Difficult to condense into one line.
Major pluses: Reliable, comfortable, and VERY stable.
Downers: Mostly smaller stuff. Noisy, rear seats do not fold flat (?!), curvy design reduces cargo room, rear wiper is nearly non-functional in winter due to curvature of window, parking brake is poorly designed and collects grime and eventually needs repeated service. Oh yeah, have fun trying to change a headlight bulb. Again, these are mostly smaller things. Considering its excellent reliability, comfort, safety, and stability, this stuff is not so bad. But I really do wonder about the rear seat folding design. Flat is so much better.
I bought my 98 SE wagon as a lease-back in 2000 with 42000 km on it (built 01/98). It gets driven a lot, mostly city driving. Now at 190000 km (12/06). Seems the 5-7 year mark hit hard with some semi-major repairs. Front break calipers, rear shocks/springs/breaks, fuel pump, alternator, parking brake. About $3000 worth, maybe more. Overall this car does not surprise me. When things break, it's because they're old (except for the parking break which is a poor design). In 2000 the mechanic said it was a good car. So did Lemonade 2000. In 2006 the same mechanic is still saying its a good car but getting older. I haven't had to spend much money on this car for repairs.
This is a very stable car. Back in the day I could cruise along the highway at 120 km/h and let go of the wheel, staying in my lane for 10 seconds or more. Can't do that now that things are a bit more worn and loose, but this car does not wander around like some other cars I tried.
If you're considering buying a 98 ford escort, just be aware that this is the time of life when big stuff is going to go. Ask to see repair slips. I keep all of mine, so if I sell the car I can prove that certain components have been replaced. I plan to keep it for another 5 years or more. It's paid for, and if I have to replace the transmission, then so be it. Cheaper than buying new. So far so good.
