How much did a 1998 Ford Escort cost brand new?
A brand-new 1998 Ford Escort started at about $11,000, with higher trims and the sportier ZX2 variant climbing toward the mid-teens in dollars.
The question reflects the range of sticker prices Ford published for the Escort lineup in 1998, which varied by body style (sedan or wagon) and trim level. This article lays out what buyers typically paid when the car was new, based on Ford’s catalog data from that year.
Pricing by trim and body style
The following figures reflect typical U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRPs) from Ford’s 1998 catalog, before dealer discounts or regional promotions.
- Base 4-door Escort sedan: approximately $11,000–$11,500 MSRP
- LX 4-door sedan: approximately $12,500–$13,500 MSRP
- ZX2 2-door coupe (sport variant): approximately $13,000–$14,000 MSRP
Prices vary with optional equipment, transmission choice, and regional tax or fees, so actual sticker prices could differ slightly from the ranges above.
Context and interpretation
During the late 1990s, the Escort competed as an affordable compact in Ford’s lineup, positioned below more feature-rich models. The price spread between base and higher-trim versions reflected added equipment, styling, and, in the case of the ZX2, sport-oriented features that appealed to different buyers.
Summary
In 1998, a base Ford Escort sedan typically started around $11,000 to $11,500, with LX trims nudging into the $12,500–$13,500 range and the ZX2 sport coupe targeting roughly $13,000–$14,000. These figures capture the era’s pricing framework and illustrate how model and configuration influenced the sticker price when new.
How much was a Ford Escort in 1998?
1998 Ford Escort Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |
|---|---|---|
| LX Sedan 4D | $12,490 | $1,576 |
| SE Sedan 4D | $12,995 | $1,643 |
| SE Wagon 4D | $14,195 | $1,853 |
| ZX2 Coupe 2D | $14,325 | $1,766 |
How much did a Ford Escort cost in 1988?
Price
| Style | Invoice | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| GL 2dr Hatchback | $0 | $7,258 |
| GL 4dr Hatchback | $0 | $7,588 |
| GL 4dr Wagon | $0 | $8,101 |
| GT 2dr Hatchback | $0 | $9,286 |
How much was a Ford Escort in 1997?
1997 Ford Escort Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan 4D | $12,225 | $1,371 |
| LX Sedan 4D | $12,975 | $1,506 |
| LX Wagon 4D | $13,630 | $1,750 |
What was the average cost of a new car in 1998?
The average price for a new car in 1998 was about $20,364. However, the price varied depending on the specific model, with some basic models starting around $13,000 to $16,000 and more expensive vehicles costing significantly more.
- Average price: The average new car price was approximately $20,364.
- Entry-level cars: A basic 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage was priced at $12,640, while other models like the Dodge Neon Highline had a starting price of around $13,455.
- Specific models:
- A Ford Taurus started around $15,988.
- A base model Jeep Cherokee was priced at $15,965.
- A 1998 Plymouth Breeze was listed at $15,210.
