Zip-a-dee-doo-dah
Zip-a-dee-day
My-oh-my what a wonderful car!

History: The Ford Escort, first introduced in 1982 as the replacement for the troubled Pinto, has always been known as an economical entry-level car. Over the years Escorts have been available in coupe, sedan and station wagon versions. The 1997 model year was used to introduce the newest Escort sedan and wagon, along with its Mercury counterpart, the Tracer.

All-new for 1998 is the Escort coupe. Sorry dedicated Mercury buyers -- the sporty ZX2 coupe is only available under the Ford nameplate.

Although this sassy coupe carries the Escort name, it shares no sheetmetal or body panels with sedan or wagon versions. One anonymous Ford insider recently confided to me that "the biggest mistake Ford made was calling the ZX2 an Escort! This is NO Escort -- it should have an identity all its own!"

Vehicle Type: 4-passenger, front-wheel drive , 2-door coupe

Base Price: $12,995

Base Price On Version Tested: $13,143

Price As Tested: $16,325 (amount includes destination charges of $435)

Engine: 130- horsepower , 4- cylinder , 2.0- liter dual overhead cam engine

Transmission: Standard: 5-speed manual or (optional) 4-speed automatic

Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway

Safety Features:. The ZX2 has dual airbags as standard equipment. Anti-lock brakes are available as a $570 option. Remote keyless entry systems and an integrated child safety seat are offered with select packages.

Buyer Demographics: The ZX2 coupe is targeted for the unmarried buyer and young couples without children. The median age is 32, with an annual income of $42,000. Sixty percent of the buyers are expected to be female, and 38 percent will be college graduates.

Major Competition: Pontiac Sunfire, Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge and Plymouth Neon, Saturn SC and Honda Civic

Place Of Manufacture: Hermosillo, Mexico