Ford Escape

firstname · May 2001

Thanks, I didn't know it's electronically limited to 107mph. Of course, I know my XLT V6 is not a sports car, but neither is the Accord. I would not go weekend racing with either vehicle.

However, it's amazingly stable and quiet and powerful at 70mph on the freeway -- and getting up to that speed. I'm curious if this confidence-inspiring composure and stability will still be present at 90mph or 100mph?

gnomic- Escape not as tall as the Explorer? Have you checked your stats? Yes it is indeed taller than the Explorer! And you would "replace your tires before you sell?" I simply do not understand that reasoning.

ryster · May 2001

2002 Explorer 4x4 is 71.9 inches tall (the pre-'02 Explorer 4x4's were 67.5 inches tall)
2001 Escape XLT 4x4 is 67.0 inches tall.

Stats say Explorer is taller regardless of model year.

I understand the reasoning behind changing the Firestones prior to trade-in. Simple matter of perception. A truck with Firestones will be perceived as being less safe than the same truck with non-Firestone tires. As a result, the value of the Firestone truck will seem lower. The $300 cost of changing the tires may result in a resale value much higher than having not discarded the Firestones.

I had the same concerns re: my '00 Explorer and it even came new with Goodyears. I think this whole debacle is going to have a large impact on resale values (regardless of tire brand) but only in an immediate time frame. Long-term, once everything is taken care of and the "heat is off", resale values will begin to stabilize and rebound slightly. It's just a matter of getting the Firestones out of the picture and getting on with business as usual.

scape2 · May 2001

cornering ability in an Escape?? Why?? These are SUV's not race cars.. Want a vehicle that will corner and get highs speeds?? Buy a Corvette or Mustang...

currey · May 2001

The Tribute does quite well crusing on the interstate at 90mph. However, during a long road trip that is the fastest I have or will drive it.

firstname · May 2001

...and who said anything about cornering and racing? I think vince8 is reading between the lines, but nevertheless, I would like to appreciate the ride and handling of my Escape with enough margin for freeway passing.

Regarding height, the 2001 Ford SUV brochure (the green one with a compass on the cover) lists these statistics:

Exterior height:
Escape 69.1 inches
Explorer 4dr 67.5 inches
Explorer Sport 68.2 inches
Explorer Sport Trac 70.1 inches

Ground clearance:
Escape 7.8 inches
Explorer 6.7 inches (all models)

Head room first row:
Escape 40.4 inches
Explorer 4dr 39.9 inches
Explorer Sport 39.4 inches
Explorer Sport Trac 39.4 inches

Head room second row:
Escape 39.2 inches
Explorer 4dr 39.3 inches
Explorer Sport 39.1 inches
Explorer Sport Trac 38.9 inches

Roof racks and moon roofs will have a slight impact, of course. But as you can see, the Escape is overall *taller* than the Explorer for this model year. Have they completely redesigned the Explorer for 2002? Who cares? That's not a direct comparison anyway -- we might as well compare a 1989 Explorer! Or a 2003 Escape HEV. Or...

lovethosesuvs · May 2001

Well, ordered an Escape today. Now the wait begins. Ordered dark green, no privacy glass. Should be nice, I hope. I just want it to work and be a nice vehicle.

I feel about 6 on a scale of 10 about the X-Plan. I think there's a lot that is not very well explained, and I can't say that my X-plan buying experience has been without confusion and hassle.

It seems that all car salesmen, no matter which mfr. you are dealing with, have a circular way of talking, or they explain things too fast, or jump over things that are concerning you.

A friend of mine is married to a new-car dealership manager, and I even talked to him about the X-plan. I can imagine their conversations, because he is nimbly able to communicate in the above-mentioned format.

odie6l · May 2001

Glad you were able to order yours today. Did the Dealer tell you about how long till the escape would arrive? I ordered mine 2wks ago today and I still don't know when it will be coming in.. they told me 8-10 weeks, but when they get a deffinate date they will call me and let me know.

firstname · May 2001

...using a modified version of the "Rizzo Method." Go to

http://e46fanatics.com/faq/rizzo.html

It's a shrewd business tactic mixed with a lot of common sense discussed many times on the BMW E46 (new 3-series) forum, and works amazingly well if you have some time. You just have to add a bit of upfront research on availability vs. offer-over-invoice for your particular city.

firstname · May 2001

...because they're Firestones?

It reminds me of this guy I knew in college who lived like a slob and didn't clean or fix anything in his apartment until he was about to move out. Then, and only then, would he take painstaking measures to polish his hole-in-the-wall until it was virtually "perfect" -- in order to get back his rent deposit, so he claims. Unfortunately, there was always a deduction for carpet cleaning, and the next tenant turns out to be the beneficiary of his cleaning! It's too bad he never enjoyed living in a decent place for more than half a day.

lovethosesuvs · May 2001

Well, the dealer said anywhere from 8-12 weeks and would let me know as the date got closer. It's a factory order--which is fine with me. Sounds similar to your situation.

I actually don't mind waiting a little bit. I'm pretty happy with my '99 Escort. The only reason I'm getting an SUV is for hauling stuff like sheets of plywood, etc. And the leather seats will help with the dog hair problem. My dog has long hair, and lots of it, so I'm done cleaning cloth seats.

They are replacing the Firestone tires at no extra cost. I put down a $200 deposit.

jeep33 · May 2001

Does anyone know if they shut down Escape production due to Firestone tire problem?

odie6l · May 2001

"And although we recognize the fact that the Escape is available with 15- or 16-inch wheels, it's a bit annoying that the spare tire located beneath the floor in the rear is a 17-inch temporary tire and wheel that takes up nearly as much space as a genuine nontemporary spare would. " From Car and Driver's review of the Escape.

If the 17" space can be replaced by a regular tire, How hard would it be to get a regular tire into the spot of the spare. And has anybody tried to do this as of yet???? I will find out when I get my Goodyear's and let you all know.

Odie

firstname · May 2001

It should be a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) by now -- whether the Firestones that come with the Escape is part of the recall. The official answer so far is NO. The tires recalled are Wilderness AT and the ones on our Escape are Wilderness HT. Yes, one letter makes a big difference.

...and carrying sheets of plywood in your Escape? IMPOSSIBLE if you're talking about full 4ft x 8ft sheets -- unless you leave the rear door OPEN!

bshap · May 2001

the window can open by itself, so you can fit a standard sheet of plywood. you dont need to open the rear door. sorry, firstname

odie6l · May 2001

Don't forget that there is also a RACK on the roof that if properly tied down you can carry plywood ( I just wouldn't drive very quickly).

Odie

scname · May 2001

you can't.. The Escape rear window is less than 48" wide. Tribute rear window is over 48" wide though. One of the reasons I choose tribute.

msdfyed · May 2001

I have had my 4x2 Escape now for 3 weeks and my only noticable problem is that my front tire rims are extremely filthy. Could this be due to fluids leaking out? I havent had the car wahsed(its been raining for a week in NJ) Im thinking of getting mud flaps but this isnt going to helpme with the outsides of my tires....Any ideas?

tronsr1 · May 2001

The black "filth" that you see is brake dust... and you will continually get it for the next 5000 miles or so.,.. and then you will still get some more.It is a problem with almoist all new vehicles with open type wheels.
There is practically no way to eliminate it , except for constant cleaning and keeping a good coat of wax on the wheels {makes it easier to clean] ...or, you can purchase a set of brake dust covers thru www.jcwhitney.com. YThere are two types, vented and non-vented {vented allow more air to keep the brakes cool....{Problem...You really need "four" instead of just two for the front, as when you rotate the tires, the front set is a bitc- to get out, once they are inserted in the inside portion of the wheel...therefore you need four.. approx. $80.00.
Some people do not recommend them.Some people swear by them.I recommend you check with you Ford Service manager for his opinion.Some people have even replaced the Factory brake pads with more expensive top of the line brake pads that are made of a better... less... "wear dust" composition.
Hope this helps...
BrakeDust NORT

gonetomaui99 · May 2001

Have looked at the escape and am 90% sure this is the vehicle for me. Two things concern me. Although I did not notice this on the test drive,I hear a lot said about wind noise Is this a problem? The escape I may buy has the sidebars. They strike me as decent looking, but a real enemy of clean clothes. Would like to know what your experience has been. Thanks for your help.

odie6l · May 2001

I've found a good way to keep brake dust off of most cars with the plastic wheel covers. Use Rain-X on the wheel covers... I don't know if it would work with the Cast wheels on the Escape, but when I get mine I will find out and let you all know.

Odie

robtmoon · May 2001

I just took delivery of a news Escape XLT and the first time I got on the freeway, the howling wind noise appeared and was overwhelming! It was not a little wind noise; it was "the wind began to hitch, the house began to pitch" kind of howling. All the windows were rolled up and the air was on. I'm amazed that someone on the test track didn't realize this before they went into production. Has anyone else reported howling wind noise at freeway speeds in their Escape? I drove another Escape for comparison and it didn't have the noise. I'm taking it back to the dealer for a diagnosis. Any advice? Other than that the car is great. Robtmoon

ke4yyd · May 2001

I have the factory step bars and the cleanest place on the vehicle is where I rub my leg against the step bars. After 7 months and 16000 miles I still rub against them.

The roof rack cross bars are installed by the dealer. Often they are installed backwards and if they are you will get lots of howling. Make sure the gradual slope is forward and the steep slope is rearward.

David

beatleman · May 2001

I will be soon looking to purchase and so far I am leaning to the Escape... at least from all the reviews I have read so far.
My question is though, does anyone know when the 2002 models will be coming out? Also, any word on any changes they may be making to the 2001 model?
Thanks

gnomic · May 2001

I haven't had a problem with wind noise, but a good stereo and old-age deafness make up for a lot. The Escape should be quieter, but then I think most cars could do better in the road noise dept.

The side bars aren't much of a problem, but they do make great door gaurds. People tend to dent thier doors and not hit my sheetmetal. Too bad for them

As for the problems with 2001, they were mostly related to production startup problems, not serious design issues. I think the 2001 is a safe bet now. I just found my first nit: a read door handle isn't set right in the door and pops out when pulled. Minor nit will fix on the 90 day follow up. The 2002 has a few feature changes and different colors, but is basically the same design.

lovethosesuvs · May 2001

And, the 2002 has privacy glass standard. Ford is taking a nice price increase for 2002 also, so somebody will no doubt figure it out that you pay for privacy glass either way, as an option or as standard. At least with the 2001 you have the option of not getting it.

Question: Does this brake dust affect the performance of the brakes? I.e., when you see the brake dust does it mean that something needs to be fixed? Just making sure; seems it's a side effect of the way the brakes are constructed?

odie6l · May 2001

There's some links justa little way up in the list that shows an add for the 2002 Escape.

Odie

suvdreamer2 · May 2001

I've followed this board for a while, and I pretty sure I'm going to buy an Escape XL this fall/winter. I would like to wait for the 2002 model, I've seen the posted brochure... BUT how much is it going to go up??anyone?
If its too much I'll order a 2001 while I still can...
Does anyone out there have an XL Sport??
I haven't seen any in MD...

sasquatch_2000 · May 2001

"If the 17" space can be replaced by a regular tire, How hard would it be to get a regular tire into the spot of the spare. And has anybody tried to do this as of yet???? I will find out when I get my Goodyear's and let you all know."

Even if it is not a full size regular tire, but is close, I'd imagine it is STILL better than the temporary spare they give you. OF COURSE you still want to match it up with the proper replacement as soon as possible.

When I got 185/60R14 for my Civic, I kept the old 175/70R13 as a spare and put the donut in the attic.

tronsr1 · May 2001

The brake dust will not affect your brakeing abilities. It is just that brake dust problem is on almost all vehicles with the "open" type wheels.Even the more expensive models.
Please read my post #670.
As to a regular size spare in the area of the "little spare"...I have been told that it will not fit due to the fact it would be "higher" than the floor mat area and make it look "bumpy".
If you have any doubts about this...I suggest you go to any tire shop or junkyard and just ask to "borrow' a 16" 0r 15" {whatever size you have on your Escape...take out the original spare and test the "borrowed one.
Some of the people in the Ford Escape Yahoo Club
go driving on certain beach areas where a "regular size spare" is mandatory and this same question was asked there with the same above answer.
Hope this helps.
BrakeDust and SpareTire NORT {TRON}

styler · May 2001

We have ordered an XLT 2wd and I have heard bad things about MPG - only 15 or gas gauge is inaccurate - any comments. Plus I have heard that you must change oil with 5W20 - what is the story - what is the difference using 10w30 - is this a way for Ford to tie you to their service - does any vehicle make 5w20 requirement? any thoughts. Also - what is the story with wind noise - can it be improperly installed roof rack as I have read here? Thanks

wantmyescape · May 2001

My Escape was supposed to be delivered this week... I ordered on 3/19/01, and I'm being told that it has not even been scheduled for production because of a side impact air bag production problem... anyone know anything else...

Yellow 4X2 with EVERY OPTION...

I hope Chrysler will extend my lease on my Jeep... or maybe I should buy a Liberty instead, I wonder if I can get my deposit back?

tronsr1 · May 2001

I have an XLT,V/6 auto., Escape,4x2. Have had same since 12/1/2000...8700 miles so far and no problems, except for the fuel smell, which was corrected at the dealership thru a Ford TSB.
MPG:
I average 24.6 mpg highway and 20.5 mpg city. I have made two trips to NJ from Florida and back and keep accurate mpg records.
WIND NOISE
It is possible the roof rack will cause wind noise if not installed with the "slanted" portion faceing the front of the vehicle.Some of the "wind noise' supposedly comes from the sideview mirrors, which is common on a lot of vehicles and also "tire noise".Some people have changed their Firestones for Michelin or whatever "better" type tire. Some dealers will even relace the factory Firestones for you at no charge. I have the 16"Wilderness HT's {no recall on them} and they are fine.I believe the 15" wheels come with General or Goodyear or whatever.
My road/wind noise is no different than my previous Honda Accord.
5-20 OIL
Ford has specified the 5-20 oil for the Escape, Honda has specified 5-20 for some of their new models. Supposedly, it makes for slightly better gas mileage. The 5-20 oil now available even at JiffyLubes...... Motorcraft, Exxon, and some other major suppliers... {I forget the brands}.... now make same and supply same to autoparts stores, etc. Walmart even carries it.
You will not be disappointed when your new Escape arrives.Enjoy it and stop worrying, as the so called "bugs" are now history.
It is a lot of vehicle for the low price. You made a wise choice and will have many safe and enjoyable miles.
FORD ESCAPE TRON

currey · May 2001

Ditto to what tronsr1 said regarding my Tribute. However, my mpg is averaging 19 mpg in heavy city commuting (still above the 18 listed). And as for oil, if you want to go synthetic, Amsoil makes a synthetic 5W-20. As for other weights, I've read lots of posts in the synthetic oil forum stating that they would use 5W-30 for better protection. Yet, personally, I am going to stick with the 5W-20 for now. These are great little SUV, they're a hoot to drive too. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.

kayakr · May 2001

I've owned my Escape for one month now (1100 mi.) with no problems at all. I'm extremely satisfied and would definitely buy it again. The only thing I'd like to see is an improvement in Ford's customer service response. I still cannot get Ford to contact me concerning the need for an engine oil cooler for a towing package to be added after the initial sale. I wanted the factory towing package, but in only was available on a limited number of Escapes on the lots and I did not wish to wait to order. Otherwise, the vehicle that I bought was exactly what I wanted. I still want to install a towing package, but want it to be exactly as factory. Ford jobs out this work to a third party and the service managers from two Ford dealers have told me they "don't think" that the Escape needs an engine oil cooler - probably should add a transmission cooler instead. I do not want what these persons think, but what the engineers designed. Still, the Escape is a good buy with excellent fuel mileage for such a quick 6-cyl engine. RR

hckynut · May 2001

Exactly where do you find this info. on the 2002 and does it have any of the Standard Equipment listed? What about the amount of the price increase as I read a post that said the Privacy Glass would be Standard on the 2002.
Any info. would be appreciated as we were told June 1 was the cutoff date for ordering the 2001 and they also were out of the Moon roofs which is a must for us.
Thanks for any and all information.

hckynut

jimmydelray · May 2001

Wife has an 01 Escape 4 banger.....very nice and drives and handles well except at speeds of 80 mph.... starts to vibrate. This is not the tires it's like the engine is missing. Any one else have this... BTW will only go a little over 80mph. Also own the Explorer '02. This vehicle cruises at 90 with very little noise. No vibration at all... Would other 4 cylinder owners please comment?

Thanks,

Jimmy

mrdetailer · May 2001

I called Quacker State recently and got some interesting information.

1. QS now mkes an appropriate 5W-20 oil, but to meet manufacturer specifications they are using a synthetic blend. This also complies with the new SL standard that replaces the SJ oil standard.

2. The same engines a few years ago had 10W-30 recommended. There is definitely a gas mileage issue with Ford that may come at the cost of engine wear. But the 5W-30, and 10W30, will not meet this newer specification until July.

3. Personal opinion, with these engines I would use Synthetic. It holds the seal better anyway, and is more durable.

lovemyescape2 · June 2001

Kaykr, your best bet is to work through your Ford dealer. The "customer service" at Ford national headquarters is pretty lame, in my experience.

chipperrrrr · June 2001

Does anyone know if Ford plans to upgrade to a painted bumper and side cladding system in the 2002 iteration. I think the Ford looks great except for the gray plastic cladding and bumpers which give it I feel a cheap look. I know its supposed to impart a more rugged look, but not everyone wants rugged. I really like the honeycomb grill design versus the mazda tribute. Also, the rear end design is more appealing than the pentagonal glass design of the tribute. However, the gray plastic really turns me off. Also, I have had vehicles in the past that had this and long term wear makes its look even worse. If you have ever seen the Waag.com website, you can see what a great look painting the bumpers can impart to the escape. Right now, in a holding pattern regarding the escape, tribute or highlander. Want to see what 2002 will bring, especially now that the bugs seem to be being worked out of all 3, except for the supply problem regarding the trib.

idriver0001 · June 2001

Since reading about consumer complaints about fuel smell with the Escapes on the NHTSA site, I can't help but feel that this is a major problem. I drive with an infant in the back seat and am worried about the toxic affects. I am due for my 3000 mile checkup and will raise the issue then. I have a moonroof installed, but I wonder if it is working properly. When I push the switch to open moonroof, it does not open all the way. It stops 3/4 of the way and I have to press the switch again to get the moonroofto open all the way. Is this just a problem with my suv??

jimmydelray · June 2001

Need some help!!!! The dealership keeps telling me that it is not legal to go over 80 mph therefore there is no problem. We own the 4 cylinder Escape XLS and absolutely love the vehicle except for one major problem. We were on the turnpike the otherday and the vehicle will not go over 80MPH. It also starts to miss at that speed and continues to do it at any speed until you stop and restart the engine. The dealership checked the brakes and front in even though I told them it wasn't related to front end being out of line but more related to the engine wanting to stall out. Please can anyone else tell me that their vehicle will go over 80MPH!!!!

Thanks for your help,
Jimmy

firstname · June 2001

I like it -- for both its appearance and durability. It does not chip and ding like a painted bumper does (had one of those, they're terrible!). The only question I have is regarding their long-term maintenance and cleaning -- is it easy to do? Mud comes off easily, but how about road tar, grease and grime?

drew_ · June 2001

Please read the owner's manual to confirm, but I believe that the moonroof does not open all of the way purposely to reduce wind buffering in the cabin (other vehicles do this as well). With the roof retracted all of the way, you'll probably noticed a lot more pressure/wind noise in the vehicle. One way to deal with this is to crack open both of the rear windows by a couple of inches so that the air has somewhere to escape.

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

lovethosesuvs · June 2001

Actually, I kind of like it--it's Jeep-esque, without the myriad of Jeep problems!

sasquatch_2000 · June 2001

Just tell him you are planning a trip to Montana, where there are no speed limits, and want to use your vehicle to its fullest ability.

lovemyescape2 · June 2001

Don't panic. First, not all Escape's have this/experience this. Those that do, are easily fixed. No worries.

socko1 · June 2001

Brand new Escape - 71 Miles on it (at least we think there is 71 miles on it). Our Odometer seems to get stuck on either "Trip" or "Odo"? We touch it under 1 second (simple push) ; it stays without toggling to the other. Currently it is stuck on "Odo" and beeps to "Trip" without using the little stick. Occasionally it displays "test" in the little digital display on starting the vehicle???

jeffwork1 · June 2001

I have taken my Escape on several out of town trips and never had the car UNDER 80mph on the interstate. I kept it at around 90 for a 6 hour trip and it had no problems. I dont know what your dealer is talking about.

jimmydelray · June 2001

Great news Jeff, is it the four cylinder model though????? There must be a bunch of 4 cylinder owners out there that have driven over 80???????

Thanks a bunch,
Jimmy

firstname · June 2001

It seems these are the three different "breeds" of Escapes.

The 4cyl, of course, has less power but better mileage -- and the characteristics described in recent messages. It's also the only engine that's offered with the manual tranny, which I would have loved to get with my 6cyl.

The 6cyl4x2 is the one with better than 18/24 mileage (I wonder why they didn't post different numbers for it) -- most likely due to its lack of transfer case and extra weight and friction. I believe this is the one that people are getting over 20mpg on average and over 25 long distance?

All in all, I still love my 6cyl4x4 because it really grips the loose slippery stuff even before switching to "always on 4x4." And it still rockets off a green ahead of most others with four adults in it. Too bad the gas tank is not bigger. I'm filling up way too often.

Ford Escape

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