Ford Escort Rated Tops in Quality
in J.D Power Survey

Ford's stylish, dependable Escort compact is an even better value in 1999 with exciting added equipment. "We're providing Escort buyers with $1,000 worth of equipment at no extra charge. It's popular equipment like aluminum wheels, a luggage rack, rear wiper and cargo area cover," Escort Brand Manager Kevin Smith said. "Standard on the SE Model in 1999 are AM/FM stereo radio, cassette player and all-door remote keyless entry with panic alarm," Smith said. Also new is a Slate Blue interior trim color.

Escort was ranked best compact car in initial quality by J.D. Power and Associates. Escort also won the R.L. Polk award for owner loyalty. Escort's reliable and proven 2.0-liter SOHC four-cylinder engine has racked up millions of trouble-free miles, and can go 100,000 miles between tuneups under normal driving conditions with regular fluid and filter changes.

Designed with the environment in mind, Escort models with automatic transaxles are certified as low-emission vehicles (LEVs). The high tech, computer controlled engine produces 110 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, and combined with power rack-and-pinion steering, provides a spirited performance for those who love to drive. Also, drivers will keep their fuel bills low, as they enjoy Escort's excellent fuel economy.

The 1999 Ford Escort seats five in a roomy interior designed for maximum comfort. It offers a convenient 60/40 split folding rear seat and lots of storage space.

Major safety features include dual air bags, side-impact protection, reardoor child safety locks and optional anti-lock brakes.

Escort buyers can have their car the way they want it. Escort is available as a four-door sedan and a versatile, five-door wagon, in either manual or automatic transmissions. The wagon provides 63.4 cubic feet of cargo area with the rear seat backs folded down. The Escort wagon is a favorite of parents with young children who need the extra cargo space.

Escort comes in a two-series lineup, the LX (sedan only) and SE (sedan and wagon).

Offered are Comfort, Power and Sport Group option packages.

The SE Comfort Group includes:

· Speed control.

· Dual map lights.

· Tilt steering wheel.

The SE Power Group includes:

· Power locks.

· Power side windows.

The SE Sport Group includes:

· 14-inch aluminum wheels.

· Rear spoiler.

· Bright tip exhaust.

· Unique seats with integrated head restraints.

· Tachometer.

· Sport badging.

· Leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Ford Escort was introduced for the 1981 model year, and has been one of America's most popular cars, finishing in the top ten in sales in the U.S. from 1981 through 1996. It had calendar year sales in 1997 of 243,196. Escort is manufactured in Wayne, Michigan, and Hermosillo, Mexico.