Ford Escape

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Comments

  • twhite99twhite99 Member Posts: 2
    i run the best fuel i can buy we have very little flat ground and my V6 escape will get 25mpg with two people on board the V10 will pull one gear higher on the same hill with 91 oct it helps
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    the trails I go on are set on 270 acres and the guy who owns them made them for all different types of vehicles. I know not to over torque the body and not to over extend the suspention... it's not like I'm climbing boulders. I can vouch for the Forester being pretty good on the trails... but the guy has (just the same as skiing) Single, Double and Triple Black Diamond trails. Some of the dealers even bring some of the cars out there. The most I've seen any Subaru on (except the WR-X and 2.5 RS) is the single diamond. I've seen both the WR-X and 2.5 RS on the dbl diamond trails...but they are owned by the same guy. The single trail is basically cut-out dirt/gravel roads with a few hills and puddles, and 2 very small streams. On the Double it's a little more serious but he has (what he calls) Yellow-Belly Passes, so you can bypass what you don't want to do. If it wasn't the fact Hunting season starts tomorrow, and being I don't want to get SHOT, I would go back and snap a few pics to place on here. When I get the chance, I will.

    As for gas mileage, I just hit 7500 trouble free miles and I get about 23 highway and 18/19 city. I'm happy with the Escape and will probally look at another one when it comes time.

    Odie
  • ndancendance Member Posts: 323
    Just to butt in.... Let met get this (to odie6l) straight. You go to this 270 acre lot complete with some sort of manufactured trails to drive around on? Some sort of theme park for offroad? Wild. You learn something new every day I guess.
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    It's just 270 acres that a guy has and made trails all over it. He has the land up for sale at a nice price of $30 million. Would be sad to see all the trails become a country club or $300 thou houses. But if it does sell...more power to the guy. I'll put pictures up once hunting season cools down a bit, like I said I'm NOT GETTING SHOT to take a few pictures.

    Odie
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    Canada2:
    You've made a few statements I thought I'd comment on:
    You wondered why ford has such a large variance in the MPG ratings for the Escape.. I've notice that they have the same ratings for the 4x4 and 4x2 models.. So it's likely the 4x2 will get better than the 4x4s'.. Also driving style (speed) and location makes a huge difference..
    On my thanksgiving trip here's some examples of my MPG's.

    21.1: small bag on roof, 2 adults, 2 kids, and loaded, mostly highway speed always above 70mph, very hilly terrain..
    23.2: terrain leveling out some, still above 70mph.
    25.0: same bag, similar terrain, but speeds around 55 to 65..
    Above is mostly highway driving..
    I agree with all of your assements on the advantages of 2wd.

    However, you claim a buddy gets 20mpg's in his F150 with the 5.4L.. you must be talking about imperial gallons and not US gallons, because the norm for most 4x4 F150's with 5.4L is in the 13 to 16mph rage..

    Also, your claim that the the Subaru can be driven FASTER more safely than Escape. Faster does not make it more or less capable..
    The origional poster asked if the Escape was adaquate for driving in the snowcovered northeast.. The answer is that the Escape handles snow covered roads just fine and will not leave you stranded.. In this situation safety is more determined by the drivers ability than the brand of vehicle..

    twhite: I also have a Superduty (00 F250 xlt sc 4x2 5.4l 5sp 4.10) and an Escape.. Nice choice in trucks.. I've also noticed the Escape shifts down pretty quick on hills where the Superduty would just cruise right up.. I only use 87octane as the higher octanes provide no power advantage unless your engine is pinging using 87, (which mine doesn't).
    Canada2:
    You've made a few statements I thought I'd comment on:
    You wondered why ford has such a large variance in the MPG ratings for the Escape.. I've notice that they have the same ratings for the 4x4 and 4x2 models.. So it's likely the 4x2 will get better than the 4x4s'.. Also driving style (speed) and location makes a huge difference..
    On my thanksgiving trip here's some examples of my MPG's.

    21.1: small bag on roof, 2 adults, 2 kids, and loaded, mostly highway speed always above 70mph, very hilly terrain..
    23.2: terrain leveling out some, still above 70mph.
    25.0: same bag, similar terrain, but speeds around 55 to 65..
    Above is mostly highway driving..
    I agree with all of your assements on the advantages of 2wd.

    However, you claim a buddy gets 20mpg's in his F150 with the 5.4L.. you must be talking about imperial gallons and not US gallons, because the norm for most 4x4 F150's with 5.4L is in the 13 to 16mph rage..

    Also, your claim that the the Subaru can be driven FASTER more safely than Escape. Faster does not make it more or less capable..
    The origional poster asked if the Escape was adaquate for driving in the snowcovered northeast.. The answer is that the Escape handles snow covered roads just fine and will not leave you stranded.. In this situation safety is more determined by the drivers ability than the brand of vehicle..

    twhite: I also have a Superduty (00 F250 xlt sc 4x2 5.4l 5sp 4.10) and an Escape.. Nice choice in trucks.. I've also noticed the Escape shifts down pretty quick on hills where the Superduty would just cruise right up.. I only use 87octane as the higher octanes provide no power advantage unless your engine is pinging using 87, (which mine doesn't).
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    Looks like you capable of getting good mileage on your 2WD Escape. Glad it worked out for you.

    As far as the variance in mpg, I was talking about ACTUAL reported mileage, not the EPA ratings. There are many people that try as they might, can hardly hit 20mpg on their Escapes, no matter how and where they drive them, while others claim to get 25 mpg doing 75mph on the freeway

    You are correct about the imperial gallons thing. I averaged below 20mpg imperial on 90% highway on my Escape. My buddy's 5.4l F-150 does a tiny bit better. I never got above 22mpg imperial no matter what I did.

    I do not understand why you would think that a vehicle that can SAFELY be driven faster on the same roads is not more capable for that express purpose, all other things being equal.

    For example, I do 40,000 miles of travelling a year across all types of weather conditions (including lots of snow and ice). All of the traits of the Escape and Forester balance each other off (ie: mpg vs power). My only concern is which will be safer for winter driving. For MY NEEDS, the Forester than is more capable. This of course does not apply to everyone.

    There is an interesting post on the CRV board where a guy compares the new CRV to the Escape and realizes how much more fun the Escape is to DRIVE (becuase of the awesome power) but decides on the CRV because it is more fun to OWN.

    I am very happy for all those who are very satisfied with their Escapes, but I really feel for all those that are having all the problems and glitches.
  • okripokrip Member Posts: 2
    I've had my 2002 Escape XLT 4x4 since October 15th and couldn't be happier with it. Just hit 1,300 miles today and have had no problems at all (knock on wood). I purchased it through the EAA X-plan that I found out about on this very board, and selected the 4.9% 60 month financing through Ford. I am very thankful that I found out about the X-plan because it was the most painless car buying experience I have ever had. If you intend to take advantage of this great program and have not joined, you'd better hurry because it all changes December 1st. I haven't calculated exact mileage figures yet, but in mostly city driving I've been averaging round 16-19 MPG. I do have one question for all the new car experts out there: I've read that a lot of new car owners change their oil after the first 1,000 miles. Is there a benefit in doing this, or should I go ahead and wait for the 3,000 mile mark?
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    Through EAA: Time is Running Out! Join at eaa.org BEFORE Dec 1st ( during next 4 days, cost $40) to get immediate Personal Identification Number anytime that allows you to buy your ESCAPE through most Ford dealers at X Plan low, fixed, no hassel pricing of about 1% below total Invoice. PIN is Good for at least a year. If you join after Nov 30 you must wait a year before you can get your PIN through EAA. X Plan can ease your buying experience a lot, especially for women!
  • blf2blf2 Member Posts: 38
    Okrip, I've always changed my oil in new cars after 1000 miles. There's a fair amount of metal shavings that get into the oil when all the fresh motor parts are breaking in. Mainly the metal comes from the cam, rod & main bearings all getting "seated" and anywhere else there's metal on metal friction. It's just that I'd rather get the bulk of the break-in metal out of the crankcase as soon as possible, and 1000 miles is a reasonable time for the break in to occur.

    I've also incurred a rather annoying rattle that seems to be coming from the headliner, above the sunvisors. Never noticed it until the temp got down to about freezing (yesterday), it sounds like a "ticking" and wondered if anyone else has experienced this??
  • okripokrip Member Posts: 2
    blfd, thanks for the input on the oil change, I think I will change it this weekend. As for the rattle, I haven't experienced any in that area yet. The only problem that I've experienced is the wife trying to con me into letting her drive it! She likes it so much that she wants me to trade in her 2000 Malibu for one. Thank goodness EAA lets you use X-plan two times in a year. I have the 4x4 model and haven't used it yet, but may get the opportunity this afternoon because it is snowing heavily in Tulsa today.
  • lovethosesuvslovethosesuvs Member Posts: 95
    HaHA! Thought I was gone, did you? I've been busy enjoying my Escape! I now have 5400 trouble-free miles on it and I couldn't be happier except for the heat. It's just not very hot! When I've had it on for half an hour it still is only marginally warm. I definitely don't feel like I'm blasted out with heat. I'm warm enough, but then again, it's not that cold now either. What happens when the temp takes a dip down even further??

    I hear the Lib is a real heat blaster but I am still glad I didn't buy one.
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    I have just the opposite problem with my escape.. The heat is just too much.. The AC will blow snow, but without the AC what comes out of the vents always seems heated some even in the coolest setting, and really toasty in the hot position.

    Maybe your cooling systems thermostat is stuck open.. I sortof wish the Escape had more real guages for temp and oil pressure..
  • spinellmspinellm Member Posts: 1
    I purchased my black 2002 XLT with all options for 24K right after low interest rate financiong became available from Ford in October.

    I have to say this- after 1,600 miles I am happy with the vehicle- because it is a very good value for the money. You do get quite a bit for a very reasonable number by todays standards.

    There are several relatively small simple things that could/should be done to perfect this vehicle- even if it meant a slight rise in price.
    1) The shifter needs to be on the floor- plain and simple- it is annoying and gets in the way- plus it looks cheap located in that spot.

    2)The engine noise (roar) should be toned down a notch

    3) More insulation is needed to cut down on the wind tunnel noise the truck makes at 70mph

    4) The steering is very, very light and should be made more responsive ie heavier on center feel.

    5) Bigger gas tank- Every time I turn around I need to stop for gas- about 225 miles between stops- not good at all- Should be a 19 gallon tank.
    I shopped much more expensive vehicles like X5 and M class- and went with Escape because of the hugh differntial in price- I am not sorry- it is a good vehicle that can be great if Ford would tend to some small details.
    By the way I get 15-16 MPG in mixed driving which I cant understand from a 3,300 pound (light) truck. I expected to do close to 20mpg- I have not even come close and Im not sure why considering I had a Taurus with the same engine that got 20mpg and weighed the same.
  • s002apps002app Member Posts: 3
    Saw a Ford Escape add in this week's Newsweek. One of the highlights was an available MP3 player, with the standard "late availability" caveat (gee, where have we heard this before?). Anyone have any information on when it may be available?
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    Usually the week after you order or take delivery of yours.
  • cv2121cv2121 Member Posts: 2
    I am really interested in purchasing a new 2002 Escape and just signed up for an EAA membership so I could take advantage of the X-Plan. Does anyone know of a Ford dealer in CT (near the Hartford area) that accepts the X-Plan and if so, the name of the salesperson would be great. One other question - I've read that I should contact the Fleet Mgr directly and not work with the retail salesman - do I just call the dealership and ask to speak to the Fleet Mgr and explain I qualify for the X-Plan? Thanks.
  • gr8_escgr8_esc Member Posts: 4
    Here's how we went about it back in July:


    1.) Got to http://www.dealerconnection.com/ and find Ford dealers in your area.


    2.) From the individual dealers' web sites, use the "Contact Us" or "E-mail Us" links.


    3.) E-mail any dealers you are interested in doing business with, stating that you will be purchasing an Escape and ask if the participate in the X-plan on this vehicle, and if so, who you should talk to at the dealership to complete this purchase.


    The dealer we contacted replied saying that we could talk to any sales person so we walked in and we told the salesman that approached us that we wanted to order a 2002 (the '02s weren't out yet back in July) Escape using the X-plan. Unless you love the negotiation battle, this is by far the most painless, pressure-free, and inexpensive way to purchase a new vehicle.

  • minnesotaartminnesotaart Member Posts: 52
    I saw the ad too, but it was for an Escape Sport! I'm sure we'll see that mp3 player about the same time we first see an Escape Sport!
    My black XLT 4x4 with everything except the side bars was built this past week. Ordered with X-Plan on 10/27. Should only be a few more weeks of waiting. Can hardly wait!
  • beernbeern Member Posts: 6
    I picked up my Black XLT Choice 4X4 on 11/29!! Finally came in. There hasn't been any discussion lately on the brake dust problem. Is anybody out there replacing them and with what??
    Used the X-plan as well and want to thank all of you for the info. Been enjoying this site for 2 months, but finally got my ride.

    Another question regarding mud flaps? Do they have significant functionality? Do they look dumb? I am thinking that they would look good with a black Escape.

    Also my Escape was built on Nov 17th and has the Job 2 changes. The shifter knob does not block the radio, and the seats feel better. I didn't know anything about the changes when I ordered. Lucky me.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    is due to the soft brake pads. Gives better braking. When you change them ask for a harder brake pad. I know the dust is a bummer.... I try to keep mine cleaned up.. Also bought a nice brush for wheels...
    I have mud flaps on my black Escape and it looks fine. Did help with less spray down the side..
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    Would harder brake pads result in longer stopping distances? Anybody know?
  • weber8weber8 Member Posts: 1
    I bought a Ford Escape in October of 2001. The transmission needed to be replaced at less than 500 miles because of surge problems. I received the car back after a lengthy time at the dealership and on November 30 I rear-ended another car in heavy traffic. The engine hesitated and when I naturally pressed the gas down, my vehicle surged forward into the car in front. My car has significant damage, and the insurance company is investigating recalls, etc. I've read that there are many cases of similar problems with transmission surges and hesitation. Has anyone had any resolution. I do not feel safe in this vehicle, and I may be found liable for the accident.
  • sgwilson33763sgwilson33763 Member Posts: 3
    I've always hated how rear windows on SUV's get coated with dirt. The "flat back" design just whips up the dirt and puts in on the back door and the glass. Now, I know this is why they have a washer/wiper...and you'd think a rear spoiler would deflect air down across the window, keeping the glass clean. It works that way on my Explorer...but not with the spoiler Ford has for the Escape.

    Apparently, the spoiler is just for looks. Now that I've paid $300 to have the thing added, I can see where it just takes the air and, instead of deflecting it down across the glass, sends it in a straight line right off the roof and not down.

    So...unless I'm missing something here or they've installed the thing upside down (unlikely)...here's a tip to anyone tempted to buy this accessory for anything other than to look cool. Come to think of it, I'm not even sure I LIKE the look of the thing up there! :>)
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    For best thing...use Rain-X or something similar to it on the rear window and you will hardly never use your rear wiper. But the spoiler for the escape is just for looks and a lower gas milage because of the drag it makes.... I took my roof rails off and will only put them on when needed and my mileage actually when higher because of less wind drag.

    Odie
  • mcujimmcujim Member Posts: 2
    Does anyone know if Mazda honors the Ford A-Plan (or x plan for that matter) since they are partially owned by Ford? I am interested in either a Mazda Tribute or a Ford Escape, but right now the pricing looks better for the Tribute (good financing in my area too)

    Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    Mazda does honor A-plan and X-plan.
  • escapetributeescapetribute Member Posts: 3
    Hi everyone, I was wondering if any of you have had problems with your Escape or Tribute stalling out on you while driving. I have heard many stories of people stalling out while driving and having near accidents on the freeway. If any of you have had these stalling problems, please contact the Dept of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888 327-4236)and tell them your story. Thanks.
  • alert5veralert5ver Member Posts: 1
    What do you mean by the Eaa plan can ease the buyin experience "Especially for women"?? are there differences between the Eaa for men vs for Women?


    :-O


    Is everyone here aware of Escape-Central.com? They seem to have a very active chat going on over there. And the format is somewhat better organized than this one. Anyway, here's a link:


    http://www.escape-central.com

  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    X PLAN can ease the buying experience "Especially for women" because the price is low and is fixed by Ford so there is no haggling with auto salesmen at the dealer. Most women say they dread that haggling. Many men buyers dread haggling also. There is no Eaa Plan: they just offer Ford's and Mazda's Plans as a membership benefit, now available after one year of membership. Please try to read a post carefully before you promote - "that other place"- :0)
  • beernbeern Member Posts: 6
    Is anyone planning on tricking their escape out? I am planning on ordering some cheap add ons from www.suvfx.com such as yellow tinted fog lamps, and aluminum bumper strips. Has anyone put the stickers on the wheels?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    now at 4,000 trouble free miles on my Escape with not ONE problem. All these doomsday folks that make it sound like every Escape/Tribute is going to have a problem are making me sick!! Please tell every Tacoma owner they are going to have problems because my neighbors 01 Tacoma has been in the shop 2x for electrical, better yet my cousins CRV has had leaks! I guess everyone will have them now.... There are many Escape owners out on the net and in clubs that will tell you their Escapes/Tributes are fine....Find the clubs and the other sites around the net. Edmunds is not the only one.
    I do have one problem.. I hate how fast the windows fog up...
    I have added splash guards, rock guard, tinted the front two windows step bars, bike rack and a Ford tow hitch plug to my Escape XLT V6 4WD. It looks great! Next is going to be the additional front bumper and the air deflector on the back. I have had people stop me in the parking lot and ask me how I liked the Escape and have commented on how good they look. I always say, go take a test drive you will like it even better!....
  • tarfintarfin Member Posts: 5
    Get a can of Rain-X anti-fogging aerosol and spray it on the windows. That or hold your breath =D
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    12,000 trouble-free miles without any problems. Changed oil every 3-4,000 miles and just now rotated the tires. IMO, the Escape is a good value for the money.
  • gheimurgheimur Member Posts: 88
    Does anyone else out there feel that the new 2002 Honda CRV has copied the look of the escape? I mentioned it to the Honda dealer, he acted like I was crazy. Also 10,240 miles on the Escape, no problems.
  • lovethosesuvslovethosesuvs Member Posts: 95
    5700 trouble-free miles on my Escape and loving every minute of it! I agree; a great value for the money.
  • beernbeern Member Posts: 6
    I heard that job 2 which started production Nov. 5 was supposed to include lighted mirrors for passenger and driver visors... Mine was built on Nov 14 and does not have lighted mirrors.... I did not get leather, and I am wondering if anyone whose Escape was built after Nov. 5th has lighted mirrors or was the release on Job 2 incorrect?

    I also would like to mention how pleased I have been with my escape so far (only 650 miles).
    To all the naysayers like the ever unpopular Canadatwo: I read your constant escape bashing and chose to buy one anyway, and couldn't be happier.

    Great Value.

    Only problem I have is keeping my Black escape clean.
  • canadatwocanadatwo Member Posts: 198
    not really IMHO.
    The Honda has HUGE headlights, looks larger & boxier than the Escape, has noticeably smaller tires & wheels, and still has the dang spare hanging off the rear door.
  • Bode13Bode13 Member Posts: 19
    ....X-Plan questions, but I think this one is pretty simple.

    For a variety of reasons, I missed the Nov. 30 cut-off for joining the EAA. Does anyone know if I can simply find an EAA member out there somewhere and just use their PIN???

    Is that "allowed" under the rules and bylaws of the partner program and/or X-Plan???

    Any help would be appreciated.
  • ver2us1ver2us1 Member Posts: 36
    No, you can't use someone else's membership. The name on the title has to match the name of the member. If any financing is done, the name of the person on the title has to match the loan name. The only exception is spouse's name can be used instead of or in addition to the membership name.
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    bode13: Sorry you missed the eaa cutoff date for an immediate PIN and you don't want to wait a year. But this is an Information Forum for Sharing and there is quite possibly another way for you if you take action to get an X Plan PIN before Ford restricts this one also. See www.escape-central.com Post: "A New Way to Get an Escape $ Discount" (through X Plan) by UXU. Try it Now and Good Luck! Otherwise you may have to become an Inner City Minister. :o}
  • toodamnhiptoodamnhip Member Posts: 16
    Anyone have interest in buying Ford original equipment set of four dark gray-carpeted floor mats that came with my 2002 Ford Escape XLT, as part of the convenience group package? Like new and barely used. Good to have as an extra set or to replace worn or stained mats. Priced much cheaper than replacements in the No Boundaries accessories catalog. Email me at yellowescape02@aol.com
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    toodamnhip,

    It's probably better to put up a small ad in the classified section of your local newspaper for selling things like that. The Town Hall is not set up for such exchanges.

    Thanks.

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • minnesotaartminnesotaart Member Posts: 52
    I have a Black XLT Premium 4x4 built on 11/21 (Job #2 started on 11/5). It does not have lighted mirrors and was never intended to have them either.

    Here is the Job #2 release as published on BlueOvalNews:
    ------------------------
    Vivian Palmer, Marketing Manager (313) 845-1042 e-Mail: vpalmer@ford.com

    Ford Motor Company will make the following changes for the 2002 Ford Escape which will go into production (JOB1) on 05 November 2001.

    Escape 2002MY Job #2 Changes:

    • A Premium Console with 4 cup holders, armrest, and storage bin will now standard on Escape XLS models when equipped with the 3.0L Duratec V6 Engine. The XLS version with the 2.0L I4 Zetec engine will continue to be equipped with the floor console.

    • Center Dome Lights with intregal map Lamps are standard on XLS.

    • Visors will include dual (passenger and driver) vanity mirrors as standard equipment for XLS and XLT.

    • Improved shape of Shifter Arm for all vehicles with Automatic Transmission. Shifter Arm is shorter and has an improved shape to reduce interference with center panel controls

    • A new bezel for the ignition cylinder key is "winged" for ease in finding Ignition key slot

    • Seating has also been made for comfortable due to a softer foam cushion.
    ------------------------

    Hope this helps!
  • evets50evets50 Member Posts: 12
    I have a 2002 Escape with 2000 miles. Great car.
    But I have a Minor problem. When I start the car after it has not been used for several hours and I turn on the headlights, the dashboard lights do not come on right away. So naturally, I can't see the speedometer or other dashboard gages. After I drive for a few minutes and the car warms up, then the dashboard lights illuminate. Anybody else experiencing this? I plan to bring the car in to see what's up.
  • mckee4mckee4 Member Posts: 47
    In regards to the previous posted message about the dash lights not coming on..... I have a
    battery / charge light that is not going off until after ~ 3 - 5 minutes. I might add that that there
    have been zero starting problems and it does not seem to affect drivability. The light has
    occasinally come on when at idle but the vehicle has not stalled out at all, or the
    battery gone dead. I am going to take it back in for the dealer to check. If anyone has
    any ideas, let me know.
    Generally speaking I really like the Escape XLT, 4x2. It's got all the power I need and is
    an an excellent driving vehicle. Mileage is still 17 - 18 MPG in town, with mixed driving
    at about 19 MPG on average. I've not had a real opportunity yet to take it on a highway
    trip.
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    I drove a 600 mile round trip on mostly interstates, with four adults at 70-75 m.p.h., and averaged 24 m.p.g. Was very impressed and felt the Escape almost rides better with a little weight on board. The passengers in the back seat commented how much room there was in back for a small suv.
  • landcruisermanlandcruiserman Member Posts: 14
    I will need to order a new company car within the next 3 months. My choices are the Escape or Windstar. I will be driving approximately 700 miles per week. My main concern is the driver seat comfort, back seat passenger comfort and reliability. I have rented the Escape twice and believe that it rides nice but I would hate to sacrifice 2 years of rough riding. The back seats look like they are very upright which is another concern. The Windstar most likely rides more smoothly...but it is a minivan....

    Ford reliability is another concern. The transmission was rough on the Escape I rented last week. I currently own an Acura MDX, Toyota Landcruiser, and Honda Accord and have never seen the inside of the dealership service area for issues other than oil changes with these vehicles.

    Any advice for which vehicle to purchase.
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    I've owned 2 windstars (95 and 99), and currently own an Escape.
    I traded the 99' Windstar for the Escape..

    Driver comfort: I felt both had equal driver comfort.. The Windstar is a little bit quieter with less wind noise, and a tiny bit smoother. But the Escape is easier to drive in both city and highway.. I've taken the family of 4 on 1200 mile vacations with no more fatigue than the Windstar..
    In the Escape both arm rests fit me well, steering wheel has good spoke position, and the foot well is deep and wide with more room for your knees than the new Explorer.. (My left knee kept hitting the door on the Explorer). The Windstar also fit me well..

    Drivability:The power and seat of the pants feel of the Escape is awsome compared to that of the Windstar. This combination of power and handling are what makes the escape easier to drive..

    Rear seat comfort: The rear seats of the escape do recline ( 60/40 split in the XLT). The rear bucket seats were more comfortable in the Windstar, but neither of my kids seems to notice the difference. It is easier for kids enter/exit the Windstar because of its lower step in height.

    Reliability:
    I've owned/do own alot of Ford vehicles. I did have engine, electrical, and tranny problems with the 99' Windstar.. It is the only Ford I've ever had problems with. I really looked around at other manufactures, but the performance, value, and fun to drive factor, brought me back to Ford. Every other Ford my family and I own/owned had 0 problems and had/have over 200k miles on them.

    I've had no problems with the Escape (xlt v6/automatic). In your rental Escape, remember that it takes time for the computer controlled tranny adapt to your driving habits.. My tranny shifts at just the right time and is smooth on the shift..

    If you don't need the 3rd row seat, or cargo space capacity of the Windstar, then go for the Escape. You get alot more vehicle for alot less $$, and its fun to drive..
  • gsogymratgsogymrat Member Posts: 97
    I like the looks of the Escape and the Tribute. I feel like I could probably get a better deal on an Escape because there are more dealerships. However I'm concerned that the plastic body panels on the Escape will discolor over time. I have had that problem with Jeeps. After 6 or 7 years you can repaint metal but how do you restore plastic?
  • emgoodmanemgoodman Member Posts: 3
    According to Edmunds the TMV for a Escape XLT Premium is $23,751 (including $31 for black color). That is only $383 over an invoice of 23,368 (MRSP 25,170). The Tribute TMV is approx. $750 over invoice. I'm curious to see what kind of pricing experiences people have found in the area. Do the Edmunds TMV numbers ring true?
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