Ford Escape

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  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,845
    it doesn't mention the engine, so i think you are right. guess these hold their resale pretty well.

    17.5 for an '01 seems pretty big money.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    My local dealer told me the High Backed Bucket seats that were ONLY available on the '01 are a hot item, and people are asking for them, so they are giving a little more if you have the NON-HEADREST full back seats.

     

    Odie
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    Interesting part was , they were very limited. I was able to spot only 5 2001 and 1 2002 at that time.
  • bykerbyker Member Posts: 1
    You wrote: "You need the Ford removal tools or a properly bent hanger to get the factory radio out."

    Ahh, the old properly bent hanger! Certainly a tool that's helped me in so many areas of my life as an amateur fix-it guy, and right next to duct tape and Band-Aids in my toolbox!

    I'm the owner of an '05 4WD 4-cyl Escape that has the factory CD changer. Can you tell me --

    * what's this tool like?
    * how much does it cost?
    * do most dealers stock it?
    * can you get it from anyone else besides Ford?
    and most importantly,
    * how do you remove the receiver unit? There are four deep holes at the corners of the receiver. Is there a nut or a screw down there?

    I'm looking for a way to wire-in my iPod player. I live in an area croweded with FM signals, so using an FM transmitter doesn't work well.

    If anyone's installed an MP3 adapter for their Escape, please let me know how you did it. I wish these darn factory stereos came with a front-panel mini-plug socket!

    ....................Tom
  • pdc2pdc2 Member Posts: 15
    Perhaps one more question on owner installed/modified stereo would be what effect it would have on warranties; and whether the vehicle's electronic malfunction could be blamed on the modification?
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    I am sure "properly bent hanger" will be weak to press it and remove the unit.
    If you stop by @ any auto hardware store,look at Haynes Manual for Ford Taurus, under the chapter for stereo, you will see the picture of that tool.
    Dealers may have the tool but dealers don't sell tools...
    Your best bet might be Crutchfield
  • lynze00lynze00 Member Posts: 1
    In theory, I agree that the hybrid Escape would be a good car... except for one big thing (to me anyways), as soon as you turn on the air conditioning, it runs the engine. Maybe not a big deal if you live up north where you hardly use it, but if you live in the south like me (Florida) there's really no point to using a hybrid when you need the air for most of the year.
    Other than that factor, I would have seriously considered buying it!
  • rbarilerbarile Member Posts: 5
    Hi All: I bought an 05 Ford Escape Limited last summer for my wife. Has everything but the moon roof. I am really disappointed in the fuel economy; 14 mpg city whereas the EPA estimate is now 20 city 25 highway for this SUV. Recently I noticed a strong fuel odor (outside the car) when I start it up an let it run for 60 seconds and then shut it off (just moving the car from one place in my driveway to another). The car is still under warranty and I think it should go back to the dealer. Although, I have read in this and other forums that Ford basically throws up their hands at poor fuel economy.
    Anyone have any similar experience here?
    Robert
  • escapenutescapenut Member Posts: 117
    The '05 Escape you bought for your wife should go back to the dealer immediately for a strong gas odor. It could be potentially dangerous. There could be multiple different reasons why, but i'm not a mechanic.

    My gas mileage on my '01 Escape XLT V6 was on average ~18 in city and 22 on hwy, almost exactly what the rating said. However, last year I took my Escape in to the dealer for the PCM/ECM reflash recall (to cure the stalling problems of some earlier models). Within one (1) week I noticed that my mileage had dropped 1-2 miles per gallon, but I did not have driveability issues at all. Since then I've been averaging ~16-17 in city on good weeks and 19-20 on the highway. The dealer swears that the PCM reflash had nothing to do with it. I've changed spark-plugs (50K), aligned the front-end, balanced tires, fuel injector flush, etc., all to no avail to improve mileage a bit.

    Conversely, I've got a friend who has an '05 Mazda Tribute who is consistently getting ~21 in mixed city/hwy. driving, aminly on toll roads and
    city streets. Go figure....
  • rbarilerbarile Member Posts: 5
    Did they mention why the Sway Bar broke? Seems odd. Sway bars are generally overdesigned for stress.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    take it to another dealer for the fuel smell issue right away. As far as MPG.. you must let the vehicle break in. I too own an 01 4x4 V6 XLT Escape. I average about 19 city and a good 25 on the Hwy crusing at 75 at that! MPG will not improve until the engine has been broken in. Also remember, if you have a roof rack, step bars, bug guards ect.. this will had drag and lower your MPG.
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    After the flash, when you are driving on flat road on 4th gear, what does your rpm show?
    My twins are moving at 1600rpm @ 4th gear, I don't have any issue but I believe this is little low.
  • escapenutescapenut Member Posts: 117
    Snowman: Can't remember off-hand as it's been over a week since I've really been on open-road. However, tomorrow I'll check and get back with you on RPM at ~70MPH.
  • snowmansnowman Member Posts: 540
    Actually, if you let me know what your rpm is @ 47-48 mph, I would appreciate...
  • kckitty1kckitty1 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone had the same situation with their gas mileage? I have a 2002 XLT Escape 2WD w/bug guard, had 1970 miles on the car when I purchased it in Nov. of 2001. The first 18 months or more I was getting 370 miles on a tank of gas, now I am lucky to get 300. The dealership service manager 1st started saying approx. 1 year ago that it is still within the ranges that they said it should be getting but, if mileage decreases wouldn't there be an obvious problem? Also, the gas gauge has always gotten more mileage from full to half (200+miles according to the trip odometer) and then much less on the three-quarter to empty portion. Now it is worse. Again not much help from the dealer. Of course I had pointed all of this out to them prior to the warranty expiring and now as the problem increases I am concerned that this will be a cost I may have to incur in the future. I listen to "Car Talk" on NPR and heard what I felt was a helpful suggestion re: warranties. They said that if you bring up something to the dealership while your car is under warranty and they do nothing, make sure that they note it on the invoice so that it is documented. Maybe it will help if/when you have the same issue after the warranty runs out and they want you to pay for something that they refused to fix. I went to my dealership and discussed this with the service manager (very nice man also very non helpful) and he said, that any after warranty issues, that were related to problems that I had brought up prior to my warranty running out, would be taken care of, because they "knew me". They would take care of me. He further stated, that "I did not have to have these things documented because they all knew that I had brought the issues up with them multiple times". I smell a rat. I would love to have thoughts/suggestions/help. ***Just a note: I LOVE my Escape...I just want back what I had.
  • labrdor1labrdor1 Member Posts: 1
    Tom, go to www.crutchfield.com they have the tools you need to take the stereo out. I tried the coat hanger thing...it doesnt work very well. The tool Crutchfield has is like 8 bucks. It will take the stereo out in seconds. Call their toll free number and a rep will help you. If you have the Mach 300 or whatever stock stereo the Escape came with, you will need to order an FM modulator to hook up your MP3 player. I am running my mini-ipod thru mine. The mod runs thru the antennae port and then you will have to tune the stereo each time to 88.3 or whatever setting the modulator is on.I just have it set as a pre-set. The modulator needs its own power source and ground. I used the lower cigar. lighter on my Escape as its switched off with the ignition. You will also need a 2 rca male to mini headphone female adapter. Then a male to male mini headphone patch cord. So the FM modulator plugs into the back of your stereo leaving two fem. RCA's out,then the rca to mini head fem. adapter then the M/m patch cord plugs into that. I ran that all behind the console and came up thru the console tray (after popping it out) with the cigarette lighter. Run the m/m cord up thru the hole with enough slack and pop the tray back in. Dont pinch the cord too much. Now you have a male mini-headphone cord sticking out that you can plug right into your headphone port on your mp3 player.
    You have to find one of the stations the mod. allows that isnt being used, otherwise it will bleed thru. I tried the crappy one apple offer that broadcast to your stereo...what a piece of sh&T!
    This mod. thing thru the ant. is the only way to do it without buying a whole new stereo. BTW- you can buy aftermarket stereos with mini-headphone ports and/or direct aux links. I did it in my last car and it sounded great.
    Hope this helps you...you still may get a little interference now in then, but its ten times betters than that broadcast mod. one.

    Paul
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    I was told there must have been a defect in the metal used in the sway bar, they had 4 escapes, 2 rangers, and 2 exploders come in for the same thing. They dealer I go to has one of the best service centers around, they get referals from other service centers for alot of things the others can't handle, that's probably why there were so many with the same problem with-in a month of each other.

    Odie
  • escapenutescapenut Member Posts: 117
    RPM at 45-48 MPH for my '01 Escape XLT V6 is around 1500-1600. Looks like closer to 1600. The way I understand it is you want lower RPM in high gear (4th in this case) for less long-term engine wear. This is of course after the PCM reflash recall done ~8-months ago.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "Bottom line," says Jeff, "the Escape Hybrid is an awesome road trip vehicle." No compromises indeed.

    Long-Term Test: 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid

    Talk about it in the Ford Escape Hybrid discussion.

    Steve, Host
  • jeffb4jeffb4 Member Posts: 1
    I installed an aftermarket trailer hitch on my 2005 Escape XLT V6. Does anyone know the best way to wire the trailer lights ?? I could not find any vehicle specific wiring harness for 2005 Escape.
  • cbaviatorcbaviator Member Posts: 2
    I don't know a ton about cars...so I am going to throw this question out there.

    I was looking over the gas mileage ratings for both the Escape 2WD and the 4x4. I noticed that the 2WD MPG is much higher than that of the 4x4. Is the four wheel drive model rated as though both the forward and rearward transmissions are engaged? I would assume that the MPGs would be fairly close to one another unless the 4x4 had the rear transmission engaged. If someone could please explain, that would be great! Thanks.
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    Even though only the front wheels are driving the vehicle in both the 2wd and 4wd (AWD) you have the extra weight of the trans case, drive, and components for the 4WD system.
    Also was the mileage you looked at on the 2wd for the 4cyl or 6cyl? That will also make a difference.

    I myself am now getting 20 City / 28 Hwy on my '01 XLT 4WD with 56,630 miles. But remember that I also had some engine work done in the effect of a Turbo Charger that pushed my HP up to 270, and added alot of components to the inners of the vehicle. I'm still fighting the Trade-in battle with my wife over a Freestyle, and I think I may be losing miserably.

    Odie
  • cbaviatorcbaviator Member Posts: 2
    I am considering the purchase of a new XLS Manual Escape. I just talked to a friend that has owned both the I4 and V6. He claimed that the I4 just doesn't have enough power---especially with the AC, radio, etc. running. He says it just doesn't have the power needed for simple things like building up speed to merge onto highways and such. Anyone have any comment on this? Is this appear as more of an exxageration or do the 153 horses just not have enough "kick?" Thanks!
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    If he owned an older model Escape 4 cylinder then he had the 2.0L 127HP engine. Ford has since switched to the 2.3L 153HP engine so it may be a bit better than the one he owned.
  • mike071581mike071581 Member Posts: 3
    I'm looking at getting an Escape from a dealer. They have a used 05 XLT on the lot with 18,500 miles on it for $19,400. It comes with the sunroof, towing package, step abrs and 6 CD stero and speakers. Is this a good price on it?
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Try the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion too.

    Steve, Host
  • bonefishbonefish Member Posts: 1
    The price seems reasonable, I just bought an '05 Escape with 14,000 miles (leather, moonroof, NO towing package) for $20500. From the comparison shopping I did this also seemed reasonable.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    At 50,000 miles I had to get my rotors changed and pads changed on my fronts. Back brakes still at 50 percent. Cost of about $175. This has been the most major expense out of my pocket since owning this vehicle. It has been very reliable.
  • viper318viper318 Member Posts: 5
    I am interested in buying a 2005 ford escape.
    But I am wondering if i should get the 4x4 model because I plan to tow with it now and then. I heard and read that their could be some problems towing with a fwd vehicles. Any advice or help would be appreciated.
  • viper318viper318 Member Posts: 5
    Can anyone tell me a good grill guard for the escape. I drive at night and have hit a few dear already with another truck. And also does it effect the fwd?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Yes! get the 4x4 model of the Escape with the V6 engine AND tow package. I am speaking from experience of towing with this vehicle. I own an 01 V6 4WD XLT Escape and tow my two watercraft. I estimate total towing weight between 1500 and 2000 lbs. My Escape pulls this with no problems. The V6 pulls with confidence. When you add the weight of passengers and gear the V6 is a must. Granted these little utes are not pulling/hauling monsters like a truck or larger SUV, but they can pull their own for the smaller jobs. Let us know what you decide...
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    A reporter with a major national magazine is looking for a few car shoppers who are in the process of searching for a car and are deliberating between a hybrid and conventional vehicle. He would be interested to talk to people considering the upcoming hybrid Toyota Highlander and/or RX400h.

    We are also looking members who went through similar deliberations but have already made a purchase, including the Ford Escape, Honda Civic, Honda Accord or the Toyota Prius. Please send a brief description of your experience along with your contact information to Kirsten Holguin at kholguin@edmunds.com by Thursday, March 10th.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    I got mine from
    http://www.waag.com (great selection)
    but also got the rear bumper bar and tail-light bars. They are actually very easly to install (if you know what your doing), but any dealer can install if you have the product already, and will only charge you labor.

    Odie
  • frehntrainfrehntrain Member Posts: 1
    My 2002 Escape has also been having the stalling problem. If anyone has figured out how to fix this yet let me know. The mechanics and dealers are all stumped. email frehntrain47@yahoo.com
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    email *******@*****

    Please keep the discussion here so everyone benefits. Doing otherwise defeats the purpose of a message board which is to share information, views and experiences. Also, it is unwise to post your email address in a public message forum - the spammers love it.

    You may also want to look at Ford Escape/Tribute Owners: Problems & Solutions

    tidester, host
  • russell2russell2 Member Posts: 1
    has anyone given the answer to question on message #2562
  • mike372mike372 Member Posts: 354
    was totaled by a snowplow running a red light about a week ago. As a result, he is in the market for a new 05 Escape XLT 4WD. Has anyone been tracking the rebates offered by Ford since last spring in the NorthEast Region, ie NJ, NY. The current rebate is 2,000 until April 4th so I am trying to figure out what they will do after that based on prior history (not always accurate but a good start).
  • skinkskink Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone had experience pulling a pop up camper with an Escape? I have an 04 with the V6, and am looking at a couple of different campers. One camper weighs 1710 lbs. and the other weighs 1996 lbs. Will the Escape haul either one along with my wife, our two kids, and our bags? I think I read in the specs. it will haul 3500 lbs.
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    yes the rating is 3500lbs, but you also have to factor in they weight of the people, luggage, and other stuff inside the car along with the trailer you are going to pull. the hitch is a 3500lb hitch, but the engine and tranny are also only rated for 3500lbs if you have the TOWING PACKAGE, not just an added on hitch from u-haul.

    Odie
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    make sure you have the towing package on your Escape before you pull heavy loads. I pull both of my water craft/trailer with no problems with my 01 Escape V6 4WD XLT. Plus I carry up to 5 people, gear ontop, gear in the rear. Some may discount the V6 as any advantage.. I would love to see the 4cyl SUV's in this class pull/haul as much as I do!
  • skinkskink Member Posts: 2
    What is in the towing package? Mine did not come with it. I was going to get an aftermarket receiver and wiring installed. According to the publication I got from Ford, the factory package only consists of the hitch and wiring. Is there more to it that I'm missing. Also, doesn't the 3.0 come standard with a transmission cooler?
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    I am probably getting into trouble with this post. If so I apologize.

    www.crutchfield.com has the tool to remove the radio and it costs under $5.

    Mark
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    The tranny cooler is part of the tow package and not standard on the 3.0 engine.

    Mark
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    In the philadelphia region, current rebate is $2,000 plus $500 Ford Credit cash or 0.0% for 60 mos.

    Different regions often have different incentives.

    http://www.fordvehicles.com/incentives/offers/

    type your zip code.

    My experience is that the rebate won't go any higher until 06 models hit the lot and 05s are left overs.

    Mark
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    I found that the factory hitch is class II. That is, the box receiver is the 1.25 inch square type. If you want a "real" class III hitch, that being a 2inch square box receiver, you can get them from at least four aftermarket manufacturers. I got the Draw Tite.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    The optional tow package includes the class iii hitch. otherwise you get a class ii.

    Mark
    :)
  • wtd44wtd44 Member Posts: 1,208
    It's a long story, so I'll give you the short version. I traded off a Mercury Villager for a new 2005 Escape in a very good deal. The Escape is an LTD Sport with most everything, except the factory tow package option. It is all together possible that I will never tow anything with it. I got the Draw-Tite setup thrown into the deal, and I will only ever use it in a serious pinch-- I use my Mercury Mountaineer factory tow setup for what little towing I ever do these days.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    oops,

    I thought I was in the Explorer forum by accident.

    The ESCAPE max tow with the Factory Installed Tow Package (includes auto tranny oil cooler) is 3000, (class II) With the 4 cyl, 1500lbs is max

    Mark
  • ginnyeginnye Member Posts: 1
    I purchased a 2005 Ford Escape XLT 4WD in January. Recently a relative looked at the rear wheels and told me the brake drums are scored which means the brakes probably stuck on at some point and made the grooves. He said they should be replaced. I took it to the dealer to have them checked out and they said the brakes are fine. Who do I believe?
  • dc_driverdc_driver Member Posts: 712
    Maybe take it to a third party (Midas, local mechanic, etc)?
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