1998 to 2003, year by year
Ford launched the ZX2 as a sporty two-door companion to the Escort sedan and wagon. It was built in Hermosillo, Mexico, and sold for six model years.
- 1997
Launch as an early 1998 model
Ford gives the ZX2's debut as April 17, 1997, the Mustang's anniversary. It goes on sale in two trims, Cool and Hot. The 5-speed manual is standard, and most options, including the automatic, are limited to the Hot. Launch prices were about $12,580 Cool and $13,050 Hot (sources differ). In October Ford cuts them by $1,000 and $815, simplifies the options, makes power mirrors standard on the Hot and takes $170 off the price of ABS. Ford release
- 1998
A strong first year
Ford says it sold more than 60,000 ZX2s in the first year, with March 1998 the best month at over 6,500. Car and Driver picks it over four rival coupes. From February it stars in Ford's "Built to Last" ad campaign, in a spot where two young women lose a van that turns out to be the Publishers Clearing House prize patrol. In November, Ford shows the 230-hp supercharged ZX2 Fusion concept at SEMA in Las Vegas. Ford releases
- 1999
Small updates, and the S/R debuts
An inside trunk release becomes standard and the Hot gains an anti-theft system. Ford Racing and the Small Vehicle Center unveil the S/R package at SEMA's International Auto Salon in Pomona, in March. Reported
- 2000
Just “ZX2”, one trim
Ford's brochure drops the Escort name. Cool and Hot merge into a single model with firmer suspension, and a spoiler, power mirrors, tachometer and 15-inch alloys become standard. The $1,495 S/R option group is offered for its second and final year. Confirmed
- 2001
S/R dropped
The S/R is gone, an emergency inside trunk release is added, and Sunray Gold and Mineral Grey arrive. The Escort sedan and wagon go fleet-only. Ford brochure
- 2002
Standard, Deluxe and Premium
Three new trims. A sunroof becomes available. The Premium adds power windows and locks, remote keyless entry and fog lamps, at $14,315. Confirmed
- 2003
Facelift and final year
A new front fascia with a rectangular upper grille between the headlamps, plus new wheels, radios and colors. The last car is built in June 2003. Confirmed
- 2004
Leftover stock
The ZX2 does not return for 2004. About 1,210 are sold in calendar 2004 from remaining inventory. Reported
Who bought it
Ford aimed the ZX2 at young buyers, and it worked. Ford said 60% of buyers were women and more than 20% were under 25. Confirmed Southern California was the strongest market, and Galpin Ford in Los Angeles was the No. 1 ZX2 dealer, with over 700 delivered in the first year. Ford release Ford Division chief Ross Roberts compared the strategy to the Mustang’s: more value for the money. Brand manager Leisa Byars said customer research asked for “more standard options for less money”.
The name is commonly explained as “Z” for Zetec, “X” for Generation X and “2” for two doors, but we haven’t seen Ford say so. Reported The body is the ZX2’s own, with frameless door glass, over the Mazda-derived Escort chassis. Its styling has been compared to the Japanese-market Autozam Clef. We haven’t found who designed it.
Where the badge changed
Ford’s own literature settles the marketing name: the 1998 and 1999 brochures say “Escort ZX2”, while the 2000 brochure is simply “ZX2” and 2001’s says “Ford ZX2”. Ford brochures Consumer Guide and Grassroots Motorsports put the change at 2001.
Titling lagged behind. NHTSA’s VIN database lists both “Escort” and “ZX2” model names for 1999–2002 and only “ZX2” for 2003, and NHTSA still files ZX2 recalls under Escort. Which trunk badge each year wore is still unconfirmed.
The 2003 torque figure
Consumer Guide and Wikipedia say the 2003 Zetec gained 8 lb-ft, to 135. Ford’s own 2003 brochure and cars.com’s specs list 127 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm, so the factory figure looks right. Disputed A 2003 window sticker or owner’s manual would settle it.
Why it ended
No source we’ve found gives Ford’s stated reason for ending production. The obvious context is the Focus, which replaced the Escort line from 2000. Treat that as background, not fact.
Production
Model-year production totals haven’t turned up. Calendar-year output peaked at 89,850 in 2001 and fell to 12,404 in 2003. US sales were 25,473 in 2003. Reported
For the special edition, see the S/R history.