I have never bought an American car in my life because of the bad reliability. I am strictly a Toyota person. However, the Toyota Highlander is too big. I like the way the Escape looks but there's no way I would buy one without good reliability reports. Anyone have any horror stories or good points to share?
But, with your predisposition to Toyota, My guess is that you will be less than satisfied with an american car. Even if only average mishaps occur, first impressions are hard to overcome. People get into a mindset and rarely change, especially when forgiveness is required. If a squeek develops in a toyota, the toyota fan forgives. If the toyota fan buys a ford and a squeek develops, well you know what happens. Just make sure you are on firm ground for leaving your place of comfort and be impartial should you choose the ford. Why not the RAV4? that would be less risky for you.
Im not trying to dwell into your psyche and you may not fit the mold, but what Im describing is well within human nature. We forgive our friends much quicker than strangers, especially strangers we initially think are bad.
"a much more practical alternative for someone who doesn't need the weight or the bulk of the Explorer" Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Just found out that my Escape is on-line as of yesterday!!!!!!! Woo hoo!
One reason I chose an Escape is that I anticipate being easily able to park it on busy Chicago city streets. I don't think I could manage as easily with a bigger vehicle. Though I live in a small town, I travel to Chicago enough so that I need an all-purpose vehicle up to wherever I happen to be going that day!
They anticipate being able to deliver my vehicle the first part of August, though they say oftentimes they deliver a week before that.
I am just about ready to place my order...I am down to the Liberty and the Escape now. I think the 2002 Escape will be a good vehicle. I love the Dark Shadow Gray BUT it is only in the Sport package and I do not like the No Boundries Roof Rack.
The escape gets better gas mileage, but isn't as good quality. I like the ride of the liberty and overall quality of the vehicle.
Does anyone have the spec on the 2002 escape packages. I know Shadow Gray is limited, no more wedgewood blue...what is the "true blue" like? How close is it to the wedgewood blue?
So many decisions, I am not sure which way I will go. Another test drive in both...maybe I should get one of each?! :-)
I don't know how you can say that the Escape isn't as good quality as the Liberty. There really isn't much basis for that claim.
Anyways... True Blue is darker than the Wedgewood blue. It comes on Mustangs, so you can probably find one at the dealership with that color. I really liked the Wedgewood blue, and wish they had kept it, but the True Blue is pretty sharp looking.
For full details on all of the packages for 2002, check out:
I am not disparaging the escape. But, the interior quality of the liberty is MUCH better; quality of the materials. Escape has very cheap door handles etc. I LOVE the escape, but I really like the liberty as well. I am having a tough time deciding which is the better way to go.
I am disappointed about the limited colors with the escape. Wedgewood blue was fantastic. I will have to see what the true blue looks like. I like the steel blue and patriot blue on the liberty.
Also, pricing on the escape 2002 will be a factor as well.
i've seen both and the overall quality of the liberty is better, especially the interior components.
but as with any other large decision its a matter of what you want and what's important to you. if power & handling are what you seek go for the escape. if you want more 4wd capability and the quality we spoke of - go for the liberty.
The Escape looks just right. It's clearly masculine in design. The styling is balanced with every element composed thoughtfully and elegantly: front-end, head lights, lower cladding, good profile, the entire rear-end design, the tail lights. It makes me think of all the best features of every good SUV ever made -- blended into a most effective small package.
The Liberty, on the other hand, looks downright ugly. IMHO. Its round headlights are definitely NOT cute. They strain the imagination trying to carry cues from an earlier Jeep model. It's a half-breed at best. The wheelwell flares are overdone. The side profile is awkward, rear-heavy and abominable. It has no styling element tying the front to the back to the sides -- as if each portion was concocted by a separate little committee, and the resulting glob of a compromise rushed into production at the eleventh hour. I'm so sorry to see it as an actual vehicle instead of at the bottom of a designer's trash bin.
IMHO, there's absolutely no comparison between the two. Except in price? -- but that would say a lot about a buyer's taste (or lack thereof). The Escape is a handsome all-American athlete. The Liberty is Frankenstein's face-smashed stumbling weakling suffering from a physical disease.
While I do not find the Liberty to be ugly, I chose the Escape over the Liberty for a number of reasons which I will list. The Liberty has less cargo room with the back seats up. The back seats do not lay flat in the Liberty when put down. The hump in the middle of the floor is so big there is little room for feet. The doors to the back seat are very narrow making it awkward for an adult or teen to get in and out of the vehicle. The Liberty is more "tippy", someone reported having to make a quick lane change and the Liberty went 5-6" off the ground on one side. The Escape gets better gas mileage. The Escape is now in the second year of production so the kinks should be worked out. The interior of the Liberty is nicer looking but as far as quality, only time will tell...when Edmunds did their test of the Liberty a piece of the paneling fell off onto their feet while driving. Probably an isolated incident but you won't really know until it has been out for awhile.
Dealer called me today 7/10/01 and told me that the escape that I had ordered on 5/10/01 came in on the carrier. I will either be picking it up tomorrow (7.11.01) or will be waiting till Sat , but I may not be able to pike it up tomorrow. Dealer said they have to pull it into the recon dept. and check it over to make sure everything is ok and then they will wash and handwax it before I pick it up. I'm tickled...hee-hee-hee-hee.
If you want to know what I got on it..scroll up a few messages and you will see.
As for the 2002 True Blue, it is more Glossy than the Med. Wedgewood. It is more of an Electric blue in color. Dodge have almost the same color blue on their Dakota's and Ram's.
I have owned a Toyota for 15 years logging over 210,000 miles. I've owned a Honda Accord, two Triumphs, a VW, two Kawasakis, a Suzuki, and a Honda motorcycle. Currently I have only the Escape (no backup vehicle).
Reliability is important, of course. *Reputation* for reliability is also important. Ford is obviously not on par with Toyota, Honda and Mercedes. But they are not far off! Jeep is notoriously further behind. See any Consumer Reports issue on cars and trucks.
So what gives?
If you're in the market for a new vehicle, then just get the latest production of the model you like WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST! Or wait a few months if you can -- if you think there are some quirks still to be worked out in the production of the model you want.
My Escape was assembled in March 2001. No rattles, no squeals, no odors, no noises, nothing wrong about it. Just as tight as anything. Knock on wood. It's going on 3000 miles. I think it's a good idea to buy one with very very low miles on it, like under 10 on the odo. There may be other signs. And also from a dealer who stores them indoors, if possible.
Besides that, it's just natural chance that some new cars will rattle more than others. Some will develop a weak water pump after 50k or something. Some will run strong for over 200k miles.
hi everybody! I'd like to ask you which are the reasons to choose ford escape over hyundai Santa Fe??
I have made several comparisons betwen those two suvs. And I find Santa Fe more comfortable with better quality materials inside. I also checked chrash test results for both suvs and was surprised to see SF on the top with best safety and on the other hand , escape was rated so poorly. But escape has more powerful engine 200hp against 185 hp in SF.
So , what do u. suggest? which are the pros/cons for escape/santa fe??
mike_xg. Curious as to where you saw the crash tests that rated the Espcape as you said " escape was rated so poorly." I have been to several crash test sites and of the ones that had rated the Escape all of the important tests were either rated Excellent or Good. Those being:
1)Frontal Crash-Driver-Excellent
2)Frontal Crash-Passenger-Good
3)Side Crash-Driver-Excellent
4)Side Crash-Passenger-Excellent
My choice of buying a 2002 Escape when they become available was because of these safety results. I don't know right off hand how the Santa Fe crash tests results compare to this, but I do know that by mosts car buyers criteria the results I listed on these particular crash tests would be considered a pretty safe vehicle to purchase.
Not sure but I think I checked out the Santa Fe and it was considerably higher priced than the Escape. I also went thru the process of elimination looking for a small size SUV and the ones I looked at were either too high priced, had too short a wheelbase(under 100"), tested poorly in the crash tests, or all of the above. Test drove all the ones I thought fit close to my standards on what SUV to purchase and the Escape had many more check marks on the "Positive" side of my Ledger than on the "Negative" side.
Put in my order today for the 2002 XLT Premium package. The X plan got me the vehicle at $326 under the invoice. This is a small dealer and his allocation limit is small so my order won't be placed until August with delivery about seven weeks later. I'm in no rush. This was the easiest hassle-free way to purchase such a hot vehicle. The fleet guy had no clue what the EAA was so, and he's been with Ford/Lincoln for 15 some years. I recommend doing the X plan.
Edmunds was not doing the road test when the interior piece came loose, it was a guy and girl from some newspaper. Anyway, they gave it great reviews otherwise. I have a Liberty on order, due in August. A woman I work with recently bought an Escape. I tried to talk her into a Liberty. I asked her yesterday how it was, she said it has 3000 miles on it and it's been in the shop twice. It keeps stalling and the dealer can't find the problem. Made me feel a lot better about my decision, and now she's regretting her's.
Does anyone know of any Mazda Dealers in the NYC Metro area that will accept X-plan for a TRIBUTE LX-V6 (ordered, not off the lot). The tribute seem to just look nicer than the Escapes (IMHO). How soon after joining EAA would I be able to proceed? Can I get Member# immediately if I sign up over the phone? Any ideas or suggestions appreciated.
After I had found out that my dealer had gotten my Escape in on tues 7-10-01 I told him that I would not be picking up the vehicle until sat 7-14-01. Went to the James Taylor concert last night (wed 7-11-01) and decided to stop and look over the escape (with no dealers around). Well I located the vehicle and to my surprise... on the window sticker (which was still applied) the vehicle is $200 more than I was quoted. Now when I ordered I had gotten a Hard copy of the Order with all my option and prices listed plus I have everything broken down on the form (taxes, tags, dest., trade, down payment, and final payoff price.) Now I can't wait to see if the dealers going to try and charge my the extra $200 on the sticker or if they are going to honor the Hard Copy order I have (plus it has the sales manager and dealers initials on it and my signature).
the extra $200 to your dealer. Ford has raised prices since you ordered and legally dealers can pass the charge on to you as provided by your hard copy contract. Read it you will find it in small print. Its normal legitimate industry practice.
I have the actual print-out with all the prices and pay info on it...I haven't signed anything but that, and it's not a contract. They told me what I have to pay by way of the Order Invoice. I now already have a cashier's check for the remaining $13,500.00 to pay the vehicle off. Can you say pissing battle with the dealer...woo-hoo I'm looking foward to this.
--I have just returned from the Ford Dealer, where they checked my XLT for this sporadic problem that happens maybe, once every 2-3 weeks. Its a 4x4, 6cyl. made April 2, 2001, in Kansas. The service mechanic put the truck onto the computer and it checked out fine. The mechanic took it home, no acceleration problem. I again explained that it happens randomly. They said they couldn't fix something that they couldn't detect and asked me to come pick it up, unfixed. I returned to the dealer armed with some emails from an Escape owner's site, featuring the same problem. They read the emails and called the Ford Hotline. Yes, there is a problem with some Escapes. They said reprogram the truck's computer with a newer program, this sometimes works (sometimes). Upon putting the truck onto their computer, they found the new program was already installed on this vehicle. Obviously, the new program has not solved the problem. So here I sit with a beautiful little SUV, with 1340 miles on it, and a potential serious accident waiting to happen (I almost hit a tree when it flew backwards, and my husband was in a parking lot when it flew forward just missing another car). Please, if anyone has this problem, post it & Call your dealer to try to get it fixed. We need to get on the record about this. I also filed this with the NHTSA . This car should be recalled. I am going back to the dealer, and demand a factory rep.
Not because of the quality issues, my prior bad experiences with fords, or owner nightmare issues posted here.
I love the look outside of these vehicles and they look like the right size for me... However, what knocked them off my list was the interior. I didn't even DRIVE the thing once I sat inside. I realize this is my taste and to each his own but the interior screams "cheap plastic". Door handles, etc. Then when I saw the column shifter, that was it. I just don't like the column shifters PERIOD but that, coupled with the cheap appearing interior/dash did it in. The Explorer interior was much nicer and even the Hyundai looked richer/better executed in comparison. As for the Liberty, the exterior looks fine to me, really, and the interior is GORGEOUS. It looks like a $40,000 vehicle in there and the materials have that rich german look/feel that screams quality. I think ford needs to rework the interior (design and materials) and move the shifter to the floor. Just my 2cents
You don't like column shifters; I see it as an incredible waste of space. I'd rather have a column shifter. It must be hard to please so many people when you have to manufacture a product either one way or the other and not both!
My approach in choosing the Escape must be the POLAR OPPOSITE of yours!
I had sold my Honda Accord due to its awkward clutch engagement and was shopping for a 4x4 stick shift truck like a Ford Ranger, Mazda B-series, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier. My rental was a little SUV called the Ford Escape. After each and every test-drive at the dealership (I tried about seven different trucks), I drove home pleasantly surprised by how much better the Escape feels!
I lived and worked with the rental Escape for a whole week, taking care of normal business as well as a full weekend of off-roading. The Escape proved to provide enough of the cargo space that I needed. I was impressed enough to decide on a SUV instead of a truck.
So I proceeded to test-drive small SUVs. The Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage all had weak little engines. The RAV4 was also much more expensive, and we all know the maniacal hyenas that Toyota salesmen are. The Nissan Xterra was too massive and handled like a truck. It rolled nauseously around the same twisties where the Escape danced like an stout linebacker. My rental had better steering, tighter handling, better manueverability, and was generally more "tossable" at higher speeds. It had more power, rode more solidly, and was generally the superior road vehicle compared to those SUVs. All without the awkwardness of an external spare tire. Horror stories about Jeep reliability kept me away from the Grand Cherokee. Similar for the Isuzu Rodeo.
So my compromises were: 1) getting an automatic transmission -- there's an ABSENCE of good 5-spd SUVs 2) the awkward Escape shifter -- it was the ONLY blemish on the entire package
I figured that for such a perfect little SUV, I would gladly get used to its shifter.
The bonus goodies were finding the perfect color/options I wanted (including leather) and discovering that a new vehicle is much tighter and more solid than a rental!
Now I feel very safe and proud driving my Ford Escape -- not because it's a larger vehicle, but because it has better *control* and *handling* for me to AVOID dangerous situations. And all while I ENJOY DRIVING IT everywhere I go.
I ordered the XLT 4x4 Premium which is as decked out as any of the models. There are only three options available at that level, side air bags, Mach audio and side step bars.
The base price for this model was $22,774 invoice, retail $24,450. I ordered the step bars at $248 invoice, $275 retail. With the charges for gas $20.50, delivery $540 and FDAF $210. Total invoice price was $23,792.50. I paid $23,466. Retail price was $25265.
Interesting that I priced out a 2001 XLT 4x4 with all of the options that you get as a 2002 and the 2002 was actually cheaper in the long run!
Am shopping for a Escape XLT V6, automatic. Am having problems finding any information on city gas mileage. I will be driving about 80%city/ 20% why. I have seen one posting on this site of 18.4 mpg city. Are any of you V6 drivers doing better than this on city mileage?
toodamnhip. Haven't been able to find a price list for the 2002 Escape. Care to share this information with me and anyone else that may be interested? Thank you.
Regarding prices. I haven't seen any besides the one I purchased, but dealers have them now. As I wrote, I bought the top of the line model, the XLT 4x4 Premium package. It comes with just about everything. The base price for this model was $22,774 invoice, retail $24,450.
Let's poll the other readers who have purchased the 2002 and see what they paid or have gotten for numbers.
toodamnhip. I'll give my dealer a call Monday. He was supposed to call me when they received the prices for the 2002's. We are going to order the Premium 2WD version and probably add the side bars and also the air bags. Think the audio system in it is pretty darn good without the Mach system. I agree with you about the pricing. I've bought a lot of New Cars and when they come out with a Model with a lot of standard equipment they are usually cheaper than taking a previously base Model and adding the same options. I am going to use the X-Plan to either buy or lease. We haven't decided that part yet.
As soon as we get the prices we are going to place the order and then put her 1995 Pontiac Gran Prix GT up for sale. It will be a snap to sell around here as there just aren't very many. We bought it brand new and it is low mileage and mint condition. Got all the options, leather,moonroof, headsup display etc. The only option we didn't get was the engine heater. In other words it's loaded. I priced it out on Edmunds and I'll use that as a starter. Around here I can probably add a few hundred more bucks.
All worthy contenders, no doubt. I agree with barres62. I was also looking at the mini-utes. I really liked the looks of the Mazda Tribute. And the Honda CRV is undoubtedly a solid vehicle, Honda quality, built in Japan. I considered most of these. (My criteria were good quality construction, and for me that usually means Japanese but I was trying to keep and open mind.) reliable, and I determined reliability by reading these posts as well as ratings at epinions.com., lots of cargo room to carry boxes to UPS and the Post Office for my business and the seats had to fold down easy. Well here are my thoughts as I roamed the car lots jumping into these vehicles.
SUBARU FORESTER We all know that Subaru knows how to build a solid durable car and the Forester is no exception. I liked the storage room it has in the back. Butno matter what I did I found it kind of plain looking, even boring. Really a car that they are promoting as an SUV mini-ute. Decided to keep looking.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE Nice entry level from Hyundai. Looks good and lots of cargo room.But I read some comments about it being kind of lethargic. And anyways, I was kind of concerned with HYundai's ability to build a quality SUV. I don't think I could bring myself te spend the $17,000 - $18,000 on one when I can get a CRV, with Honda quality and resale value built in Japan for the same or a little more.
FORD ESCAPE/MAZDA TRIBUTE These are real nice. I prefer the Mazda. Impressive room in the back, 200hp engine. Great handing. Don't like the shifter on the steering column. Also what's with all the recalls? And then I read ALOT of negative comments and horror stories here and at epinions from new owners. Stuff like, the oil draining out of the engine, rattles and other problems. Too bad Ford always has to mess up in production an otherwise well designed car. Well....on to the next lot.
HONDA CRV Now this cars smells quality! Build in Japan, probably by factory workers in white lab coats and with clip boards. Surprising room in the back. But the four-cylinder engine seems like a rip off when you compare it to the Tribute. True you get better gas mileage and all, but power IS a factor. And it was just TOO family for me what with the little table in the middle that folds up so you can jump to the back seat. And the picnic table was just too much. I can just see the whole family just headed to the park for a picnic. Yeachhh!! But, hey I don't have to use it. This was one of my top 3 picks. But one problem, I spent more that 2 WEEKS looking at every Honda CRV that rolled by. Not one was being driven by a male. All of them had women at the wheel! I guess it must be the picnic table.
JEEP LIBERTY Looks like a nice vehicle. Good weight to it means it is well built. But just coming off the assembly line when I was ready to buy. I was concerned about 1st-year bugs that still might need to be worked out.
Well the punchline is that I ended up getting a 2001 Trooper S. With the 0% 60 mos. financing being offered by Isuzu My price of under $25,000 with 0% 60 month Isuzu financing of the vehicle works out to be about the same as the Forester, Tribute, Santa Fe or Jeep Liberty, and you still have to add on the interest you will have to pay if you are financing and of these. I could see no reason to get any of these mini-utes over the Trooper, a luxury SUV that can do battle with Expeditions, Tahoes, 4-Runners, Landrovers, Monteros and Landcruisers, not too mention the mid-size Explorer, Blazer and Durango. Isuzu has been building trucks and SUV's for many years. And the base Trooper comes loaded with full frame construction, 215hp 24-valve V6, rear-wheel drive, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, stereo, alloy wheels, even remote keyless entry. All standard! The Trooper had over 90 cu. ft of cargo. So you don't usually have to even fold the seats for cargo. And when you do need to fold them down the rear seats in the Trooper are the easiest and best to fold down of any SUV. With most of the SUV's out there, you have to remove the headrests and find some place to stuff them. Then you have to fold up the bottom of the seat (this was really a pain in the Tribute/Escape with the metal bar device it has in the back. I think this was a kind of cheap mechanism to install. Like they could not afford hinges. So they put the cheap unwieldy bar instead)Anyways, try out folding up the rear seats on the Trooper. They fold forward with one hand. The is usually more than enough space. But if not, they tumble forward again. The seats fold on stron sturdy hinges with springs. The Trooper is built in Japan and it shows. The quality of the build is awesome! You look at this vehicle turn the knobs on the AC. look under the hood, and listen to that solid air tight sound the doors make when shut, and you can tell it will run well over 100,000 miles....And it does. Just read some of the reports by owners about their Troopers at epinions.com. They typically go over 150,000 miles. Trooper owners love their vehicles!
Yeah, Consumer Reports said that the Trooper can roll over easier that other SUV's. And no doubt that ANY of these mini-utes handle much better. Of course they do. They are basically cars. But the SUV craze started with real trucks being converted to SUVs. The pioneers were the Jeep Cherokee, the Isuzu Trooper, The Mitsubishi Montero, the 4-Runner, the Land Cruiser and Land Rover. And of course these are the most truck-like of all the SUV's. They WERE the first SUV's. And coincidentally, they are all probably more likely to roll over that the new car-like SUV's. No doubt. But trucks ARE more likely to roll that cars. They are trucks! It makes total sense. The criticism of truck-like SUV's like the Trooper and Montero by Consumer Reports is silly. In the real world, if I were in an accident, I'd rather be in a Trooper (or for that matter, any full size frame-body SUV)than any of the mini-utes.
Yeap.....one day I was in a shopping center parking lot. And I was lucky to find a Honda CRV a Mazda Tribute and an Isuzu Trooper that happened to be parked almost next to each other. I looked at the 3 vehicles and realized that they all were going to cost about the same.....Hmmmm..... And really, there was no comparison. The CRV and the Tribute looked like toys compared to the Trooper. One hell of a vehicle for the money! In my opinion, it is a steal! You guys out here looking at the mini-utes. Do yourselves a favor and look at the Trooper up against your favorite mini-utes.
The task of buying a car this year is certainly more difficult than any other year I have been in the market. After a month and some heavy reading of all the fantastic info in Town Hall I have learned more about cars and trucks than I really need to know.
My wife and I really love the lib, however, like most people we would never go off roading to justify the poor milage and the heavy duty truck. It is by far IMHO the best looking suv out there and drives nice too. The X isn't quite as nice except they are dealling on those to incent your purchase more than jeep is. so money almost took us to nissan over jeep.
We also went in to ford for the escape. It is much faster and quicker than the previous two and much MUCH better on the milage. That is for good reason. It is a Car !!!!!!! You can't be serious about the purchase of a suv and make the choice between the escape and the lib. they are not in the same league by any stretch. In fact IMHO if you are buying or thinking of the later you are only buying for the four wheel drive.
That is what we realized we were doing. Then we started looking at the subaru. It has better bang for the buck, I think. AWD and much cheaper than the escape. For the money...if you aren't looking for an off road vehicle and need the AWD of one you are probably not in need of a lib or a X for that matter. Much like we realized when we crossed the lib off our list and eventually reserved an 02 forrester... we still want a liberty, but, like someone else already said, Why put up with the suv if you don't need to. I will get car insurance not suv and 22+ gpm. not to mention almost the same cargo space and the same 150# roof rack.
In closing the town hall and its participants with debates and info have been the best thing to car buying ever.
Got my 2001 Escpae XLT 4x4 sat (7/14/01) and was out driving around yasterday and today. There are NO squeeks, rattles, studders, smells (except the new car smell). Nothing at all wrong. Both my wife and I love it and she now keeps bugging me to let her drive (being I can drive her's, I can bug her). At my first fill-up I will let you know what type of mileage I'm getting. As of now it's seems pretty good I'm at 110 miles and am 1/2 way between Full and 3/4. Also Dealer did not put Goodyear Wrangler RT/S tires on, They put Goodyear Wrangler RF-A tires on (which are Rotation Free - Aquatread) very beefy looking tires. To all who have an escape hope your's gives you plenty of good time, and those who are looking to buy/or thinking of buying... It's a fun little truck/SUV. I will probally snap some pics with my digital and post them for you guys to see.
Anyone installed the daytime running lights? Is it easy to do or should it be done by the dealer? If the dealer installed it how long did it take them to do so?
odie6l.What a sweet looking SUV. Good pics also what kind of digital you using? Is that the color blue that they discontinued in the 2002? I've looked, read and driven almost all of the SUV'S mentioned above by "tntmyth". I agree with some of his assessments, but to use a vehicles weight as a criteria for "better built" I ain't buying that one. If heavier were better we'd all be driving 3 ton cars and 4 ton trucks. Keep us posted on your experiences with your Escape. As I mentioned in a previous post I am still waiting to see a price list for the 2002 Models of the Escape. And then it's just a matter of ordering the Premium + maybe 1 or 2 of the 3 available options. Of course I'll have to be sure the dealer I am working with now will sell it to me with the X-Plan. He said they would, but I'm not one to believe it until I see it and sign it. We have several Ford Dealers around here so I won't have a problem finding one that will go with the X-Plan assuming it is still available on the 2002's. I'm getting anxious after seeing your pics.
an Olympus D-490 2.1 megapixel digital camera. Yes my escape is the Med. Wedgewood blue that is being replaced by the True Blue (which is a little brighter).
Also I now feel like a complete doofus. I was at Wal-mart last night and my key would not turn. Knowing me after reading all the posts in the problems section I freaked. I thought that my key had been un-programmed. Turns out my stearing wheel was just locked. I then just looked in the rear view mirror and put a thumb and finger on my forehead to look like a " L ". and too make matters worse.... my wife was more parranoid than I was. I can now just laugh about it. LOL
.... Also I disagree with one thing Tntmyth had said ". But the SUV craze started with real trucks being converted to SUVs. The pioneers were the Jeep Cherokee, the Isuzu Trooper, The Mitsubishi Montero, the 4-Runner, the Land Cruiser and Land Rover. " If I remeber correctly the Wrangler body has been around since 1946 when it was the Jeep Willeys. Also the Dodge Ram Charger / Chevy K-series and Ford Bronco where around long before all but the LR and LC.
One other thing.... I'm probally the first to say this but (don't get me wrong I love my new littel truck)is it me or does the Escape have about the same room as the old Bronco II.
Just adding my pricing info on an ordered 2002 4x2 XLT Choice 2 with the leather option (didn't order Premium as didn't want moonroof). X-Plan price of $21,445.32 Ordered dark highland green with tan interior, adding a spoiler and splash guards but those prices not added to the above price.
I'm getting a Dark Highland Green as well...wanted to ask you how you are getting the spoiler and the splash guards. Would like a few bells and whistles (beyond what's already there) like this but don't know how to do it or where to start. Please help!!
That post regarding SUVs being started with a truck is so ludicrous! He may be true to the fact, but that alone makes no sense in *choosing* to buy an SUV. It's like electing George W because his dad was president! Phooey!
If that neanderthal takes a second to pull his head out of the sand, he'll realize that his statement is precisely the reason why new SUVs are designed more like cars -- to IMPROVE them over those ancient trucks! Newer SUVs have independent rear suspensions for better ride. They have lighter, stiffer unibody construction so they handle better than separate body-on-fullframe. They have rack-and-pinion steering instead of recirculating ball -- so they drive better on the road. They are lighter to save fuel and improve urban performance.
Nothing wrong with his Trooper, however. It will simply waste more fuel, ride rougher, roll over and crash easier, get passed quicker by Escapes, take up more parking space, and generally drive like a truck. Might as well get a 4x4 truck!!
There is a catalog of extras available for the Escape put out by Ford - everything from bug guards, front end bras, to basket racks and tailgate tables. It is called the Outfitters brochure. The spoiler and splash guards are in it and I told the dealer to order those items for me and have them put on my Escape at the dealership before I pick it up. The catalog is very hard to come by but I found one on the internet with prices and the dealer had one to verify the item numbers and prices. The link for it is http://escape-central.com/6outfitters.htm for the items and http://escape-cental.com/6outfittersprice.htm Enjoy!
Called my dealer this a.m. to see if they had the 2002 prices yet, and to my surprise he said YES. I will be ordering a car with this equipment as soon as I get a look at the color options swatches or something. I am considering the Satin Silver(?) or probably the White. I like the light color cars as they are cooler in the heat and also do not show not being clean quite so easily.
1)XLT 2WD Premium Package
2)Side Bar Option
3)Side Air Bag Option
MSRP= $24,165.00
Invoice= $22,463.50
I can buy it at invoice but I am trying to find out if the company I retired from in 1991(Then the AT&T Company/Went to Lucent Technologies/Now is called Avaya Company)has a PIN number with Ford Motor. If not I will join the EAA so I can buy with the X-Plan. My calculations show that I can probably get the car with the X-Plan for around= $22,240.
From some of the figures I have seen from other X-Plan orders it looks like you pay about 92.87% of the MSRP for the car.
Anyway as soon as I get the above finished I will be ordering this Escape XLT. Can't wait!!
Found out I can use that X-Plan as a retired employee of AT&T/Lucent Technologies. Got my PIN number and am ready to get with the ordering in the next few days if possible.
The Escape is the same as listed in my previous Post but using the X-Plan Pricing.
My price without X-Plan: $22,463.50
My price with the X-Plan: $22,194.12
A few hundred bucks was worth the time I spent running down my PIN Number. This 2002 came out lower priced(with the X-Plan)than a 2001 equipped the same way except that the 2002 has the 6 cd/changer that was not standard in the 2001. More car less price how can a guy beat that?
Does anyone have an Escape with doorlocks that engage automatically when the car is shifted out of Park and into Reverse or Drive? I had been told by a Ford salesman that all Ford products with Remote Keyless entry have these automatic doorlocks ... now my dealer service people (after two of trying to fix the problem) and my salesman say that the Escape does not come with this feature.
I have a loaded XLT 4x2 with keyless entry and my locks do not engage unless i engage them. U figure a loaded escape would auto engage in drive or at 15mph like the jeeps but alas nothing at all but maually pushing the electric lock. Maybe the 2002 will have this feature.
jefferson1964. Just ordered a 2002 XLT 4x2 Premium with added side bars and side air bags. Ordered the new Satin Silver Metallic. Looked thru the Exterior Color Book at the dealer and this color really looked sweet.
Went with the 2WD mainly because I plan no Off-Road driving and after the winter we had last year here in Nebraska we got by with only a front wheel drive Pontiac Gran Prix. I drove both the 4x2 and the 4x4 and the 4x4 road much stiffer and much more road noise(drive train probably)than the 2x4. I thought maybe it was just the 2 particular Escapes I drove so I went back the next day and drove to different ones and the result was the same. The 4x4 had a stiffer ride and the same with the road noise.
Don't think they changed anything as far as the door locks. Did you also noticed that when you have your door locked you don't have to push anything to unlock it. Just pull on the handle and it opens. Never had a car that did that. Usually have to pull something up or down or a switch to unlock them. Ford's reason behind this in case of a child or any emergency of some kind with someone being trapped inside the car you don't have to find anything but the door handle to unlock it. This is akin to their "In Truck" feature that illuminates should someone become locked in the trunk of a Ford Car.
Dealer said to look at 4-6 week delivery time. We'll just have to wait and see on that one.
evets50. Ordered mine yesterday after seeing the prices for the 2002. For the same car in the 2002 Model it is cheaper than the 2001. Got the 2002 cheaper than the same dealer could sell me the 2001(with the X-Plan), and also got the 6 disc cd player to boot. I think Ford did pretty well with the prices.
Comments
But, with your predisposition to Toyota, My guess is that you will be less than satisfied with an american car. Even if only average mishaps occur, first impressions are hard to overcome. People get into a mindset and rarely change, especially when forgiveness is required. If a squeek develops in a toyota, the toyota fan forgives. If the toyota fan buys a ford and a squeek develops, well you know what happens. Just make sure you are on firm ground for leaving your place of comfort and be impartial should you choose the ford. Why not the RAV4? that would be less risky for you.
Im not trying to dwell into your psyche and you may not fit the mold, but what Im describing is well within human nature. We forgive our friends much quicker than strangers, especially strangers we initially think are bad.
"a much more practical alternative for someone who doesn't need the weight or the bulk of the Explorer"
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
One reason I chose an Escape is that I anticipate being easily able to park it on busy Chicago city streets. I don't think I could manage as easily with a bigger vehicle. Though I live in a small town, I travel to Chicago enough so that I need an all-purpose vehicle up to wherever I happen to be going that day!
They anticipate being able to deliver my vehicle the first part of August, though they say oftentimes they deliver a week before that.
The escape gets better gas mileage, but isn't as good quality. I like the ride of the liberty and overall quality of the vehicle.
Does anyone have the spec on the 2002 escape packages. I know Shadow Gray is limited, no more wedgewood blue...what is the "true blue" like? How close is it to the wedgewood blue?
So many decisions, I am not sure which way I will go. Another test drive in both...maybe I should get one of each?! :-)
Anyways... True Blue is darker than the Wedgewood blue. It comes on Mustangs, so you can probably find one at the dealership with that color. I really liked the Wedgewood blue, and wish they had kept it, but the True Blue is pretty sharp looking.
For full details on all of the packages for 2002, check out:
http://www.downsford.com/order_guides/2002escape.pdf
I am disappointed about the limited colors with the escape. Wedgewood blue was fantastic. I will have to see what the true blue looks like. I like the steel blue and patriot blue on the liberty.
Also, pricing on the escape 2002 will be a factor as well.
but as with any other large decision its a matter of what you want and what's important to you.
if power & handling are what you seek go for the escape.
if you want more 4wd capability and the quality we spoke of - go for the liberty.
The Escape looks just right. It's clearly masculine in design. The styling is balanced with every element composed thoughtfully and elegantly: front-end, head lights, lower cladding, good profile, the entire rear-end design, the tail lights. It makes me think of all the best features of every good SUV ever made -- blended into a most effective small package.
The Liberty, on the other hand, looks downright ugly. IMHO. Its round headlights are definitely NOT cute. They strain the imagination trying to carry cues from an earlier Jeep model. It's a half-breed at best. The wheelwell flares are overdone. The side profile is awkward, rear-heavy and abominable. It has no styling element tying the front to the back to the sides -- as if each portion was concocted by a separate little committee, and the resulting glob of a compromise rushed into production at the eleventh hour. I'm so sorry to see it as an actual vehicle instead of at the bottom of a designer's trash bin.
IMHO, there's absolutely no comparison between the two. Except in price? -- but that would say a lot about a buyer's taste (or lack thereof). The Escape is a handsome all-American athlete. The Liberty is Frankenstein's face-smashed stumbling weakling suffering from a physical disease.
If you want to know what I got on it..scroll up a few messages and you will see.
As for the 2002 True Blue, it is more Glossy than the Med. Wedgewood. It is more of an Electric blue in color. Dodge have almost the same color blue on their Dakota's and Ram's.
Odie
Reliability is important, of course. *Reputation* for reliability is also important. Ford is obviously not on par with Toyota, Honda and Mercedes. But they are not far off! Jeep is notoriously further behind. See any Consumer Reports issue on cars and trucks.
So what gives?
If you're in the market for a new vehicle, then just get the latest production of the model you like WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST! Or wait a few months if you can -- if you think there are some quirks still to be worked out in the production of the model you want.
My Escape was assembled in March 2001. No rattles, no squeals, no odors, no noises, nothing wrong about it. Just as tight as anything. Knock on wood. It's going on 3000 miles. I think it's a good idea to buy one with very very low miles on it, like under 10 on the odo. There may be other signs. And also from a dealer who stores them indoors, if possible.
Besides that, it's just natural chance that some new cars will rattle more than others. Some will develop a weak water pump after 50k or something. Some will run strong for over 200k miles.
All in all, Ford is not that bad.
Thanks
I'd like to ask you which are the reasons to choose ford escape over hyundai Santa Fe??
I have made several comparisons betwen those two suvs.
And I find Santa Fe more comfortable with better quality materials inside.
I also checked chrash test results for both suvs and was surprised to see SF on the top with best safety and on the other hand , escape was rated so poorly.
But escape has more powerful engine 200hp against 185 hp in SF.
So , what do u. suggest? which are the pros/cons for escape/santa fe??
1)Frontal Crash-Driver-Excellent
2)Frontal Crash-Passenger-Good
3)Side Crash-Driver-Excellent
4)Side Crash-Passenger-Excellent
My choice of buying a 2002 Escape when they become available was because of these safety results. I don't know right off hand how the Santa Fe crash tests results compare to this, but I do know that by mosts car buyers criteria the results I listed on these particular crash tests would be considered a pretty safe vehicle to purchase.
Not sure but I think I checked out the Santa Fe and it was considerably higher priced than the Escape. I also went thru the process of elimination looking for a small size SUV and the ones I looked at were either too high priced, had too short a wheelbase(under 100"), tested poorly in the crash tests, or all of the above. Test drove all the ones I thought fit close to my standards on what SUV to purchase and the Escape had many more check marks on the "Positive" side of my Ledger than on the "Negative" side.
I will let you all know what comes of this.
Odie
Odie
problem that happens maybe, once every 2-3 weeks. Its a 4x4, 6cyl. made April 2, 2001, in Kansas. The service mechanic put the truck onto the computer and
it checked out fine. The mechanic took it home, no acceleration problem.
I again explained that it happens randomly. They said they couldn't fix something that
they couldn't detect and asked me to
come pick it up, unfixed. I returned to the dealer armed with some emails from an Escape
owner's site, featuring the same problem. They read the emails and called the Ford Hotline.
Yes, there is a problem with some Escapes. They said reprogram the truck's computer with
a newer program, this sometimes works (sometimes). Upon putting the truck onto their
computer, they found the new program was already installed on this vehicle. Obviously,
the new program has not solved the problem.
So here I sit with a beautiful little SUV, with 1340 miles on it, and a potential serious accident waiting to happen (I almost hit a tree when it flew backwards, and my husband was in a parking
lot when it flew forward just missing another car). Please, if anyone has this problem, post it &
Call your dealer to try to get it fixed. We need to get on the record about this. I also
filed this with the NHTSA . This car should be recalled.
I am going back to the dealer, and demand a factory rep.
I love the look outside of these vehicles and they look like the right size for me... However, what knocked them off my list was the interior. I didn't even DRIVE the thing once I sat inside. I realize this is my taste and to each his own but the interior screams "cheap plastic". Door handles, etc. Then when I saw the column shifter, that was it. I just don't like the column shifters PERIOD but that, coupled with the cheap appearing interior/dash did it in. The Explorer interior was much nicer and even the Hyundai looked richer/better executed in comparison. As for the Liberty, the exterior looks fine to me, really, and the interior is GORGEOUS. It looks like a $40,000 vehicle in there and the materials have that rich german look/feel that screams quality. I think ford needs to rework the interior (design and materials) and move the shifter to the floor. Just my 2cents
My approach in choosing the Escape must be the POLAR OPPOSITE of yours!
I had sold my Honda Accord due to its awkward clutch engagement and was shopping for a 4x4 stick shift truck like a Ford Ranger, Mazda B-series, Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier. My rental was a little SUV called the Ford Escape. After each and every test-drive at the dealership (I tried about seven different trucks), I drove home pleasantly surprised by how much better the Escape feels!
I lived and worked with the rental Escape for a whole week, taking care of normal business as well as a full weekend of off-roading. The Escape proved to provide enough of the cargo space that I needed. I was impressed enough to decide on a SUV instead of a truck.
So I proceeded to test-drive small SUVs. The Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage all had weak little engines. The RAV4 was also much more expensive, and we all know the maniacal hyenas that Toyota salesmen are. The Nissan Xterra was too massive and handled like a truck. It rolled nauseously around the same twisties where the Escape danced like an stout linebacker. My rental had better steering, tighter handling, better manueverability, and was generally more "tossable" at higher speeds. It had more power, rode more solidly, and was generally the superior road vehicle compared to those SUVs. All without the awkwardness of an external spare tire. Horror stories about Jeep reliability kept me away from the Grand Cherokee. Similar for the Isuzu Rodeo.
So my compromises were:
1) getting an automatic transmission -- there's an ABSENCE of good 5-spd SUVs
2) the awkward Escape shifter -- it was the ONLY blemish on the entire package
I figured that for such a perfect little SUV, I would gladly get used to its shifter.
The bonus goodies were finding the perfect color/options I wanted (including leather) and discovering that a new vehicle is much tighter and more solid than a rental!
Now I feel very safe and proud driving my Ford Escape -- not because it's a larger vehicle, but because it has better *control* and *handling* for me to AVOID dangerous situations. And all while I ENJOY DRIVING IT everywhere I go.
The base price for this model was $22,774 invoice, retail $24,450. I ordered the step bars at $248 invoice, $275 retail. With the charges for gas $20.50, delivery $540 and FDAF $210. Total invoice price was $23,792.50. I paid $23,466. Retail price was $25265.
Interesting that I priced out a 2001 XLT 4x4 with all of the options that you get as a 2002 and the 2002 was actually cheaper in the long run!
Am having problems finding any information on city gas mileage.
I will be driving about 80%city/ 20% why.
I have seen one posting on this site of 18.4 mpg city.
Are any of you V6 drivers doing better than this on city mileage?
Let's poll the other readers who have purchased the 2002 and see what they paid or have gotten for numbers.
I agree with you about the pricing. I've bought a lot of New Cars and when they come out with a Model with a lot of standard equipment they are usually cheaper than taking a previously base Model and adding the same options. I am going to use the X-Plan to either buy or lease. We haven't decided that part yet.
As soon as we get the prices we are going to place the order and then put her 1995 Pontiac Gran Prix GT up for sale.
It will be a snap to sell around here as there just aren't very many. We bought it brand new and it is low mileage and mint condition. Got all the options, leather,moonroof, headsup display etc. The only option we didn't get was the engine heater. In other words it's loaded. I priced it out on Edmunds and I'll use that as a starter. Around here I can probably add a few hundred more bucks.
Again thanks for the information.
SUBARU FORESTER
We all know that Subaru knows how to build a solid durable car and the Forester is no exception. I liked the storage room it has in the back. Butno matter what I did I found it kind of plain looking, even boring. Really a car that they are promoting as an SUV mini-ute. Decided to keep looking.
HYUNDAI SANTA FE
Nice entry level from Hyundai. Looks good and lots of cargo room.But I read some comments about it being kind of lethargic. And anyways, I was kind of concerned with HYundai's ability to build a quality SUV. I don't think I could bring myself te spend the $17,000 - $18,000 on one when I can get a CRV, with Honda quality and resale value built in Japan for the same or a little more.
FORD ESCAPE/MAZDA TRIBUTE
These are real nice. I prefer the Mazda. Impressive room in the back, 200hp engine. Great handing. Don't like the shifter on the steering column. Also what's with all the recalls? And then I read ALOT of negative comments and horror stories here and at epinions from new owners. Stuff like, the oil draining out of the engine, rattles and other problems. Too bad Ford always has to mess up in production an otherwise well designed car. Well....on to the next lot.
HONDA CRV
Now this cars smells quality! Build in Japan, probably by factory workers in white lab coats and with clip boards. Surprising room in the back. But the four-cylinder engine seems like a rip off when you compare it to the Tribute. True you get better gas mileage and all, but power IS a factor. And it was just TOO family for me what with the little table in the middle that folds up so you can jump to the back seat. And the picnic table was just too much. I can just see the whole family just headed to the park for a picnic. Yeachhh!! But, hey I don't have to use it. This was one of my top 3 picks. But one problem, I spent more that 2 WEEKS looking at every Honda CRV that rolled by. Not one was being driven by a male. All of them had women at the wheel! I guess it must be the picnic table.
JEEP LIBERTY
Looks like a nice vehicle. Good weight to it means it is well built. But just coming off the assembly line when I was ready to buy. I was concerned about 1st-year bugs that still might need to be worked out.
Well the punchline is that I ended up getting a 2001 Trooper S. With the 0% 60 mos. financing being offered by Isuzu My price of under $25,000 with 0% 60 month Isuzu financing of the vehicle works out to be about the same as the Forester, Tribute, Santa Fe or Jeep Liberty, and you still have to add on the interest you will have to pay if you are financing and of these. I could see no reason to get any of these mini-utes over the Trooper, a luxury SUV that can do battle with Expeditions, Tahoes, 4-Runners, Landrovers, Monteros and Landcruisers, not too mention the mid-size Explorer, Blazer and Durango. Isuzu has been building trucks and SUV's for many years. And the base Trooper comes loaded with full frame construction, 215hp 24-valve V6, rear-wheel drive, power windows, power door locks, power heated mirrors, stereo, alloy wheels, even remote keyless entry. All standard! The Trooper had over 90 cu. ft of cargo. So you don't usually have to even fold the seats for cargo. And when you do need to fold them down the rear seats in the Trooper are the easiest and best to fold down of any SUV. With most of the SUV's out there, you have to remove the headrests and find some place to stuff them. Then you have to fold up the bottom of the seat (this was really a pain in the Tribute/Escape with the metal bar device it has in the back. I think this was a kind of cheap mechanism to install. Like they could not afford hinges. So they put the cheap unwieldy bar instead)Anyways, try out folding up the rear seats on the Trooper. They fold forward with one hand. The is usually more than enough space. But if not, they tumble forward again. The seats fold on stron sturdy hinges with springs. The Trooper is built in Japan and it shows. The quality of the build is awesome! You look at this vehicle turn the knobs on the AC. look under the hood, and listen to that solid air tight sound the doors make when shut, and you can tell it will run well over 100,000 miles....And it does. Just read some of the reports by owners about their Troopers at epinions.com. They typically go over 150,000 miles. Trooper owners love their vehicles!
Yeah, Consumer Reports said that the Trooper can roll over easier that other SUV's. And no doubt that ANY of these mini-utes handle much better. Of course they do. They are basically cars. But the SUV craze started with real trucks being converted to SUVs. The pioneers were the Jeep Cherokee, the Isuzu Trooper, The Mitsubishi Montero, the 4-Runner, the Land Cruiser and Land Rover. And of course these are the most truck-like of all the SUV's. They WERE the first SUV's. And coincidentally, they are all probably more likely to roll over that the new car-like SUV's. No doubt. But trucks ARE more likely to roll that cars. They are trucks! It makes total sense. The criticism of truck-like SUV's like the Trooper and Montero by Consumer Reports is silly. In the real world, if I were in an accident, I'd rather be in a Trooper (or for that matter, any full size frame-body SUV)than any of the mini-utes.
Yeap.....one day I was in a shopping center parking lot. And I was lucky to find a Honda CRV a Mazda Tribute and an Isuzu Trooper that happened to be parked almost next to each other. I looked at the 3 vehicles and realized that they all were going to cost about the same.....Hmmmm..... And really, there was no comparison. The CRV and the Tribute looked like toys compared to the Trooper. One hell of a vehicle for the money! In my opinion, it is a steal! You guys out here looking at the mini-utes. Do yourselves a favor and look at the Trooper up against your favorite mini-utes.
My wife and I really love the lib, however, like most people we would never go off roading to justify the poor milage and the heavy duty truck. It is by far IMHO the best looking suv out there and drives nice too. The X isn't quite as nice except they are dealling on those to incent your purchase more than jeep is. so money almost took us to nissan over jeep.
We also went in to ford for the escape. It is much faster and quicker than the previous two and much MUCH better on the milage. That is for good reason. It is a Car !!!!!!! You can't be serious about the purchase of a suv and make the choice between the escape and the lib. they are not in the same league by any stretch. In fact IMHO if you are buying or thinking of the later you are only buying for the four wheel drive.
That is what we realized we were doing. Then we started looking at the subaru. It has better bang for the buck, I think. AWD and much cheaper than the escape. For the money...if you aren't looking for an off road vehicle and need the AWD of one you are probably not in need of a lib or a X for that matter.
Much like we realized when we crossed the lib off our list and eventually reserved an 02 forrester... we still want a liberty, but, like someone else already said, Why put up with the suv if you don't need to. I will get car insurance not suv and 22+ gpm. not to mention almost the same cargo space and the same 150# roof rack.
In closing the town hall and its participants with debates and info have been the best thing to car buying ever.
TO EACH THEIR OWN
thanks
david
Odie
to see more go here ;
Http://members.aol.com/losttreasures26
Odie
I should be getting mine by the end of this month/first week in August. Dark Highland Green.
Is that the color blue that they discontinued in the 2002?
I've looked, read and driven almost all of the SUV'S mentioned above by "tntmyth". I agree with some of his assessments, but to use a vehicles weight as a criteria for "better built" I ain't buying that one. If heavier were better we'd all be driving 3 ton cars and 4 ton trucks.
Keep us posted on your experiences with your Escape.
As I mentioned in a previous post I am still waiting to see a price list for the 2002 Models of the Escape. And then it's just a matter of ordering the Premium + maybe 1 or 2 of the 3 available options. Of course I'll have to be sure the dealer I am working with now will sell it to me with the X-Plan. He said they would, but I'm not one to believe it until I see it and sign it.
We have several Ford Dealers around here so I won't have a problem finding one that will go with the X-Plan assuming it is still available on the 2002's.
I'm getting anxious after seeing your pics.
Also I now feel like a complete doofus. I was at Wal-mart last night and my key would not turn. Knowing me after reading all the posts in the problems section I freaked. I thought that my key had been un-programmed. Turns out my stearing wheel was just locked. I then just looked in the rear view mirror and put a thumb and finger on my forehead to look like a " L ". and too make matters worse.... my wife was more parranoid than I was. I can now just laugh about it. LOL
.... Also I disagree with one thing Tntmyth had said ". But the SUV craze started with real trucks being converted to SUVs. The pioneers were the Jeep Cherokee, the Isuzu Trooper, The Mitsubishi Montero, the 4-Runner, the Land Cruiser and Land Rover. " If I remeber correctly the Wrangler body has been around since 1946 when it was the Jeep Willeys. Also the Dodge Ram Charger / Chevy K-series and Ford Bronco where around long before all but the LR and LC.
One other thing.... I'm probally the first to say this but (don't get me wrong I love my new littel truck)is it me or does the Escape have about the same room as the old Bronco II.
Odie
That post regarding SUVs being started with a truck is so ludicrous! He may be true to the fact, but that alone makes no sense in *choosing* to buy an SUV. It's like electing George W because his dad was president! Phooey!
If that neanderthal takes a second to pull his head out of the sand, he'll realize that his statement is precisely the reason why new SUVs are designed more like cars -- to IMPROVE them over those ancient trucks! Newer SUVs have independent rear suspensions for better ride. They have lighter, stiffer unibody construction so they handle better than separate body-on-fullframe. They have rack-and-pinion steering instead of recirculating ball -- so they drive better on the road. They are lighter to save fuel and improve urban performance.
Nothing wrong with his Trooper, however. It will simply waste more fuel, ride rougher, roll over and crash easier, get passed quicker by Escapes, take up more parking space, and generally drive like a truck. Might as well get a 4x4 truck!!
I will be ordering a car with this equipment as soon as I get a look at the color options swatches or something. I am considering the Satin Silver(?) or probably the White. I like the light color cars as they are cooler in the heat and also do not show not being clean quite so easily.
1)XLT 2WD Premium Package
2)Side Bar Option
3)Side Air Bag Option
MSRP= $24,165.00
Invoice= $22,463.50
I can buy it at invoice but I am trying to find out if the company I retired from in 1991(Then the AT&T Company/Went to Lucent Technologies/Now is called Avaya Company)has a PIN number with Ford Motor. If not I will join the EAA so I can buy with the X-Plan. My calculations show that I can probably get the car with the X-Plan for around= $22,240.
From some of the figures I have seen from other X-Plan orders it looks like you pay about 92.87% of the MSRP for the car.
Anyway as soon as I get the above finished I will be ordering this Escape XLT. Can't wait!!
The Escape is the same as listed in my previous Post but using the X-Plan Pricing.
My price without X-Plan: $22,463.50
My price with the X-Plan: $22,194.12
A few hundred bucks was worth the time I spent running down my PIN Number.
This 2002 came out lower priced(with the X-Plan)than a 2001 equipped the same way except that the 2002 has the 6 cd/changer that was not standard in the 2001. More car less price how can a guy beat that?
Ordered the new Satin Silver Metallic. Looked thru the Exterior Color Book at the dealer and this color really looked sweet.
Went with the 2WD mainly because I plan no Off-Road driving and after the winter we had last year here in Nebraska we got by with only a front wheel drive Pontiac Gran Prix. I drove both the 4x2 and the 4x4 and the 4x4 road much stiffer and much more road noise(drive train probably)than the 2x4. I thought maybe it was just the 2 particular Escapes I drove so I went back the next day and drove to different ones and the result was the same. The 4x4 had a stiffer ride and the same with the road noise.
Don't think they changed anything as far as the door locks. Did you also noticed that when you have your door locked you don't have to push anything to unlock it. Just pull on the handle and it opens. Never had a car that did that. Usually have to pull something up or down or a switch to unlock them.
Ford's reason behind this in case of a child or any emergency of some kind with someone being trapped inside the car you don't have to find anything but the door handle to unlock it. This is akin to their "In Truck" feature that illuminates should someone become locked in the trunk of a Ford Car.
Dealer said to look at 4-6 week delivery time. We'll just have to wait and see on that one.
Got the 2002 cheaper than the same dealer could sell me the 2001(with the X-Plan), and also got the 6 disc cd player to boot. I think Ford did pretty well with the prices.