Just bought a 99 Escort wagon; couldn't be more pleased. Until last night, that is.
I noticed the horn wasn't working, so I went to the fuse panel - the fuse for the horn was missing. I put a new fuse (15A) in the horn slot. Checking the other fuses I saw the the fuse slot marked Room (10A) had a 15A fuse there. I replaced this with 10 A fuse.
Now the key will not turn the ignition at all. (Nor will the shift lever move, but I guess you'd need the key turned first.)

What needs to happen?

 

Sometimes if the steering locks you have to wiggle the steering wheel while trying to turn the key to get the ignition to unlock. Try that and let me know if that's the problem.