Ford Escape Mazda Tribute Maintenance and Repair

145791080

Comments

  • davidolson1davidolson1 Member Posts: 2
    Well after tired of screwing with this piece of crap I finally went out and bought myself a Honda over the weekend. I lost a total of 1500 bucks from what I paid for the escape compared to what the dealer gave me. I think ford knows these problems are great and are unwilling to buy them back and try and sell them as used cars. Ford has definetly lost a customer for life. What is sad is that I get company discounts on all ford, mazda, mercury, lincoln products and they won't be seeing my money again. Matter of fact next weekend when I have time I am driving the the Ford dealer and showing him my new Honda. Quality is job one my [non-permissible content removed], good thing I didn't smoke. Can you say the Escape is the Pinto of the next mullenium? Good luck with the rest of you out there left with those pieces of crap, and P.S. don't use any butane lighters nearby.

    Later
  • skippy12skippy12 Member Posts: 1
    Of the three Ford vehicles I've had, two were ranger pickups and an 1989 Bronco II. The pickups had emergency brake problems and coolant leaks. One pickup had a bed suspension leaf spring that sagged, and I bought these pickup trucks brand new! The Bronco had an electric switch problem for the rear hatch, and the vehicle leaked water onto the seat belt ratchet pulley behind the driver. This would eventually cause a malfunction with the seat belt. The Bronco also had coolant leaks as well--just after the 12000 mile mark on all three vehicles the coolant leaked! After driving three excellant Honda vehicles, I bought a Suzuki Grand Vitara with the V6 engine. It is an excellant vehicle for off road use. It is a body-on-chassis type, and I haven't had any major or obvious minor problems with it. Yes, Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, and Nissan make some gooooooood vehicles. For you ones buying Fords, be ready for the problems, and call your lawyer about your rights.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    how these rooms seem to bring in the anti-Ford clan. These people need to go to www.Auto.com. Ford sales are INCREASING not decreasing. Kind of makes you wonder how a company that is supposed to make such garbage can continue to make sales gains and profits. I can tell you why. There are far more satisfied Ford owners out here than there are unsatisfied...
  • gonzo1124gonzo1124 Member Posts: 27
    I almost bought a Tribute or an Escape a few months back, then decided for a Honda CRV. Good thing about the internet. I think I saved myself of some major headaches!
  • shawnj1shawnj1 Member Posts: 1
    We purchased our Tribute in early November and currently have over 3700 miles on it. The morning after we bought it we awoke to find that our new car would not start. After a hour of trying and a number of phone calls it finally started. We drove it to the dealership where they replaced the starter. NO explanation as to what happened. Gas mileage has ranged from 15-19 mpg. Far below my expectations. I first noticed the fuel smell 1 week after purchasing the vehicle. It is only noticeable if the vehicle is stopped or in our garage. We like the vehicle but have been disappointed with the number of problems that have developed. Has anyone had the fuel smell fixed successfully?
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    Sharp posted over at the Escape club that anyone who buys an Escape is, in his words, "out of your mind." That is why I continue to call him a moron.

    He posts misinformation and then becomes upset when he is called on the carpet for it.

    Of course the Escape has problems, what vehicle doesn't? Of course you are going to read about those problems here: duh! This is a great on-line whine group, and I don't blame any owner experiencing problems for a moment.

    But, what vehicle doesn't have problems? Check out one of the most active sites on Town Hall: Honday Odyssey problems!

    Generallys speaking, these Edmunds fora are a waste of time. You have idiots like Sharp posting, who doesn't know crap about what he is talking about. He doesn't even own an Escape.

    The Yahoo Ford Escape club has over 1100 members and is truly a helpful discuussion group, with a wealth of information.

    If you would not waste your time here, you would have read over there a very workable fix for the fuel odor problems!

    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/thefordescapeclub

    So, if you want to continue this pity party and put up with the likes of Sharp and other sources of disinformation, stay here. If not, come over to the only worthwhile Yahoo club.
  • rsharp83rsharp83 Member Posts: 82
    I have not become upset, amused yes. The other day I decided to visit the wonderful world of Yahoo Escape Club. I wanted to see what was so wonderful. What I found was a number of post by Mccain doing the same kind of bashing that he has done to any of my posts here on Edmunds. There was even a small group of the Escape club who were asking that Mccain be banned from the discussion! (they failed in that attempt)

    I don't know why Mr. Mccain is so angry, but real people have real problems with the Escape, lots of problems that are not getting solved. I believe those people and their posts. Hence I decided not to purchase an Escape and look at other autos. If that makes me a Moron, so be it.
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    Sharp, if you want to gripe about the Escape, more power to you. My problem with you has been the FACT that you said that anyone who buys an Escape is out of his mind. You then proceeded to post false information about the Escape. Now you are trying the same stunt with the Yahoo Esape Club. Three (3) people attacked me there, while a number came to my immediate defense. There are over 1100 members there. You failed to mention these details!

    If you have a factual basis for our remarks, that is one thing, but you seem given to deception and half-truths and just flat out lies.

    Yes, there are problems with *some* Escapes. But that is the case with every vehicle.

    The two most popular topics right now on Edmunds are "Honda Odyssey problems" and "Toyota Sienna" problems. To be consistent, you should be over there telling all owners there that they are "out of their mind" for purchasing an Escape.

    I am happy that you found a vehicle that suits your tastes. Just leave then and enjoy your vehicle.

    You really seem to have a need to defend your choice. That tells me you are not actually content with it.

    Your weird attempt to badmouth every person who has ordered or purchased an Escape is just plain goofy.

    But, I'll let you have the last word, and I quote:

    "If that makes me a Moron, so be it."
  • esc123esc123 Member Posts: 2
    Have an Escape with the same fuel vapor smell many are talking about. The local car dealer has no solution for the problem and says they have received no technical advice from Ford on how to fix the problem. Ford was called but they dont commit to anything. Any ideas on this problem let all of us know.
  • k9cop1k9cop1 Member Posts: 78
    I went to the "club", but couldn't find an answer to the "odor" problem.
    Please articulate the "fix" for those of us (me) that are interested in buying an Escape & for those that already own one.
    Thank You for your help on this matter
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    We don't have to defend Escape/Tribute here, especially from a few angry idealists who criticize problems which are solvable and are getting solved. I haven't seen any uncorrectable design flaw yet. In the real world the big problem for most of us is waiting for our vehicles to be produced in the face of intense demand that is overwhelming the factory with orders this early in the model year. It can only get worse as Escape overtakes Explorer as the #1 selling SUV in America. Escape has the design, the price-point, and the huge dealer network to make that happen quite soon. So critics, please criticize instead of ordering. The demand train is running right over you and those who also think the sky is falling when it's not! Meanwhile, the gift we can give each other is our personal helpful accurate balanced information about features, about buying, about waiting and tracking, about accessories, about experiencing the delivered vehicle in many situations. Many questions have been answered. You have been very helpful to me and saved me a lot of money. Thanks!
  • stuart15stuart15 Member Posts: 2
    I have about 1800 miles on my Tribute and have been getting low gas mileage, about 13-14 mpg that is until the weather got real cold. Now the mileage is even lower. I haven't smelled any fuel odor as many other people have. The driving has been mostly local but I have been careful to avoid rapid acceleration. Does anyone have any ideas why the mileage is so far below the stated 18 city - 24 highway mpg on the EPA sticker. Does anyone have any suggestions.

    The only other problem I have is the rear window defroster does not shut off, but is always on until I push the button a second time. Otherwise the car rides well.
  • pulsar1pulsar1 Member Posts: 6
    Has anyone traced down the fuel line, return line and vent line routing? Generally cars have the fuel pump in the gas tank that supplies pressurized fuel via a supply line to the injector manifold. There is a return line that dumps excess fuel back to the tank. Somewhere in the system there has to be some sort of vent to prevent a vacuum from developing. If there is no actual fuel leak, and not all Escapes or Tributes have the fuel smell problem, I don't see why the dealer or Ford can't figure out the problem. I would guess there is a small fuel leak somewhere, but not enough to actually leak enough fuel to see. Would be interesting to do a pressure check after the vehicle set for a while to see if the fuel system is still holding correct pressure.

    I'm looking at purchasing a Tribute assuming my local DEW dealer will deal on price. The several problems talked about do not really bother me. No vehicle is perfect. I always order the factory service manual and do most work that does not require a service computer myself. With on board diagnostics that most cars have the average Joe can do alot without the dealer. For the most part I don't trust dealers anyway.
  • recurvemanrecurveman Member Posts: 1
    I was informed my dealer here in KCMO that due to a shorage of parts Ford has decided to shut down the Claycomo MO plant where the Escape is made until about April 2001 or so. Has anyone else heard this? As Claycomo, is only 25 miles from my dealer and my house, it would seem that we would hear that type of info here first. If true, well we may have just see the first SUV Edsel. I hope its false as I want to get my Escape soon.
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    BobMazda over at Yahoo Escape Club posted the fix for his problem. It involved tightening the bolts on his intake manifold WHILE IT WAS HOT. In other words, tightening all the bolts down after the vehicle had been driven long enough to bring it up to proper temperature. Also, silicon was used to seal it all over. He warned us that the mechanics need to do this with their torque wrenches and this is NOT a "do it yourself" job. It involves tightening all the bolts on the manifold, both upper and lower. He reported that this completely took care of his odor problem, 100% in the vehicle cabin interior. He says he can still smell a very slight odor when he sniffs around the engine compartment directly (but I think you would smell something anyway no matter what then!).

    Others have had this done and their problem has gone away too.

    Still others have had their entire manifold replaced. My hunch is that when it is replaced the act of replacing it and putting a new one on involved tightening the bolts more tightly than they were in the factory!

    BobMazda has been talking to Ford national tech reps who hav called him back to go over all these details with him.

    The bottom line is that this sounds very promising. We have also received reports from Ford tech reps that an "official" fix is in the work and will be announced in January.

    Hope this helps!
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    It is not true! Dealer baloney.
  • tonylexustonylexus Member Posts: 94
    I own a 99 RX300 with 30,000+ miles, been back to the dealer for oil changes only! No recalls squeaks, rattles, problems whatsoever. Foolishly considered Escape as new second vehicle until I read about the 5 or more recalls it had by the time they hit dealer lots!! 'nough said for "job 1 quality" One writer brow beat someone for bad-mouthing the Escape while not owning one. It's called doing your homework! Wish I could afford another RX, but I'll settle for a RAV4 or CR-V. As for the same writers comment "what car doesn't have problems", he's apparently not owned a Lexus or Honda!
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    If you are having the fuel odor problem on your Escape, you will recall that a post back or two I told you about a "fix" that one of the members on the Yahoo Escape Club has come up with that has proven 100% successful in his case. It involves the intake manifold gasket, in his case, tightening down all the bolts when the entire engine is warm did the trick (only done by professional mechanic with torgue wrench!)

    Verification of the source of the problem and why this fix works has now come in from Ford Technical Services.

    Read this! Hope this helps those having problems!

    Bob, I returned my Escape to the dealer yesterday, and they received word from Ford Technical Assistance that the fuel odor is indeed caused by a "weeping" intake manifold gasket that is absorbing fuel. Ford gave them no indication when this would be resolved, but the service manager indicated that the wait shouldn't be too long. Since we're having to park the Escape outside to avoid the smell in the living room, this fix cannot come too soon. Thanks for your help with this!
  • k9cop1k9cop1 Member Posts: 78
    Thanks for the help. It appears I am ready to start shopping for my new suv.
  • jericho_avejericho_ave Member Posts: 37
    I just purchased my first car, I picked the Hyundai Santa Fe over the Tribute because I was concerned with all the problems posted by people who bought it in this forum.
    I am not about to blast out at the Tribute/Escape for its shortcomings, I believe that a couple of years from now, after all the problems have been sorted out, it would fulfill its promise as a very reliable and effecient compact SUV.

    But until then, I think the Santa Fe, even with the doubts that goes with the name, is a very smart alternative.
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    Be sure to come over ot the Yahoo Escape Club. It is a lot better than the Escape sites on Edmunds. Much more information. Over 1100 people are now members.

    http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/thefordescapeclub

    Good luck with your purchase!
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    Ford has decided to focus more effort at getting the Sept - Oct orders all completed and shipped. This is expected to delay new orders only a week to 10 days from where they are now. (belkmike) offers this link:
    http://competitionpress.com/news/carnewstory.mv?story=na17629nb54532nc7364
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Escape chat room who claims to be a worker at the Escape/Tribute plant says production is moving right along, no problems, no shortages. There were some shortages from some vendors but this is working its way out.
    As far as no problems with Hondas. My wife has a 2000 Honda Accord. We have had it in the shop twice. Once because the engine was sputtering acting like it was going to die, the second time because of a clunk when the clutch was engaged. So, please.. Stop with the bull... of Honda/Toyota are perfect...
    And as much as the Ford/Mazda bashers want to disuade potential Escape/Tribute buyers. No happening. The Escape/Tribute sales continue to climb. The Escape will become the number one selling small SUV in the next year. Knocking off the RAV4 and CRV. Within the next 2-3 years the Escape/Tribute will probably sell more than both the CRV and RAV4 combined!! Granted this is speculation. But the sales numbers are on a solid climb up. And if you visit www.auto.com or www.blueovalnews.com you will see Ford remains profitable and with increased sales....
  • canadianclcanadiancl Member Posts: 1,078
    I think the Pinto sold pretty well in its first couple of years too. Not to mention other Ford "legends" such as the Mustang II, Granada, etc.
  • zsparkszsparks Member Posts: 8
    My wife and I just got our White Escape XLT 4x4--loaded--today. Ordered it 10-6-00 and live in West Michigan. I left post #103 back a while ago and I have been keeping up on the postings ever since. Seems the postings have been getting a bit abusive. Just want to say that no reason to be throwing names at people for their opinions. We are obviously happy with our purchase thus far---a whole whopping 65 miles---and we will keep up on the postings if we develop problems or not. This is an excellent discussion group and great way to talk to other owners without having to chase you down in Target parking lot. I have already noticed the rear doors on the Escape don't seem to fully latch all the time when swung shut normally. Not a big problem though. Could get annoying I suppose but at least there is an idiot light that tells when door is ajar. Too new to tell. No fuel odor. I suppose I need to wait another 1800 miles or so to see if I get that. No other clear problems. Time will tell. We really like the car, but I will be candid and have no pride to retain with this purchase so if I get a problem you will all hear of it.

    One extra thing. When our dealer got the car on the lot he immediately called us and said it was in. I imagine it was because we were in just about every other day asking about it. Anyhow we had all our paperwork ready and were able to get it from them within just a few hours of when it was off loaded from the truck. If you get there as quick as we did make sure you tell the people that prep the car and wash it to double check the moon roof before washing it. The space cadet people that prepped our car did not fully seal the moon roof before they washed it and we had to spend another 30-45 minutes waiting for the sunshade to dry. They were more than accommodating and apologized a number of times as they should. It was mostly dry before we left and we have not yet seen any more water. I am so far convinced that the moon roof was left open accidentally during the washing and it is not a leak because it has been around zero degrees up here for the last week and I think if it were leaking during convoy it would have frozen and there was no indication that it was frozen. I could be wrong though. I did however look very closely before we left since we had not even a tenth of a mile on it yet. Strike one for the dealership staff but none for Ford as of today. I am still really excited and my wife is just giddy. No punches pulled and I will keep you up to snuff. Being objective is the best way to benefit from these discussions so keep an open mind to others without being disrespectful--please.

    Talk to you soon----------------Enjoy
  • zsparkszsparks Member Posts: 8
    Oops, I goofed. I said my first posting was #103. It is actually #104. Sorry.
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    is now easier, better, cheaper. Some of our members are accustomed to periodic maintenance of their older ATs by dropping the pan, wiping out the residue and changing the internal filter. But the CD4E AT used in Escape/Tribute has no pan to drop and this concerns them. There is only a valve assembly cover on the side. Periodic maintenance of the CD4E now consists of disconnecting an oil cooler line at the radiator and connecting in series a machine that flow exchanges nearly 100% of the used transmission oil for new oil. Traditional AT service left more than half of the old fluid in the torque converter, cooler, and other internal areas of the transmission to mix with the new fluid, so the new flow machine method does a much better job of clearing out the old oil. No filter replacement is needed because there is only a wire screen inside. Even the Jiffy-lube near me has one of these transmission oil exchange machines so the maintenance can't be very expensive. Transmission oil loses its viscosity with heat and use so new oil with the right viscosity is needed to maintain performance.
  • varmitvarmit Member Posts: 1,125
    Zsparks - Nice post. That's a good attitude to take with any new purchase. I see many people post about "buyer's remorse". The truth is most of the time we sit on the fence for weeks over a purchase like this. Then, only after we've fully committed ourselves, we rave like lunatics about how no other option could possibly be as good.

    Vince8 - Of course there are going to be problems with Hondas and Toyotas. The issue with reliability is not "which car has a perfect record?", rather it's more like "how can I reduce the chances of having problems?" Statistically, the Toyos and Hondas have an edge. The fact that the CR-V is rated near 80% higher than the industry average does NOT mean every CR-V that comes off of the lot will have 80% fewer problems. Sometimes numbers don't add up to reality. But, then again, most of the time they do. That's how the stats people got the numbers in the first place.

    Also, saleswise, the Cherokee has been the mini-ute to beat for the past three of four years. Average monthly sales have been near 10K, while the CR-V followed at about 8K. Everything else (RAV4, Forester, Xterra,...) have been below 4K. I fully expect the Escape to become sales champ for the next year, but many buyers are waiting for Ford to finish the designing process and get the bugs out. By then Saturn and Rover will be in the game, and Jeep and Honda will have redesigned products on the road.
  • kajameskajames Member Posts: 1
    Well, been researching SUV's for about two months and pretty much convinced Tribute is the way to go. However, I do have a couple questions I'm hoping some of y'all (live in texas) might have the answers to.

    1. Two different dealerships have told me that Mazda is no longer producing Tributes with ABS. First of all, has anyone else heard this and if so, why? And if it is true, wondering how important ABS is for the vehicle. Heard both good and bad things about ABS, and wondering if ABS is really necessary.

    2. Has anyone recently had problems with wipers and fuel smell? Dealership told me that they check for the problem before delivery and have had no return problems whatsoever.

    3. Final questions concerns paying for the car. I've been told that because Tributes are in such high demand, the prices on the vehicles are non-negotioable - they're really truly asking MSRP. Now, all of the dealerships in my area are pre-selling most of their vehicles even before they get on the lot. Is this just a bunch of BS or have other people had this problem?

    thanks for your help - look forward to some good input.
  • windowphobe6windowphobe6 Member Posts: 765
    The Mazda store nearest me charges about $110, although they've been known to knock off a few bucks if you have other things done at the same time. I watched the procedure once, and it's eerie, but it does leave you with nice, cough-drop-red tranny fluid. And you can get to the screen in the CD4E, but it's way more trouble than it's worth.
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    1. Mazda underestimated the popularity of the ABS option and ran out of parts until April production. ABS is for safe steering in a panic stop and is standard on high end Escapes.
    2. Wipers have been corrected, fuel smell is being corrected.
    3. Prices are always negotiable, it is just a matter of learning and taking the right steps.
    Read back through the posts on Tribute and Escape to find the detailed information you need. If you order it is about a 3 month wait.
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    It is good to have a place to read about the troubles vexing the Escape/Tribute product line, but there is a danger too. One may be given the impression that every Trib/Escape has lots of problems or that all owners are unhappy. The fact is that there are thousands and thousands of very satisfied customers with fine vehicles. The problems can be overdone, especially if you are viewing the vehicle through the lens of this topic.

    So, beware of OVERestimating the problems!
  • rsharp83rsharp83 Member Posts: 82
    Beware of looking at the auto you desire with rose colored glasses and ignoring obvious concerns.
  • richgonrichgon Member Posts: 1
    Just picked up my new Tribute ES after waiting 13 weeks for delivery. What a great SUV compared to my '97 Honda CR-V. I had / have a few bugs to deal with before it's perfect.

    The Horn didn't work, so the dealer repaired it just prior to delivering it to me. I just filled up for the first time and found that the fuel filler housing (plastic neck) is broken. Oh well, back to the dealer for repairs on Tuesday.

    Can anyone confirm what type of mileage they are getting with their new V6 Tribute?

    The reason for my question is: I just travelled about 80 miles and put 6.5 gallons in? I've heard of break-in but wow, that's ridicules.

    I have read about the previous fuel leak problems with the Tribute and wonder if maybe my vehicle has one. I can't see any leaks under it or smell any gas odor in the Trib.

    I'll keep my eye on it and see if maybe the fuel economy was a first time fluke.
  • bclambbclamb Member Posts: 10
    I have an ES-V6 with 4-wheel drive, ABS, the works. I've put over 5K miles on it in the past 8 weeks, and that tells you how much fun it's been to drive. In the past 5,000 miles I am averaging ~20 mpg. The absolute lowest I've gotten was 17 in very heavy city traffic, and the highest so far has been 22.4 mpg on a 500 mile trip with the cruise control set at 75 and some occasional higher speeds. (Sorry, I wanted to see how it handled at the upper end, and it was great).

    The ABS works superbly, just used it in a heavy snow on the Smoky Mtns. and it is much quieter with less vibration to the pedal than the ABS found on some of our patrol vehicles (Suburbans, Blazers and Expeditions). The 4-WD is great, but the front wheel drive does so well, even in 6" of snow and drifts over a foot, with steep winding roads, the 4-WD wasn't needed. It was nice to have in case of emergency, but so far, I haven't found a slick mountain road that needs it.
  • esc123esc123 Member Posts: 2
    Besides the fuel vapor smell, I have noticed that when the Escape is started and engine is cold it seem to have a very excelarated engine sound which last for a second or two and engine than sounds normal. Oh also had a check engine light come on and the dealer replaced I think they said an exhaust sensor or something. The most bothering thing is that fuel vapor smell any news on this issue?
  • rebel43rebel43 Member Posts: 2
    I just found the rear end assembly of my 4x4 Escape pouring fluid on my garage floor!! Just hit 600 miles!!! Also, noticing fuel smell inside cabin immediately after starting the engine. Any other Escape owner having these problems?? Please let me know, I hope I have not gotten a lemon!!!!!
  • hobbs05hobbs05 Member Posts: 6
    Ford and Mazda should be shouting their praises for you. Despite the fact that this forum is called "Escape/Tribute Problems" you continue to pump up what is simply a car that was rushed through production without enough quality control.

    It's amazing that you have such insight to the problems Escape/Tribute owners. It's good to know that they're all OVERestimated. Any other sure fire predictions you have for this forum as it seems like you're all-knowing?

    I bet all those "problems" Ford had with the Pinto were all overblown too.

    Does Ralph Nader give you nightmares?
  • rebel43rebel43 Member Posts: 2
    Thank God for the NC Lemon Law. I called the GM of the Fayetteville, NC dealership I bought my Escape XLT 4x4 from tthis morning at his house. I informed him that I will be returning my Escape on Tuesday morning and will expect my trade-in back or else a helluva' on an Explorer. I do not have time for mechanics to dick me around with double talk. Also, the GM said "I was unaware of these problems you are having with your Escape and that of others around the country. I usually stay on top of these things." Yeah, and monkeys will fly out my butt!! Ford has lost a customer of 14 years in me. They suck, period. Do I want to risk my wife and 2 year old daughters health on a gas vapor problem they are trying to ignore? Hell no. Lawyer time, baby!!
  • stihl020stihl020 Member Posts: 5
    Stumbled on this site, and am much impressed with being able to hear from real people. I am currently looking at the Escape versus the Forester. Obviously, I am troubled by all I have read and heard about problems with the Escape. I understand that it does seem to be a minority compared to the total, but I plan on keeping my purchase for a while. My question is this: does anyone have current info on which problems have been addressed and by what production dates? I much preferred the Escape's feel, style, and pick-up (with the V-6), but do not want to be paying for it (literally and figuratively) for years to come. Thanks
  • rsharp83rsharp83 Member Posts: 82
    hobbs05 thinks mccain may be on the Ford payroll. I have another theory, I think he went to a Ford Dealer and was hypnotized to believe he is a prophet for the Escape. How else do you explain his fervent and many times angry defense of any negative Escape comment posted.

    But then again I am just a moron according to mccain.
  • townie1411townie1411 Member Posts: 5
    Look if you hate the Escape soooo much, why do you keep coming back. Stick to your Santa Fe. It's as if you REALLY want a Escape.

    BTW, aren't you being a hippocrate. You don't own an Escape either and yet you get to bash it.
    Take it easy rsharp and buy and Escape you'll be HAPPY!!
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    You guys are absolutely right. I've given this some more thought. The Escape truly is a piece of junk. NOBODY should buy one. Anyone who does is truly, as Sharp put it, "out of their mind."

    Do not buy one. They should be banned from the highways.

    (The more people who believe this, the less people will buy one and the sooner I'll get mine!)

    Happy New Year!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Anti-Ford folks in each room. To anyone who is considering on buying an Escape/Tribute. Please, Please, Please read all recall notices. These 5 or 6 recalls were only for a certain build group of these vehicles NOT EVERY Escape/Tribute built to date. The Escape/Tribute continue to sell like hotcakes and will take the number one spot next year hands down as the class leader. All I ask is visit other chats around the net. I do. You will see there are far more satisfied Escape/Tribute owners than unsatisifed.
  • rsharp83rsharp83 Member Posts: 82
    I am not anti-Ford. I own a Merc Villager right now. My family drove ford products exclusively for many years. We had 2 Pintos, a Monarch, 2 Marquis, 3 trucks, 2 escort/lynx and a 55 T Bird among other fords. My Uncle worked at the Claycomo Ford Plant for over 30 years and retired as head of maintanence there. I am not anti-ford, I had thought that ford might have a product for me when I set out to start seriously looking a few months ago. What I found was a rushed to market suv with lots of concerns and a good number of very upset owners. I continue to read this forum because I find the topic interesting and I think mccain's ravings are pretty funny to read.

    Also for the record, I likely will buy the Sante Fe. I cannot afford a Lexus RX300, the Toyota Highlander is too far away and would probally exceed my price range, the Subaru's with a 6 cyl. are way overpriced and hard to find, and I ruled out the Escape/tribute because it lacks quality and the dealers are not standing behind them if you do get one with problems.
  • omnibudomnibud Member Posts: 24
    you guys do make for some fun reading, it makes this thread a little more enjoyable than the more serious tone the others have taken, keep it up:)
    oh yeah, zero problems with our es 4x4....very nice indeed.
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    Sharp, thanks for not buying an Escape. Could you encourage people here to cancel their orders?

    I used to think you were just a moronic crank, but now I recognize you are doing me a personal service by discouraging people from buying an Escape. Telling people they are "out of their minds" -- as you did -- might be a bit over the top. Perhaps a more subtle approach might be more discouraging. Just a thought.

    I'll get mine sooner, so thanks!

    : )

    Happy New Year
  • juniormoorejuniormoore Member Posts: 1
    My daughter is looking at the "escape", with 4-wheel drive and the bigger engine. While discussing re-call problems, I asked if the wilderness tires on the SUV were a problem. He said that only the 16" tires were a problem, and since this vehicle had 15" tires, there was no problem. Does anybody know if this is an accurate statement?
  • sliwinski1sliwinski1 Member Posts: 5
    I hope that I'm not asking a similar question, but does the column shifter on the escape/tribute bother anybody?

    Did you press in the front bumper with your finger, how about the front wheel fender. They seem weak. They move{ok flex}too much for me. I wasn't laying into it either. Supposedly, rated for 5mph. Has anyone looked at that issue?

    I don't dislike Fords, but am looking at other options.

    And you "guys" are pretty entertaining reading.
  • mshepherdmshepherd Member Posts: 1
    I have had my Tribute for about two weeks and just returned from a 500 mile trip. My gas mileage was 24-25. I thought the vehicle ran well and was very comfortable. I did have the problem with the wipers and had to take it by the dealer to have the wipers fixed. They gave me a 626 to drive while mine was being repaired. The service was excellent.

    I have noticed a few minor items that have bothered me and would appreciate any feedback on these items:

    1. I have noticed a whistling sound while traveling down the road. It appears to be the wind against the luggage rack. I thought about moving the rails.
    2. I occasionally hear a thump sound in front of the driver's side of the car. I am not sure what it is.
    3. A few times when I first start the car I have a slight gas smell. However, just at first and it does not linger. I have read where others have had to keep their car outside of the garage due to the smell. I have not experienced that problem.

    I shopped all of the SUV's and thought for the money this was the best SUV out there. It was substantially better thant he Honda CRV and the Toyota RAV 4. It is much bigger, handles better and looks better. I got the ES. I am also quite impressed with the pick up.

    Any information on the Wilderness tires. I called Firestone and they said the problem was with the AT Wilderness tires and not those on the Tribute.

    I know this. the Tributes are selling very well and discounts are hard to find. I did get about $1,200 of the sticker.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.