etc. I feel like it will last me so many more years, i feel safe in this car. The only major complaint is how hard it vibrates the entire car when idling. So although it doesnt have a lot of fun gadgets, its reliable and a good first car.

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  Domestic Sleeper - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Kenniff - April 5 - 4:18 am

  Its always fun watching imports pull up, and not only find out they are slower, but dont get better mpg. I can fit 3 people and luggage for a week in it and still get 35 mpg hwy. New fascia reduces cute factor, and increases enthusiast curiosity. Have aftermarket tires, rims, muffler, air intake, etc. and I never think its a rocket, nor can I hear it 3 towns away. Sure, larger people will want to avoid driving, but were not all lineman here! Although the car was well worth the 11 large, kind of wish I didnt have to install an armrest. Nonetheless, this car has more range than one might expect, as I can drive from Tampa to Miami, and still drive around the city Fords the best US maker

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  Awesome little car - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Jackie - July 7 - 1:52 am

  I bought this car when it had 14,000 mi. It now has over 100,000. Now a friend was driving it and has wrecked it, was so upset. I never had to change or repair a single thing on the car except a set of tires. Not once did it ever break down. Only complaint is the idling, which is normal for these cars.

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  2003 Ford ZX2 Deluxe - 2003 Ford Escort
  By Aaron43 - March 29 - 1:16 am

  I love my zx2. Its a great running car. Its comfortable, reliable, and it looks good too.

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  Bring em Back, Ford!! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By zx2mom - March 17 - 8:03 am

  This is my 3rd zx2 (all leased as new, in 1997, 2000 & 2003. When I found out this is the last year, I bought it. So sad that this will be my last, I love this car! As already noted several times, the rough idle is a drawback. The steering wheel sometimes vibrates so hard at a stoplight that my hands get tingly. But since that is my only complaint, I can live with it. The most comfortable seat Ive ever seen (felt) in a small car, it fits like a glove, with great lumbar support. I do think of it as a sports car, Ive never subjected anyone to having to ride in the back seat, it just seemes too cramped, although it would probably be fine if you have kids.

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  Love it! - 2003 Ford Escort
  By wayne - September 3 - 4:15 pm

  I bought my 2003 ZX2 a few months ago because I needed a more reliable and economical vehicle. It more than met my expectations. Its the first 4cyl Ive had and Im suprised by the power. I couldnt find one with a 6 speed option. Thats my only complaint but the mileage is great and the power is suprising. Im sure Ill be driving this car for many years.

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  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.