Interior
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Escort's size and price also put it up against such revamped competitors as the
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Saturn. You can also buy a loaded Neon or a larger,
less-equipped Chevrolet Cavalier for about the same price.
Those who buy by the yard will find the new Escort less competitive than its
predecessor. While front passengers get slightly more head and legroom, those in back
get less. New side-impact beams also trim hip and shoulder room and overall space. The
Escort now has 3 cu. ft. less than a Neon, 4 cu. ft. less than a Saturn and 8 cu. ft.
less than a Cavalier.
Then again, those who put a premium on the seats, switches and controls inside
that space will find this newest Escort very competitive indeed.
We'll start with the oval Integrated Control Panel that houses the radio and
climate controls. A virtual knockoff of the innovative panel in the Taurus and Sable,
it puts large, easy-to-find knobs and tuning tabs above three climate dials sized like
big poker chips. It's also a first on a car in this price range.
Another first on the LX is a budget-priced keyless remote entry system that works
the driver's door only. Our LX test car had it, along with door-mounted power window
tabs you can find by feel--no hunting around in the dark.
Other refinements include angled turn-signal and windshield wiper stalks that
literally fall to hand and--finally--adjustable-height harnesses instead of motorized
mice, an irritating holdover from the pre-airbag days. Ford also took the play out of
the gas and brake pedals so that both feel smooth and progressive.
You'll also find Escort's front buckets more comfortable on long hauls and more
supportive on short, twisty ones. While fidgety kids and inlaws get a bit more rear
seat shoulder room in a Corolla, Neon or Saturn--and lots more in a Cavalier--they'll
welcome the new car's less-upright seating position. A one-piece folding seatback on
base Escorts and a 60/40 version on the LX are also included, to expand cargo volume
for longer stuff like skis and snowboards.
All of these refinements are small by themselves. Together, they're a major part
of the balance Ford sought. Aside from a smidge less room, our only interior gripes
are a horn that works only in the center of the airbag and a jumbo-sized speedometer
that robs space from the ancillary gauges and optional tach.
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