2003 Ford ZX2 Review (continued)
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Walkaround

Ford ZX2 was designed as a true sport coupe, not a sedan with two doors. It still looks lean, clean, light, and agile, though the design is getting dated.

The overall shape is fluid, organic. Yet sharply defined features at the front and rear add character. The swooping roofline suggests both airiness and intimacy, while blacked-out center pillars keep the profile clean. All glass is flush-mounted, a sophisticated touch. A gently undulating beltline caps flat-sided flanks. The overall effect is contemporary, yet timeless, gently echoing some of the classic sport coupes of the 1960s.

Styling in this class gets old quick, however, and younger buyers may find the ZX2's subtle lines dated and conservative next to the newest, aggressively styled coupes from the Pacific Rim.

Interior Features

A roomy, attractive cabin makes the ZX2 comfortable for long trips. A sporty instrument cluster peeks out from a wedge-shaped dash that sweeps attractively into the door panels. Interior fabrics and materials are of higher quality than in some other cars in this class, although the inside door handles are on the dainty side.

Seats are upgraded for 2003, and feature diamond-stitched inserts. We found the seats in previous models firm and supportive. The driver's seat adjusts for height, a feature shorter drivers might appreciate. The tilt steering column on Deluxe and Premium models is useful if you don't fit the average-size norm.

Rear seats are surprisingly comfortable, which is something you'd never guess from the ZX2's swooping roofline. There's enough headroom and legroom for a 5-foot, 10-inch adult, although tall drivers will use up a lot of that leg space when they push their own seat back. Heater ducts for the rear seat area add comfort in the winter. Getting in and getting out is a squeeze. Coupes are not the best choice if carrying people in back is a frequent occurrence, however.

Three cup holders with liners, and a center console with multiple storage areas add convenience. Hooks on the floor hold the floor mats in place. ZX2 is nicely trimmed, but it is an economy car so not every bolt and screw is covered with a piece of trim, as it would be in a more up-market coupe.

It pays to read the owner's manual to fully understand the air conditioning system. In all but two modes, the system senses when the outside temperature is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and switches on automatically. Then it shuts off under hard acceleration to improve performance. At other times, it cycles on and off constantly. This can be a little annoying for more sensitive drivers, who may feel a subtle bump through the throttle as the compressor engages. Selecting the Vent or Floor mode turns the air conditioning off.

The 11.8-cubic foot trunk is a bit shallow, but it's sizable by compact coupe standards. The rear seat is split 60/40 and can be folded forward to make room for longer items.