2000 Ford Escort

By Bob Storck

In 2000, Escort is being displaced by the European designed Focus, taller and roomier, but both the Escort and ZX2 will continue to be built in Mexico for our consumption, although in far smaller numbers. The cars are available as four-door sedans and wagons, and trim ranges from the standard base model to the well-appointed LX.

The Mercury Tracer counterpart goes away.

Mazda collaborated in the Escort design and platform, but all styling and interior is Ford. The wagon gets larger 14" wheels, and there are performance 15 inchers for the GT models.

The Escort offers a 2.0-liter engine that delivers 130 horsepower and upgraded five-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Escort provides 100 cubic feet of interior passenger and cargo space in the sedan and 120 cubic feet in the wagon.

Escort's long list of amenities includes an upgraded audio system with standard extended-range speakers, tape deck and an optional compact disc player. Also a battery saver that turns off interior lights; and two levels of remote entry systems &endash; a driver's door remote entry system with panic alarm, and an all-door remote entry/anti-theft system.