Ford Escort third generation

Ford Escort third generation
Photo: Charles01 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

The Ford Escort third generation (1997–2003): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 15 versions in the United States and Canada.

Model codes: CT120 · Sold in: United States and Canada

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length–4,387–4,437 mm
Width–1,702 mm
Height–1,354–1,369 mm
Wheelbase–2,499 mm
Weights and towing
Kerb weight–1,119 kg
Seats and space
Luggage space (EPA)340–878 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)2,265–2,662 L EPA–

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia, US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

1,452 complaints for model years 1997–2003. 271 crashes · 112 fires · 236 injuries · 5 deaths

  • Airbags 316
  • Engine 182
  • Suspension 96
  • Electrical system 95
  • Transmission and drivetrain 77
  • Speed control 36

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 15 versions of the Ford Escort third generation

Show all 15 versions

United States 9 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
20034-VALVE, CLKUP2.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive25 MPG (9.4 L/100 km) EPA221 g/km
2001–20032.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive25–26 MPG (9.0–9.4 L/100 km) EPA212–221 g/km
1998–20024V, CLKUP · CLKUP · 2.0Z, CLKUP2.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive25 MPG (9.4 L/100 km) EPA221 g/km
1998–2002CLKUP2.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive25–26 MPG (9.0–9.4 L/100 km) EPA212–221 g/km
1998–20004V · 2.0Z2.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive25 MPG (9.4 L/100 km) EPA221 g/km
20002.0L CVH, CLKUP2.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA212 g/km
20002.0L CVH2.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive27 MPG (8.7 L/100 km) EPA205 g/km
1997–1999(FFS), SIL2.0 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive28 MPG (8.4 L/100 km) EPA197 g/km
1997(FFS), CLKUP2.0 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA212 g/km

Canada 6 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2000Compact2.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic9.4 L/100 km 5-cycle216 g/km
2000Compact2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual9.4 L/100 km 5-cycle216 g/km
1998–1999Subcompact2.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic9.3 L/100 km 5-cycle214 g/km
1998–1999Subcompact2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual9.2 L/100 km 5-cycle212 g/km
1997–1999Compact · Station wagon: Small2.0 LPetrol4-speed automatic9.1–9.3 L/100 km 5-cycle209–214 g/km
1997–1999Compact · Station wagon: Small2.0 LPetrol5-speed manual8.5 L/100 km 5-cycle196 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.