- Newest year: 2003
- Gas
- Small cars
2003 Ford Escort MPG & Fuel Cost
2 configurations · 25 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 8 of 10 small car configurations, MY2003. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2003 Ford Escort at a glance
The 2003 Ford Escort has 2 configurations in the EPA database, rated 25 MPG combined. The most efficient is the ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD at 25 MPG, which costs about $2,610 a year to fuel at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). The ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs less to fuel than 8 of 10 small car configurations rated for MY2003 (class median $3,490 a year).
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
What the 2003 ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs to drive
Per month
$218
$2,610 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.35
Per 100 miles
$17.40
Five years
$13,050
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$880less a year
Class median $3,490 a year, MY2003
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2003 Ford Escort MPG
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (2)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Automatic 4-spd (Most efficient) | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,610 |
| ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD Manual 5-spd | 2.0L 4-cyl | FWD | 23 | 30 | 25 | $2,610 |
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD: $3,550 in California and $2,280 in Texas, a $1,270 difference.
- California $3,550
- Washington $3,290
- New York $2,610
- Florida $2,470
- Texas $2,280
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2003 small car models.
Generations
- 2000-2002 (CT120)
- 2003
Frequently asked questions
How does the 2003 Ford Escort compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2000-2002 Ford Escort) is rated 25–27 MPG combined and costs $2,420–$2,610 a year to fuel; the 2003 model is rated 25 MPG and costs $2,610 a year.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Ford Escort get?
EPA rates the 2003 Ford Escort at 25 MPG combined across 2 configurations. The most efficient, the ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD, is rated 25 MPG combined (23 city / 28 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Ford Escort per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,610 a year. Across all 2 configurations the cost runs $2,610 a year.
How much does it cost to drive a 2003 Ford Escort 100 miles?
About $17.40 per 100 miles for the ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2003 Ford Escort more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD is rated 23 city and 28 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 5 MPG.
How does the 2003 Ford Escort compare with other small car configurations?
The ZX2 2.0L 4-cyl FWD costs about $2,610 a year to fuel, $880 less than the class median of $3,490, and less than 8 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 349 rated small car configurations for MY2003, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2003 Ford Escort different from the 2002 model?
The most efficient configuration moves from 26 to 25 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,510 to $2,610, $100 more. EPA lists 2 configurations for 2003 against 3 configurations for 2002. See the 2002 Ford Escort for that year.