5 Star Reviews for 1998 Ford Escort

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.22/5 Average
116 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Packages are reshuffled on Ford's entry-level cars. Available this year as sedans, wagons or stylish coupes, the Ford Escort now qualifies as a low emissions vehicle, thanks to the car's split-port induction 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Pros:
  • Economical, reliable transportation in a package that is vastly improved over the previous model.
Cons:
  • Poor resale value.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 116.00
  • Loretta - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    After having this car for a couple of years, we decided she deserved a name, Loretta. We bought her when she was already 12 years old but she only had 63,000 miles on her. Now shes got almost 150,000 and still going strong. The fuel pump has been replaced and a couple of other things, but shes never left me stranded. All of those were things that I needed to do, but she gave me the time to save the money and never quit on me. We love this car. She is now being passed down to my daughter who loves her just as much as I do.

  • Great little hauler! - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    Bought this car new in 1998 wish I had bought two of them! Only major work in 12 years was replacing timing belt and rear brake lines. I put snow tires on their own rims on for 6 months of the year to help save original rims and tires (replaced twice). Live in New Hampshire, so a little rust has shown up around wheel wells. For less than $500 in body work, Ill have a car that should last for several more years. Gets mid 30s mpg on highway with manual transmission. Wish that Ford hadnt discontinued the Escort line. Will consider the Fiesta down the road for my next car, but am in no particular hurry.

  • Cant be killed - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    This car is ridiculous. Got this in 11/01 used from some dude who wanted a car with cruise control. Had 56K miles on it, almost 8 years later I have 143K on it. No problems at all with this thing. Runs as smooth as it did the day i took it over. Oil is always clean, probably dont even have to get an oil change every 5k miles. I still have to replace the timing belt. The tie rods had to be occasionally replaced every now and then. But thats it. I wish this thing would die already so I can feel justifed to get a new car already!

  • 167,000 miles and still going strong! - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    I bought this car used with around 70k miles on it and so far in the past 5 years only have had 1 major break-down ( pullies for the serpentine belt broke)since this is a non-interference engine - no engine damage. Other than that I have had very little trouble (alternator went out and a PC valve - around 120k miles). It is very reliable and starts every time! For a 11 yr old car, it still has power and is fun to drive. The engine has never overheated, even when charging up a hill with the A/C on full blast while it is over 100 degrees outside. I never worry when I have to drive long distances - And a mechanic told me it was a "throw-away car not built to last".

  • GREAT - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    I bought this car used 3 years ago i had to do very little mechanical work the major thing that went wrong was the timing jumped i am getting ready to buy a 2nd ford escort if that tells ya how much i loved this car my son(teenager) drives the one i bought 3 years ago and loves it i would reccommend this car it very realiable and trustworthy

  • Cheap, affordable, and great - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    I got this car after it had been sitting for 1-2 yrs. I had to replace the tires and tie rods. It drives good, and is a manual. I average anywhere from 31-35mpg. My car has 119k and shows no sign of giving up.

  • hauling Goods & Dogs - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    Great in town -peppy drive if you stay in torque range (3750 & up)--easy lane changes, great visibility, intr. noise low. seat best in near upright. Yoko Avid Touring tires are a perfect compliment to this wagon! Frim, stable, grip, and corner. Wagon will oversteer if you dont go spritely into the corner--waking up stablizn rear assembly. Ford means 80lbs in the boot! Heavy loads off the axle are nerve racking. Drop the seat --pull it out! Smart pack can put 625lbs of goods in; predictable ride follows. Very Utilitarian w/smart looks--Ford really did a nice exit w/the escort wagon!

  • Original satisfied owner. - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    98 SE Wagon. This has been a good economical vehicle. Simple interior design. 24 to 34 mpg. Scheduled maintenance routines were followed for normal usage. Fair to good handling in moderate snow conditions. Final assembly, U.S.A. (I purposely avoided the non-U.S.A. assemblies). Original tires, Uniroyal Tiger Paw, lasted 70K. OEM battery, 8 yrs. Uncomfortable seating on long drives.

  • I love this car - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    I bought this car with 165k on it in jan of 08. It now has 200k on it. I have replaced the wheel bearings, the serpentine belt, and tires. It is by far the cheapest and most reliable car I have ever owned. I would recommend it to anyone. Im kinda upset they stopped making them. When or if this one dies I will be buying another one.

  • My First Car - 1998 Ford Escort
    By -

    I just resently got a 98 Ford Escort LX as my first car. When I first saw it I wasnt very happy with it. It just didnt look quite right. Now that I have it I really like it. My Escort only has 74,950 miles on it! Not bad for a 98.

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