Ford Escort. 1997–2000 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon, 2-door coupé. F/F, 1987 cm³ (I4 OHC), 1988 cm³ (I4 DOHC). Rebodied version of earlier US Escort, sharing platform with Mazda Familia (BG). Same wheelbase as before, but overall length gained 4 in. Cramped in rear, especially against more modern cars, though frugal with fuel and cheap when new. Noisy against competition. More rounded styling, though wagon had carryover rear (the strategy had been followed in Europe between Escorts Mk I and II). Wagons to end of 1999 model year; sedans to end of 2000. Coupé, dubbed ZX2 and with Zetec DOHC engine, continued as an independent line from 2001 to 2003.

Manufacturing locations: Wayne, Michigan, USA; Hermosillo, Sonora, México

Marque: Ford | Model: Ford Escort | Predecessor: Ford Escort (1991–6) | Successors: Ford Ikon (C195), Ford Focus Mk I, Ford ZX2

q.v. Mercury Tracer (1997–9)

Off-site link

• Ward’s Auto on the Escort’s development