Ford Escort ZX2
25 MPG The 2003 Ford Escort ZX2 is EPA-rated at 25 MPG combined (23 city / 29 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 600 gallons, $1920 a year in fuel, or $0.128 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1998–2003 run it averages 25.2 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.100 | $1000 | $1500 | $2000 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.120 | $1200 | $1800 | $2400 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.128 | $1280 | $1920 | $2560 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.140 | $1400 | $2100 | $2800 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.180 | $1800 | $2700 | $3600 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 25 MPG | 23 | 29 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
| 2002 | 25.5 MPG | 22.5 | 30.5 | $2450 | 349 | 2 |
| 2001 | 25.5 MPG | 22.5 | 30.5 | $2450 | 349 | 2 |
| 2000 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
| 1999 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
| 1998 | 25 MPG | 22 | 30 | $2500 | 355 | 2 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Ford Escort ZX2 ranks 74 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Nissan Sentra/200SX (25.5), Toyota Celica (25.8), Audi A5 Cabriolet (26), Audi A5 quattro (26), Audi S3 (26).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 355 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Ford Escort ZX2 get?
The 2003 Ford Escort ZX2 is rated at 25 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 29 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 25.2 MPG, ranging from 25 to 26 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Ford Escort ZX2 cost in fuel per year?
At 25 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 600 gallons — roughly $1920 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.128 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2003 model is $2500.
Has the Ford Escort ZX2 become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 25 MPG today against 25 in 1998 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Ford Escort ZX2 efficient for its class?
It ranks 74 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 0.8 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.