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Ford Escape

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Comments

  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    Thank you for those people who reply/answer my questions. Since the day that I design to buy a new car, I did a lot of research on the mini-SUV. I just cannot tell myself to buy a CRV instead of the Escape because I like its handling and baking. However, I heard a lot of people say that Ford is a bad company and the cars from Ford are very easy to break down. Is it ture? I know someone in Edmunds.com tell me that he got a Crown Victoria with 178k milage and my escort also has 103k right and it did not give my any trouble. (except I change the alternator and timing belt) Why some people say that? Did anyone has the same feeling too? Please tell me.
  • redzone98redzone98 Member Posts: 4
    i went to the Honda Dealer expecting a very nice test drive from the H car. i got into a 22,000 Ex honda CRV, AWD, Auto, Air, the works.
    First things first, i could not get to a conforatble driving position!, adjusted the crappy seats for 5 minuites and still could not set them rite. the stering wheel is stuck at a constant 30degrees tilt forward like a bus. driving the CRV was a disaster, tons of road noise, buzzy 4banger with NO power down low, underdampened ride like an old Lincoln... i told the sailsman where i can turn around because this car was not for me!
    the best part is that for 22K you dont get a center console or a V6 ! ESCAPE WINS no compairsion
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    The Ford CD4-E automatic transmission used in the Escape/Tribune has me worried because it was designed for a 2.0 liter 130 hp engine in 1994, had a few problems that kept happening so frequently and were so hard to fix that Ford had to make serious running changes up through 1998. Then in 1999 they decided to "beef it up" and use it on a larger engine for the First time: the 3.0 liter 200 hp Duratek in the Escape/Tribute. Even on the 2 liter engine it wore out first, and when you rebuilt it at a cost of about $2500, it was too worn out to last. Imagine how it will hold up with an engine that is 50% bigger! Fortunately, the Mazda 626, the Ford Contour, and the Escape are closer to the same weight, so it won't have 50% more work to do moving them. Personally, I like transmissions that are so rugged that they wear out last! You can count on them, but they are expensive, and Escape is Not expensive. We live in a throwaway technology because there is always something new and inexpensive around the corner. That would be the new CVT (continuously variable transmission) that Ford is about to introduce on a vehicle in 2001. This new AT has no shift points and no slip and saves 15% 0n fuel. ZF Batavia in Batavia, Ohio is building it as well as the "beefed-up" CD4-E. Ford is already using the CVT in Europe and expects to ramp up to 1 million per year by 2005. Our CD4-E looks like a make-do hand-me-down that won't be fixed any further. Next year a new 2.3 liter I4 engine will be the base engine for Escape and it is surely a better match for the CD4-E. It would be bliss if the V6 would come with a properly sized CVT next year but as we have seen, Ford takes its time to do anything. www.dustbury.com/626/trans.html
  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    Is Ford going to have a new transmission on the Escape?
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    (newdriver2)
    I consider a "beefed-up" CD4-E applied on a 3.0 liter engine to be a "new transmission" since it should have required significant changes and testing and this result has not yet been fully tested in production or the marketplace. Yes, you could say we have a "new" transmission now. As always, when you actually buy a car you take what's there. My post was just to share my own caution with you and others. That's why we're here, right? As far as the CVT, you can't buy that now and I don't expect it soon enough from Ford to influence my current buying decision on Escape.
  • steve234steve234 Member Posts: 460
    If Ford is such a bad company, they would not stay in business. Ford has one of the better reputations in the market. That is not to say that they do not have an occassional problems. We are dealing with a constantly changing market that does not allow any manufacturer the luxury of bullet proofing everything. These people that are telling you all these negative things about Ford are probably big on 'their' brand with all sorts of excuses why it is superior. Ford does a great job of building vehicles, just don't expect perfection and don't expect good advice from naysayers. They are too full of sour grapes to be objective.
  • newdriver2newdriver2 Member Posts: 68
    How many peole experienced the fuel smell when they start the Tribute/Escape in warm?
  • hanushanus Member Posts: 1
    I did a lot of reading before I leased my escape and recieved delivery last Friday (I always buy out at end of lease-because I take good car of my vehicles). I leased sight unseen and was pleasantly surprised when delivered. I also sold a 90 Jeep Cherokee for this lease, and own a 98 Explorer. The roominess is great-same size as the Cherokee as best I can tell. Smaller than the Explorer (4 dr). Got all options except side air & steps. It is 4 wheel drive. No problems but have only driven it 100 miles. I would recommend vehicle. Rides good and handles like a car not the big feel of the Explorer. Size is perfect for me. No problems as I have read on the other posts, but again only 6 days and 100 miles.
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    Ford delayed implementation until at least year end due to regulatory snags in California.
  • mosby1861mosby1861 Member Posts: 16
    I noticed you mentioned that you leased your escape! What kind of rates did you get? What are your monthly payments?

    I was considering leasing it, but the prices were too high. I was going to wait for an incentive of some sort.
  • jimjetjimjet Member Posts: 27
    I'm just in the browsing stage, I'm always browsing - actually bought a 2000 V6 5sp Mystique last Dec - very satisfied with it.
    One feature I really appreciate on the Escape are the TWO grab-handles each for both the driver and front passenger. Very practical assistance for entry and exit. The Honda CRV doesn't have any.

    I've heard a rumor that a 2.3 litre four cylinder will be offered in the next year or two. That's when I'll get serious about buying. What excellent dimensions this Escape has - inside and out. Good luck to all - take your time and order it exactly as you want.
  • beastycatbeastycat Member Posts: 3
    Has anyone received a better deal? I am feeling pretty good about the purchase and am waiting for the catch...I just ordered my Escape FWD XLT V6 3.0 with moonroof, privacy glass, and side step bars in wedgewood blue. The edmunds and KBB listed the DEALER INVOICE at $20, 868. I got mine for $118 LESS than the invoice $20,750 delivered! No extra advertising/paperwork crap! Just state tax. Now, I have to wait for what seems like forever to get it. This dealer said, "I'm not going to tell you what you want to hear, I'm telling you the truth...you probably won't have it until about April." Anyone else have to wait about 4 1/2 months? He mentioned about a fire in the warehouse as well as other problems. Any thoughts?
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    You can feel very good about you purchase! The Escape is in high demand and low supply. Most people buying them off the showroom are paying at MSRP or even above!

    I got mine for about $300 under list. You did great!

    Congrats.

    And, re. the sad news of delivery date, your dealer might be a bit too pessimistic.

    Also, make sure you get the actual order number from your dealer! That way you can track your purchase through Ford's Customer Service Center.
  • beastycatbeastycat Member Posts: 3
    So i posted before i read. Looks like many got the same amazing deal I did and eVeRyOnE is waiting. Well, I'm joining the club. At least I know what problems to look for when mine arrives. I am devestated by the MPG issue. Boy I hope 10MPG is an exception. I spent all I had on my new Escape and will be pinching pennies. Yeesh. By the way, I never considered the side-step bars being a messy-pant-leg problem. I just liked the way they looked. And what is the benefit of 16 inch wheels rather than 15? Maybe I can change my order.
  • londonerlondoner Member Posts: 1
    I've just ordered my Escape. The delivery date is February 23rd. That's seems better then most of the dates, which I've seen posted here.
    I'm not too sure about the price, though. I've ordered a XLT 4WD, black, 3.0 V6 engine, Leather group, Power Moonroof, Privacy glass, Front Side Airbags.
    The invoice price is $23,196.
    I'm paying $23,891 for the car, including all fees AND the destination charge, excluding tax and license, but no other hidden charges.
    Does this sound reasonable?
  • tronsrtronsr Member Posts: 46
    Go to blueovalnews.com {the fifth recall was announced for units built between 10/12 and 11/16 for wiper motor failure.At least mine is still not scheduled so by the time they build mine, maybe all the "kinks" will be corrected {I HOPE}.
  • scterrellscterrell Member Posts: 1
    I wouldn't worry about your mpg yet, beastycat. I ignored the advice in the owner's manual about not checking mpg until I broke it in, and found I recieved 18.3 mpg on my second tank of gas (all city driving). Since then, my mpg has varied between 20 mpg for city and 23 mpg on mostly interstate driving (averaging 80 mph). I too have a 6 cylinder 2WD XLT and the performance is incredible for an SUV. Also, the owner's manual says to use 87 octane fuel, so you'll save a bit there too.
  • beastycatbeastycat Member Posts: 3
    Thank you for your kind words PTMCCAIN and SCTERRELL. By the way PT, I too went to gaze at the Escapes at the Claycomo plant. HUNDREDS! Wondering if you, or anyone for that matter, could explain to me how to track my order. I have the VIN # but was not given an actual finish date. I did check out the FORD customer service web site but couldn't figure it out. I would love to get a delivery estimate. THANKS
  • anonymousanonymous Member Posts: 314
    Just passed the 1K miles point. I keep VERY accurate mileage records. Getting 15 mpg in my to-from work commute in Phila city traffic with the V-6 and 4x4. The mileage is increasing with each fill-up. (For comparison, I used a severely underpowered 93 Escort and got 22.5 mpg over 7 years in same commute.) The Escape is great, no problems to date. Great seating position and interior room for a 'small' vehicle, plenty of power. Could nit-pick about the interior, but overall very happy.
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    Beasty cat, I would highly recommend that you join Yahoo's Esape Club. There are close to 1000 people on it and we are up to 10,000 messages. Lots of info there. There is a FAQ in the photo section that explains how to track orders through Ford's "Vehicle Order Processing Center" or VOPC.

    Check it out.
  • jebr1jebr1 Member Posts: 3
    I am in the process of deciding what model of the Escape I want to purchase. I am not in a big hurry as I need to sell my Caravan first. My question is this, has anyone purchased the 4 cylinder-manual transmission and if so are you happy with it. If anyone has any information, pro's or con's in regards to the 4 cylinder-manual transmission please let me know. Any information is greatly appreciated. I also plan on purchasing the 4x4 model if this make any difference. Thanks
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    jebr1, if you can wait the new 2.3 is going to be more powerful than the present 2.0. The 2.3 is due out in about another 4 months.
  • zoomin4zoomin4 Member Posts: 1
    Would you please provide the web address of the yahoo site where you said there are close to 1,000 people on it, FAQs and info. on how to track orders through Ford regarding the Escape? I'm interested in checking it out.

    Thanks in advance!
  • tz98tz98 Member Posts: 7
    Use this link for the Escape Club on Yahoo.

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

    There is a good mixture of people who have ordered their Escapes and waiting their arrival and those of us who have them. Great discussions about many subjects.
  • tz98tz98 Member Posts: 7
    The reason I went with the 16" wheels option on my XLT 4X2 was to get the wheel lip moldings over the tires. I didn't care so much about the tire size itself. It does pump up the vehicle a little higher and the wheel hubs are a little fancier. But the main driving point was the moldings that you can't get with the 15 inchers.
  • glennzilla69glennzilla69 Member Posts: 3
    Does anyone out there know approx. how long it takes for an ordered vehicle to have a VIN assigned to it? I want to call the dealer as soon as my Escape is assigned a VIN....
  • tronsrtronsr Member Posts: 46
    I think you asked the same question at the Yahoo Ford Escape Club and I will answer it again at this site. I ordered my Escape on 10/2 and still no vin#. Some have ordered after this date and already have a vin#. It depends on the size of the Dealership and the priority #.It takes patience with the Escape. Some people that ordered their vehicle in Sept. still do not have delivery. With all the slow-downs because of the fire at the Foam rubber plant, and then parts shortages from the suppliers, plus five recalls, it might take months before you get the Escape.
  • caroleliz2caroleliz2 Member Posts: 1
    I just returned from a large Ford dealer....we hammered out a price of 19,300 for the XLT 4cyl 5 speed with privacy glass and step bars.....
    We decided we wanted to lease for 2 years...because it is a brand new model of car and we didn't want to commit to it by buying....
    the bottom line is....they tried to get us to sign a lease of $508.00 per month with a 12,300 residual....isn't that insane??...To make a long story short...we walked out...(he said he could sell us the expedition for 500 p/m)...uhm...if you can do an expedition for 500 a month...than you should be able to lease an escape for 350 a month...there is an 18k difference in resale price...I hate this.....

    What is anyone else experience with leasing for 24 months on this vehicle.....I appreciate any feedback....Thanks...CM
  • glennzilla69glennzilla69 Member Posts: 3
    I called the VOPC this morning and checked on my order with the order no. It said my order was on hold. I'm assuming it has plenty to do with the windshield wiper recall. With that, plus the Xmas shut down of the plants for a couple of weeks, maybe I'll get lucky and have my Escape in time for next summer.... MAYBE.....
  • kayma1kayma1 Member Posts: 4
    I just visited www.blueovalnews.com and their Escape Club. Seems everyone is having the same problems and/or comments. "When am I going to get my ESCAPE?" and/or "Love my Escape". Visit the site - just one more outlet for information.
  • kayma1kayma1 Member Posts: 4
    I just visited www.blueovalnews.com and their Escape Club. Seems everyone is having the same problems and/or comments. "When am I going to get my ESCAPE?" and/or "Love my Escape". Visit the site - just one more outlet for information.
  • mosby1861mosby1861 Member Posts: 16
    I have been interested in leasing the escape as well, but the Ford rates are insane! You can lease a Cherokee Sport for $269, Explorer $300 range etc. I am not sure why this is the case. But they claim it is SO hot right now, they are getting people to pay $500 a month.

    I am going to wait or purchase another vehicle.
    Anyone else have any thoughts?
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    I have been a true supporter of Ford and the Escape. I have carefully studied all the vehicles in class, and concluded the Escape/Tribute
    was the best value for the money .... suddenly, there is a "crack" in my confidence, and I am becoming concerned. A windshield wiper recall??? Ford has been making electric wipers for 50 years ... they cannot design a functioning wiper for the Escape??? And delivery? I ordered mine two weeks ago, and the dealer says he still does not have an allocation. I cannot believe a major auto company cannot align suppliers. I am beginning to suspect Ford has acres of Explorers they cannot dump, and will make it very difficult to get an Escape. It seems there is politics in everything!!
  • tronsrtronsr Member Posts: 46
    CanadaTwo:
    I have used Cooper Tires for several years and find them very reliable. Also, there is now a Canada Ford Escape Club at the yahoo site.
  • esunetdudeesunetdude Member Posts: 4
    Canadatwo and all ...

    I've used Pirelli tires on my 4X4 cars and I swear by them. I have Pirelli Scorpion ATs on my Explorer and they are an agressive tire. Once my Escape arrives I will do my best to work with the dealership to swap the Firestones for something else, preferrably Pirelli tires. I seem to recall them talking about putting Michelin tires on it for me. I know exactly what you are talking about with having crappy tires in bad weather. I once had a Jeep Cherokee that wasn't safe on snow and the tires were new. I had them changed to something else (and I can't remember what tires it was) and the difference was like night and day.

    While I'm posting, I may as well vent! I ordered my fully loaded XLT on September 30th. The dealership told me it had been assigned a build date and had a delivery date of November 20th. I've been in touch with the dealership and no signs of the vehicle. I also questioned whether the delay was due to recalls or if something else was holding things up. He claims the information from the computer still shows the November 20th date and claims it's on its way. In the meantime the mileage is counting on my 97 Explorer that is getting traded in. Who knows, maybe it will be in before Christmas.

    ESU Netdude
  • pwatsonfnppwatsonfnp Member Posts: 1
    I live in Bend OR and have been driving my 4x4 escape on Michelin Artic Alpines which I obtained from the local Sears.. I highly recommend them for ice and snow. We have had a fair amount of both here in the last 4 weeks and I'm very happy with them as an alternative to studded tires (NOISEY).
    Have any of you Escape 4X4 drivers tried to back up and turn while in 4 wheel drive??? It won't do it on mine... It justs stops...I have not asked the service dept if this is normal. Let me know..
  • dfgallettadfgalletta Member Posts: 4
    Several people keep referring us to Yahoo's Escape Club to see a list of FAQs that include instructions on how to track the manufacture of Escapes once you have a VIN. I have searched and searched at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/thefordescapeclub but there is NOT an FAQ list. Please, someone, point us to a reliable location? Or better yet, could someone please just give us the instructions--perhaps maybe--gulp---HERE? Is this forbidden on Edmunds or something?
  • tz98tz98 Member Posts: 7
    The FAQs are in the Photos section in the Escape Club on Yahoo.
  • dfgallettadfgalletta Member Posts: 4
    Thanks very much for untangling this one! Now if I can just figure out why FAQs are in the Photos section...
  • bcollisonbcollison Member Posts: 24
    What are you Escape or Tribute owners getting for gas mileage with the V-6 and 4X4? I will be driving about 60 miles a day in mixed city and highway driving. Was wondering what I could expect. Thanks in advance!
  • big_guybig_guy Member Posts: 372
    In my opinion, studs on snow tires are a gimmick by the tire dealers to get more money. Studs do not add any significant traction above a well made snow tire . . . especially on icy roads.

    I saw a test on a local news program where they took the same two front wheel drive cars, put the same snow tires on them except one had studs and the other did not. They placed both vehicles on a local ice-hockey arena floor and tested them. The studs did not help at all. In fact, it appeared on the report that the studs made it worse on the icy conditions. Just my $.02
  • tronsrtronsr Member Posts: 46
    Do your homework by going to the site at edmunds, get the invoice prices and go from there.Read all you can on the various web sites.There are tons of info available. Again, do your homework.
  • dpdssmdpdssm Member Posts: 10
    I wish I could be hopeful, however I ordered my XLT w/leather Aug 18 and do not have delivery yet.
    Delivery date was projected at Nov 9, but the best I have heard is I might have it by Christmas, so hang on....a lot...kind of a hassle because I traded a car, so i don't want to drive my trade in too much, etc etc.
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    The Scandanavians (Finns etc) still swear by studs. The reason studded tires are not in vogue in North America is because they are noisy and add $100 to the price of a set of tires.

    See the following report:

    www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/cars/tires/tiretests.html
  • skyrebskyreb Member Posts: 129
    Yes, and in addition they are illegal in some states except in winter. They are hard on the road. It necessitates changing tires at the beginning of winter and the end.
  • thcsacthcsac Member Posts: 1
    I don't know about snow tires and such,but I like my Escape.I was curious about mileage also.My V6 is getting about 16mpg with mixed driving and cheap gas.I also hear the clicking between the seats and after looking at this board I think I understand[New Model].Overall I can't say enough about this car.I think the Escape is simple yet functional and hauls my Goldburg Ultmate just fine.Anyone looking for a good used Aerostar?
  • ptmccainptmccain Member Posts: 86
    You guys are nuts if you think studded tires don't help much! They absolutely do!

    I had a Ford Crown Victoria, rear wheel drive, a number of years ago. We moved to Northern Iowa where snow/ice is a major challenge.

    Before I got the studded snow tires I was slipping and sliding all over creation on the hard, impacted snow/ice cover that lasted months on the roads.

    After, no problems. Traction was incredible. Braking was a huge improvment.

    Many states do not allow studded tires because they DO work so well, so well that they tear up the roads!

    Studded tires work marvelously, if you can use them.
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    Even if you don't get studded tires, it is highly recommended that you change over a winter tire of some type (ie blizzaks) if you live in an area that gets any amount of snow. That pretty much includes most of Canada and the top 1/2 or more of the U.S.

    In test after test after test, all-seasons are shown to be dramatically worse than winter tires in snow/ice traction (cornering, braking, straight ahead). In fact, some U.S. states REQUIRE you to use approved winter tires on some highways.

    If you're concerned about damage to highways, have a look at Nokian Hakka-1 winters tires from Finland (Les Schwab has them) that can be studded with their innovative "eco-stud". I believe it's a non-metal retractable stud. The Nokians will cost you double what a set of cheapo winters will though.

    I switched over to studded Coooper Weathermasters last week after some very scary experiences with the stock all-seasons on ice/snow in my 4x4 Escape.

    WOW what an improvement! In fact, the dry road handling has improved as well. Very Happy despite the increased road noise. Highly recommended. Stress level has decreased substantially.
  • dpdssmdpdssm Member Posts: 10
    One of the reasons Studded Snow Tires are not legal is the extreme damage they do to ANY pavement.
    They are a major cause of rutting which in turn holds water and ta da...ice. Even extremly high quality concrete pavements, not to mention bituminous pavements, they will deteriorate. I would guess that the European folks have less heavy loading so do not exhibit this. Before some says "Well European Pavements are better", this is a surface charecteristic, not a cross section problem.
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