Ford's ZX2 provides responsive handling and a zippy engine bundled in a hot-looking compact coupe with a rakish design. Front and rear seating is spacious and comfortable, and the trunk is impressively large for such a small car. The ZX2 also delivers good fuel economy. Overall, it's a fine combination of performance, practicality, comfort, and economy -- all for a decent price.
One model is available that retails for $12,145, but you'll probably want to add a few options. Air conditioning, for example, is not standard and adds $795. ABS is a $400 option. AM/FM/cassette is standard.
Ford's 2.0-liter twin-cam 16-valve Duratec four-cylinder engine drives the front wheels. This engine produces 130 horsepower. A five-speed gearbox is standard. A four-speed automatic is an $815 option.
(Ford dropped the "Escort" from the ZX2's name for 2001; Escort sedan is still being sold to rental agencies and other fleet buyers, but has been largely replaced by the Ford Focus.)
Designed as a true coupe, not a sedan with two doors, the ZX2 boasts stylish, flowing lines. Styling in this class ages quickly, however.
It shares its basic structure and dimensions with the Escort sedans, and the chassis is based on a previous-generation Mazda Protege, a solid, successful design. Not having to start from scratch helped keep the price down. Ford reinforced it for improved safety, better handling and a smoother ride.
ZX2 comes with the standard safety features, such as dual airbags and side impact protection.
