Ford Escape

1jimv1 · October 2001

X-plan price is 4% over the A-plan price Ford corporate prints on the invoice to the dealer. The dealer cannot haggle this price or add dealer add-on costs. Ford pays the dealer a fee to handle the sale. Participation by the dealer is voluntary but there is seldom a problem with that. Your trade in value is usually figured from a book since most trade-ins are wholesaled out. If your retail salesman has quoted a higher trade in value expecting to recover it from a higher sales price then expect an adjustment. You can always sell your trade in yourself or try another dealer if the value is too low. Investigate with a good wholesale pricing book yourself beforehand since that is the only negotiation in the deal.

stever · October 2001

Escape fans may enjoy the 2001 Mini SUV Comparison Test linked in the Additional Resources box on the left sidebar.

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

gsogymrat · October 2001

I'm curious as to why people bought the Escape instead of the Tribute. Is it just a styling preference?

bess · October 2001

I chose the Escape over the Tribute:
a. I very much prefer exterior look of the Escape.
b. Better local dealership.
c. Better price (and I didn't even use x-plan). Although I guess thats a dealership thing.

auburnblu · October 2001

Don't think either is avaiable on the Tribute, plus I love the way the XLS Choice model is optioned. I actually like the Tribute styling a little better. I used the X-Plan, but have the S-Plan on Mazdas too.

lovethosesuvs · October 2001

Because the Mazda dealership refused me a test drive because I wasn't sure whether I was going to buy in summer or in fall.

Because there's only one Mazda dealership in town, and I have heard nothing but bad-service stories about them.

Because there are 3 Ford dealerships in town, and 2 of them offer shuttle service to my workplace.

Because a friend of mine's husband manages the luxury dealership in town, which is a sister dealership of 1 of the Ford dealerships, so he could go to bat for me if I had a problem.

scape2 · October 2001

the Escape purely on styling choice. Otherwise we all know these are virtually the same vehicle.
Looking for Escape accessories anyone have a good website with deep discounts on parts?? Looking for splash guards, hood guard and a Ford emblem tow insert.
I am averaging 21.3 MPG in my Escape with 1,237 miles on it. This should improve to about 23/24 by the time the engine is broken in.

robingf · October 2001

Well, so far, the only thing I don't like about our new Escape is the brake dust on the front wheels...after only about 100 miles, it looked pretty bad. After 200, (and a cleaning or two), it was still there. Seems to be getting somewhat less over time, so I'll wait until I've gotten a thousand or two thousand on it before deciding if I'm going to change the brake pads to the recommended Raybestos ones. Mileage on the first tank of fuel was 19.8. Second tank was 20.9. It looks like it will improve as the engine parts seat. All driving so far has been a mixture of speeds, including a lot around town.

Onward.......

turksteritis · October 2001

20k on my tribute & the brake dust will not get better.

bri66 · October 2001

Every Sunday's wash I have a large amount of brake dust on my front wheels as well. I'm no mechanic, but I've heard in the past it is better to have a soft brake pad, less damage to calipers. Is that true?

bri66 · October 2001

........sorry I meant to say less wear to the rotors.

suvshopper4 · October 2001

I've heard that, in order to get decent braking results, some carmakers have to use softer pads (which wear faster and dirtier).

1jimv1 · October 2001

In order to achieve recent government mandated Higher braking force using Lower mandated petal pressure, the soft pads were used with the existing brake hardware instead of redesigning it. When harder aftermarket replacement pads are used there is no dust but very slightly more petal is needed. It's one of those government/manufacturer solution things for now. Your solution for yourself is to just install the harder pads now or later and don't bother with dust shields they just interfere with cooling. People who have already done this say the brakes feel just the same to them and the wheels stay clean. Pads cost $40 if you do it yourself.

indylowflyer · October 2001

One thing is for sure, and that is the Escape has an excellent braking system. I believe it is best in class. It is a major reason along with ride/handling, V-6, and interior room that,IMO, makes the Escape the best overall small suv. In the first full year of production, Ford sold more Escapes than any previous competing make or model. They must be doing something right.

ruoregon · October 2001

Just got back from a trip to California. Was lucky to rent an Escape V6 from Hertz. What a ride!! My rig is a V10 Excursion at home, but I gotta tell you that with putting only 212 miles on it in 24 hours, I am sold on this "little bro" of the Excursion. Fit & finish was better than my Limited too.

chicagored · October 2001

new to the board...considering an Escape. what the x-plan pricing you're referring to? is that factory-generated?

Also, a ford dealer tonite told me that 0% APR is not available on escapes, since they're selling well...i thought it's all fords.

beatleescape · October 2001

You can become an x-plan buyer by joining the EAA, which costs you $40. Scroll back through messages here or go to escape-central.com and look through those message lists .... you will find lots of info.
The 0% applies to the Escape as I purchased mine 2 weeks ago and had the option of 0%, although I went with the 2.9%.
Good luck .............

Bode13 · October 2001

The 0.0% financing is for 36 months and IS available on the Escape. Where the difference lies is in the 48- and 60-month financing. On some (not all) Fords, there is 0% financing for up to 60 months.

However, on the Escape the 48-month APR is 2.9% and the 60-month is 4.9%. Still a very good deal, and better than the vast majority of buyers are likely to get at the vast majority of banks and lending institutions.

wannascape · October 2001

Hello all-

I've read through the posts here and on other message boards and have some concerns I hope can be addressed before I buy.

1. I've heard about the stalling problem with the Escape. Does anyone have a 2002 with this problem and if so, was it fixed?

2. Does anyone put a car seat in their Escape? I currently have a '94 T-Bird and I want to change to a 4-door so I can have the option to put in a car seat (not needed yet, but maybe someday!)

3. Opinions on the 4X2 vs. the 4X4? I don't really do any "off-roading", but go up to the mountains where there's snow a few times in the winter.

4. Any opinion on whether or not it's worth the wait for the electric hybrid?

5. Finally, any chance there's someone out there who's driven a V-6 T-Bird and an Escape? Any comparisons?

Thanks for all the valuable info everyone has provided. I will definitely use the X-Plan when it comes time to buy.

bess · October 2001

1. The number of 2001 model escapes that experience this problem is so small that I wouldnt give this much thought.. My 2001 which was purchased a few months ago has not experienced any such problem..

2. Yes, the escape is well designed for car seats. I have 2 in my Escape.. It has the attachment for the 3rd teather strap, as well as the new style seat anchors that are designed for the newer car seats to snap into..

3. 4x2 vs 4x4: I think the 4x2 would be just fine for your needs.. Remember that the Escape is a front wheel drive vehicle. That in addition to the additional ground clearance you get (since it is an SUV) will get you far.. There is no difference in ground clearance in 4x4 vs 4x2..

4. HEV vs LEV: Thats your personal choice.. My wife is also interested in seeing the HEV in action.. hmm, maybe if she likes it I'll take our current Escape and get an HEV for her..

5. T-bird vs Escape: Can't say that I've driven the T-Bird. But the Escape and T-bird are completely different vehicles at opposite ends of the spectrum..
a. T-Bird is at a completely different price point
b. number of seats available.. T-bird is not for kids, or those with kids.
c. the Escape gets better mpg's. Interesting that your interested in an HEV in one statement, and then consider the T-Bird in another.. hmm..
d. The Escape (even the 4x2) will do far better in the mountain snows than the rear wheel drive t-bird.

One thing that appears similar is that both vehicles are a blast to drive.. The Escape reminded me of when we used to drive our 90 Probe LX with the V6. Accelerates well, handles well, brakes well..

hckynut · October 2001

1)We have a 2002 and no problems at all

2)No kids

3)We opted for the 4X2 because it allowed us to buy the XLT Premium for less than we could have bought the 4X4 without all the options in the Premium. Ilive in Nebraska and we have very bad winters,especially last year. I'm 62 years old and have lived in Nebraska all my life and last winter ranks in the top 3 worst that I have experienced. We had a Pontiac Grand Prix GT last winter(front wheel drive)and we got where ever we needed to go. We also live out in the country on a gravel road and still made it into town whenever needed. Front wheel drive is all we've ever needed. I policy is "if I need a 4X4 to get me where I am going, I'm staying home". Mileage should also be a little better with 4X2.

4)Don't know anything about this question.

5)2 completetly different vehicles. Did own a 1970 Mustang Mach I with Clevland Heads and Hood Scoop. Was a ball to drive. I could go way, way back to my High Performance 1961(390hp)Starliner and my 1962(405hp)500 that I used to drag race on the strip. They were fun to drive and fast.
The Escape to me falls in the same category(although not the same acceleration), a fun vehicle to drive and we love it.

hckynut

drew_ · October 2001

Not to get too far off topic, did your Mach 1 have a shaker hood scoup or the rear window louvers? :-)

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

hckynut · October 2001

Drew. My Mach I had pretty much everything available at that time. Leather, Stereo etc. I didn't get the 427cu.in engine because at the time I was not married and being a male, the insurance premiums would have been out of sight. Thus I opted for the smaller engine(think it was a 302cu.in). It did have the Shaker Hood but the louvers were not an option at the time I ordered mine.

Total MSRP for it back then was about $3900.
Oh for the good old days. LOL!!

hckynut

wannascape · October 2001

Thanks for the info.

I guess I need to clarify my #5 question.

My comparison was between older (1990's) T-Birds and the Escape, not the new 2002 T-Birds. This is only because I currently drive a 1994 T-Bird and have not yet driven the Escape.
I was more concerned with comparing acceleration, options and comfort.
FYI,
a.the price point on my old T-Bird was far less than the current Escape.
b.The gas milage on my old T-Bird is about the same as the 2002 Escape which is why I'm interested in the HEV.

I am not considering buying a 2002 T Bird (can't afford it and can't put a car seat in it!)

Ultimately, my main concern was about stalling at 70 MPH on the freeway. I'm just wondering if anyone at Ford is addressing this issue.

Thanks.

drew_ · October 2001

Wow, fully loaded. The standard V8 engine was indeed a 302ci, but there were a few optional engines available. They were the 240 hp 351 V-8, the 285 hp 351 V-8 and the 370/375 hp 429 V-8. All 351 V-8s were of the Cleveland engine family, of course

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

bess · October 2001

Ah, I did mis-understand you.. I thought you were comparing to the 2002 T-bird..

My neighbor has a Thunderbird SC which I've ridden in many times.. To be honest, the Escape is a very nice 'seat of the pants' feel when you mash the gas, much like the SC.. The SC had alot less wind noise, and I'm sure it has a much higher top speed.. The ride on both are equally stiff. It's hard to compare cornering, the heavier T-Bird SC has a great suspension and lower CG and corners well, the taller but lighter Escape is no slouch though..

The rear seats on the Escape are larger than the T-Bird.

wannascape · October 2001

Thanks, that's the type of info I was looking for. I know they're two completely different cars, but since all I've driven for the last 7 years is the T-bird, I don't have any other basis for comparison.
Maybe I should have asked for comparison to my husband's '94 Ranger....

Thanks!

wannascape · October 2001

Does anyone have any idea if the the low financing rates will continue after Oct 31st?
I'm not ready to buy, but I don't want to miss out on the good rates.
I'm going to want a 2002, but probably not for a few more months. I'm sure if I call the dealers, they'll tell me to "buy now!"

Thanks!

hckynut · October 2001

Drew. Mine was a 351ci. The Windsor heads were the standard heads on the 351 when I ordered mine. I do remember that I chose spending the few bucks extra to get the Cleveland Heads and that meant the Shaker Hood came as part of the Cleveland Head Package. Don't know for sure which HP engine it was, but as I ordered it as soon as they came out I don't believe there were all of those different HP engines available at the time. I think it was either get the standard 302 or the 351 with either the Windsor or the Cleveland heads.

What a car that was.

hckynut

m3puttman · October 2001

I bought a 2002 Escape XLT in silver. At 85 miles it died on freeway. Dealer says it spun a rod and the entire engine needs to be replaced. Has anyone heard of this as a problem with the Escape engine?

scape2 · October 2001

Nope, your the first I have heard of this problem of an engine actually blowing. Was their oil in the engine? Any other problems leading up to this?

imcole · October 2001

I'm near closure on a factory order of a 02 XLT 4x4 loaded Escape. The MSRP is $25,500 and I'm at 1% over "invoice" with the dealer wich puts me at about 6.5 % under MSRP. Anyone seeing deals below Invoice or 100 over?

imcole · October 2001

I bet the financing will run until the year end...

1jimv1 · October 2001

Suggestions: (1)Most important: take enough time to know exactly what You want before ordering not after. (2)order through X-Plan to get a good fixed bottom line price (1% below invoice with no haggling or dealer add-on hassles). (3) give a $100 earnest money deposit by credit card and keep the receipt. (4) request they mail you a clear copy of the DORA so you can check accuracy of the order and track progress of the vehicle by order number. (5)check with your local BBB for complaints before dealing. See the many other posts for details on X-Plan. Follow through and you will enjoy the experience!

hckynut · October 2001

m3puttman.We've had our Silver 2002 XLT Premium for 6 weeks now. I've never heard of an engine going in 85 miles. Engines don't spin rods, but they do break rods and/or spin bearings. I raced for many years so I know a little bit about engines and their components.

As the other reply said about the only way that would happen would be from lack of oil. Not the only way, but the most likely.

I wouldn't settle for an engine replacement. I would want a Total Escape Replacement. Something drastic happend to this particular vehicle when built and I would let Ford Motor figure that one out.

hckynut

winbro · October 2001

they should just give you a new escape & eat the 85 miles

mckee4 · October 2001

Have had my 2001 XLT for 3-months and have not as yet experienced any of the problems
described within these posts. I've logged 4500 miles, with 70/30 split between City/Hwy.
My mileage averages 17 - 19 mpg most of time. I believe I could do better if I was driving
more highway. while it is not a perfect SUV, it is a very good one in my book. I test drove
all of the mini's with exception of the Hyundai Santa Fe when researching. We always came
back to the Escape and eventually bought it. We love the leather seating more than we
thought and have enjoyed the moonroof option as well. Love the thick 'n' beefy rubber Ford
floor mats which I purchased from the delaership.

Got my first oil change at the dealership which was pretty painless, 'cause it was only
$12.00. d/t coupons and dealer specials. I did notice on the service ticket that the techs.
put in 5W30 Motorcraft oil as opposed to the recommended 5W20 Motocraft as per
Ford specs. The service writer and tech. said it wouldn't void the warranty in any way.
The way I understand it, is that Ford uses the 5W20 to drive up corporate mileage
for Gov't standards.
I bought some Motorcraft 5W20 to have on hand at the house and may use it when I start
to change the oil myself at least one time. Then I'm switching to a complete synthetic which
I've used in previous cars. Should have ~ 10K+ miles on the Escape when I get around to
doing that. I wanted to wait and let the break-in oil do it's job since during the first 3K - 4K
miles. Funny thing was, the break-in oil at 4500 miles looked pretty clean and still golden
clean.
I've found a mechanic who's honest and good. He recommends the regular oil changes,
tune-ups, etc., but he also recommends synthetic oils ( Mobil1, Amsoil, et al ). He also
carries a line of previously distributor-only products made by BG which are esstentially
additives for oil, transmission, engine cleaners, etc. Some of these products are
carried at some local parts-houses. He suggested a regimen of these products for the
Escape after about 15K miles. They are expensive but I may try some starting in 2002.

primm1 · October 2001

I have a 17 foot boat. It weighs 2,800 pounds, including fuel and trailer.
I'm looking to buy a Ford Escape, which can supposely tow 3,500 pounds.
Some friends say I need to forget the small SUVs and get a larger one. True?
Also, someone told me that 3,500 pound figure is meant to include passengers and cargo in the SUV, not just the boat and trailer. True or false?
I've read posts on this board that says 4WD is not needed, but they were talking about snow. I'm thinking I DO need it to pull the boat and trailer up steep, slimy boat ramps. That's part of the reason I'm in the market, I'm afraid to use my current car to a lot of ramps for fear of launching both car AND boat.
Any input greatly appreciated.

novicesuver1 · October 2001

Have any of you escape owners ever used that popular engine/oil additive out there(s-50), and does anyone know if Ford plans on rolling out the production HEV by late summer 02??? ( i swear by that s-50, myself, for my small cars).............

canadatwo · October 2001

Don't both with any aof the engine oil additives.

If you want to put $$$ into the oil, buy a true synthetic like Mobil-1.

turksteritis · October 2001

I tow a 2500 pound pontoon boat with my trib with absolutely no probs. It really is not the weight issuebut the pontoon has the aerodynamics of pulling a large parachute.

evets50 · October 2001

Just had an Oil Change on my 2001 Escape from a Jiffy Lube. Looks like they used 10W30 oil and not the Ford recommended 5W30. Will this cause any problems? What is the difference?

buzzlight · October 2001

I am planning to purchase a 2002 Escape (XLT auto 6 cyl) but I am worried about the reports of Stalling. Has this problem been fixed or should I wait. Thanks

bess · October 2001

Mostly MPG's will be the difference, but you really should run what Ford recommends..
btw, Ford recommends 5w-20 (not 5w-30), but 5w-20 is a little harder to find and more expensive..
I've seen ford dealership put 5w-30 in Escapes though. They said it would not void the warranty in any way..

dieselone · October 2001

primm1,

I have a 17' boat/trailer that weighs about 3200lbs. I towed this boat with a Mercury Villager for 1 1/2 years. Steep ramps were a problem with traction and towing up anytype of incline was a chore due to lack of power. The Villager was rated for 3500lbs as is the Escape. From what I understand, the max tow limit is generally figured with one person in the vehicle and all extra weight needs to be reduced from the tow rating. The general rule of thumb is you don't want your trailer to be over 75% of the tow rating. You should be ok. I've read in a few mags. which gave the Escape good tow reviews. I ended up buying an 01 Pathfinder because I wanted a higher rating than 3500lbs and I loved the 240hp v6. I tow my boat long distances for vacations etc. and am generally loaded with additional people and cargo. Plus I plan on purchasing a larger boat which would be over the Escapes tow abilities. The Escape with a tow package should be able to tow 2800lbs all day long as long as you don't put an additional 1000lbs of people and gear in the vehicle. I would get 4wd since without it you could have problems on slick and steep ramps. If you want a higher tow rating with out a large suv the Liberty and Xterra are both rated for 5,000lbs. As far as gas milage with my Pathfiner, I've avg just under 17 in mainly city driving for the first 3500 miles. Towing drops to about 13mpg on highway.

hckynut · October 2001

We have a 2002 XLT Premium and have had no problems with anything. I think the stalling was a small minority of the Escape buyers and I think it was more a 2001 problem. Anyway ours is problem free.

hckynut

rfruth · October 2001

The Escape HEV site at http://www.hybridford.com says its coming in 03, I would assume (you know what they say about assuming) its coming in 03 as a 04 (none too soon for me, the thought of a 35 MPG Escape is wonderful !) Rob Fruth Houston

kdkc789 · October 2001

I have spent 2 weeks shopping for an Escape by visiting several local dealers gathering information and pricing. I just found out I am eligible for the x-plan. How do I handle the time previously spent with a salesman? Should I find a new dealer to buy from (one I have not had any contact with)? Any thoughts on the best way to buy on an x-plan when you have had contact with a salesman at the same dealer.

bess · October 2001

Be honest with your salesman.. Tell him that you just realized that you were eligable for the x-plan pricing and that you would like ot pursue that through them..
Although he/she might be disappointed a little, I would bet that they would still prefer to have the sale take place at their dealership rather than someone elses..

mckee4 · October 2001

Have driven a lot in the last few days in the Escape. Unfortunately not much highway, but
mainly city with a little two-lane country cruising. I've gone through two (2) tanks of gas
and am still hovering around 18 - 19 mpg. Seems to me, just about right on with EPA.
The 6-cylinder is worth every bit of extra money in my book, being one used to 4-bangers.
Plenty of pep for passing and moving around, with a moderate load of camping gear and
passenger.

I last posted and mentioned getting my oil changed at the dealership, and how they put
in a Motorcraft 5W-30. Just figured out that that the oil that they put in is not a partial-
synthetic blend like the new 5W-20 is. I'm going to talk to the dealership about this and
recommend that they use what Ford spec'd-out. Don't know if it'll make any difference
'cause I'm switching to full-synthetic next go-round. Probably within another 5K miles, I'll be dropping in a K&N air filter. An independent master mechanic I've found recommends no less
than a 10W-30 for warm weather climates such as southeast Texas. He also recommends this
fuel additive called 44K made by BG to add for cleaning valves, fuel injectors, et al. If used
about every 6 - 7 tankfuls, it'll keep these components clean and operating well. He himself
is sold on the BG product line. But they're not cheap. A bottle of 44K that I picked up
runs for $21.00. I put it in my wife's car and it frankly I believe her car runs better now than
previously. She's got a 95' Nissan Sentra that she's attached to with 89K miles.

Was disappointed to learn that Ford will no longer have the exterior Parchment Gold
color ( I believe that I saw this in the new ' No Boundaries ' Brochure ).

Ford Escape

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy