According to the 2001 Ford Escort Scheduled Maintenance Guide :
The timing belt for the 2.0 liter DOHC , four cylinder engine is changed at :
( 120,000 miles )
* the Gates website ( they make timing belts etcetera ) also shows
120,000 miles and shows it as an INTERFERENCE ENGINE
no
80,000 miles
belt - Gates ( they manufacture timing belts etc. ) show to inspect belt at 120,000 miles and replace if necessary
On my 01 I had to replace the timing belt at 70,000 miles due to an idler pully mounting bolt breaking. The belt was showing some wear but it wasn't too bad. I believe that most have the belt replaced at about 80,000 miles.
For a 2003 Ford Escort ZX2 : The 2.0 litre DOHC four cylinder engine has a ( timing BELT ) According to the scheduled maintenance guide ( replace at 120,000 miles )
Maybe Ive seen it go both ways
www.teamzx2.com
Unless you have had the timing belt off or it has broken the timing should still be correct. The way you set the timing is by taking the timing belt off and lining up the timing marks and put the belt back on. I added a link to a text how-to for setting the timing on the Zetec engine. -ZX2Fast
About $300 for just the belt. $599 for the belt, new water pump and idler and tesioner pullies.
Remove serpentine belt. Unbolt old pulley. Install new one & serpentine belt.
2-3 hundred,5-6 if it breaks
Replace belt tensioner. Three 13mm bolts in a triangular pattern, after you remove belt of course