2001FordEscortFord Escort2001 Ford Escort ZX2CoupeCoupeFWDHermosillo, MexicoOther than a couple of new exterior colors, the Escort ZX2 is unchanged for 2001. The high-performance S/R Package is no longer available.Coupe body style, affordable price, standard Zetec engine.The Ford Focus ZX3 Hatchback is superior in nearly every aspect.The Ford Escort ZX2 Coupe must feel like middle management. It has some decent skills to offer, but it's getting old and definitely feeling the heat from younger and more dynamic members of the team. The younger and more dynamic teammate would be Ford's Focus ZX3 Hatchback. Both the ZX2 Coupe and the Focus ZX3 are aimed at attracting young buyers through a combination of an affordable price, unique styling, versatility and a fun-to-drive nature. But allow us to be frank: The Focus is a much better car. The ZX2 has been around since 1998 as the coupe version of the Escort Sedan. It shares the same basic front-drive chassis and suspension components with the Escort Sedan (which is no longer available to the public). The ZX2 has its own unique body panels, however, and its styling could be an attribute to some people, especially for those who dislike the sharp-angled Focus. Escort ZX2 is available as a single model only. There are no trim levels. The main options include the Comfort Group, the Power Group, air conditioning, leather sport bucket seats, a moonroof, antilock brakes, and an upgraded stereo with a six-disc CD changer. Since the base price is so low, adding a host of options won't kill your budget. The only engine available is Ford's 2.0-liter Zetec four-cylinder. This is the same engine that's used in the Focus ZX3, and it's rated at 130 horsepower and 127 foot-pounds of torque. The Zetec engine is competitive for this class, and its best attribute is a broad and useable powerband. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a four-speed automatic is optional. The manual's shifter is rather floppy and has long throws, but it's clearly the better choice for a more sporting drive. Inside, the ZX2 has a swoopy (some would say overwrought) instrument panel that blends into the door panels. Both front and rear interior room is good for this class, though the Focus has even more. The same goes for trunk space. The ZX2 will hold 11.8 cubic feet of cargo, while the Focus can manage 18.5 cubic feet. As with most small cars, the ZX2's split rear seatbacks can be flipped forward to make extra space for longer items. The closest competitors to the ZX2 Coupe are the Focus, the Honda Civic Coupe and the Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 Coupe. Both the Civic and Cavalier have their own distinct advantages, the Civic in refinement, the Cavalier in horsepower. We see little reason to buy a ZX2 Coupe over a Focus. The ZX2's lower price might be attractive, but the difference isn't that great. All the while the Focus has a roomier interior, better suspension and handling, and better crash test scores. If the ZX2 were middle management, it would probably be fired by now. Chevrolet CavalierHonda CivicMitsubishi EclipseSaturn S-Series336,000336,000336,0005UnlimitedNANANA42 litersInline130 hp @ 5750 rpm127 ft-lbs. @ 4250 rpm175.2 in.67.4 in.52.3 in.2478 lbs.98.4 in.38 in.35.1 in.50.8 in.48.7 in.51.1 in.45.1 in.42.5 in.33.4 in.11.8 cu.ft.OptionalStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedVery PoorGoodNot TestedNot Tested12.8 gal.26 mpg / 33 mpg25 mpg / 33 mpg333 mi. / 422 mi.320 mi. / 422 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$11,518$12,1457.35%$490N/A3% of the Total MSRPZX2 (5M): 2L I4 DOHC SMPI 16-valve engine with variable valve timing; 5-speed OD manual transmission; battery with rundown protection; 48 amp HD alternator; front-wheel drive, 4.1 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs; rack-and-pinion power steering; front disc/rear drum brakes; 12.8 gal. capacity fuel tank; rear wing spoiler, side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers; body-colored bodyside molding; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps; driver's and passenger's power remote black outside mirrors; 15" x 5.5" silver alloy wheels, P185/60TR15 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio w/clock, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 4 performance speakers, fixed antenna; power remote trunk release; 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element, smokers' package;instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, battery, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel; driver's and passenger's front airbags; tinted windows; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 4, front sports seats with adjustable headrests, driver's and passenger's front seats include 4-way adjustment, driver's seat includes easy entry feature; 60/40 folding rear bench seat; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering; interior lights include dome light with delay; vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, glove box, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel bin, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; black side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and body-colored door handles.