I really think the autolock feature is a fluke on mine and a holdover from the alarm they wanted to sell me. That said, I don't know what I should do. I really don't like the auto-UNlocking feature, but I doubt it's possible to get the locking part w/out the unlocking.
the new hitch reciever mounted bike racks are superior in every way to the awkward roof mounts, some even swivel away from vehicle body, allowing liftgate access............
Going to pick up my new escape next week. Hope I won't have to many problems in the future. Got the extended warranty, it is a ford. I think it's one of the best looking small suv around, plus I use the x plan to purchase it. Was going to buy the honda crv but didn't like the tire on the back & the way the rear door swings open right instead of going up.
I am seriously considering buying a Tribute...I think its great looking and spacious...however I am concerned with escape/tribute recalls and recently in newpaper, there was article where esc/tribute is under investigation for engine stalling while driving! I am confused what to do....would appreciate any input. thanks
Wannascape: It IS possible to have auto-lock without auto-unlock. My F-150 auto-lock would engage as soon as gear shift was engaged, but it did NOT unlock the doors. I loved this feature & IMO, every vehicle should have it.
Questions: 1) Does anyone yet know if the changes for the Escape will also be on the Tributes? I know shift lever is suppose to be shortened. But, what changes are they making on the seats? I loved the old seats in the '01 model (all one piece & were very comfortable) -- are they going back to a one piece seat instead of the two-piece with the adjustable headrest? 2) When is the Escape HEV suppose to be available for sale? And, will they have a "twin" Tribute HEV? Was looking to buy fairly soon, but that 40 MPG could tempt me to wait if an early release is possible.
Please visit other chat rooms around the net besides Edmunds. There are plenty of happy Escape/Tribute owners out there. Some with over 25K! trouble free miles. The Escape/Trib had some initial production problems. This is why I waited to buy Escape. So far I have just over 5K trouble free miles on mine. There is a alot of hoopla because Ford/Mazda have a winner on thier hands and could easily dominate this market because of Ford/Mazda ability to produce what the consumer wants at a fair price. Do a bit more searching before you get caught up in the mind set that all Escapes/Tributes are going to fail. Someone posted that the NHSTA has 100 posts for this stalling problem. Lets see, 100 out of.. over 115,000 Escapes sold last year??...
it could be that those are only a small % of the actual vehicles with problems. (ie the real number is 500 to 3000). Not every problem vehicle is reported to the NHSTA.
As long as one of them is not mine! Really, I looked at the escape and love the looks, but one ride with all the wind noise made me stop in my tracks. I thought I would wait to see if they would fix this problem. Maybe the 2003MY? Anyone know if they are trying to fix the windnoise problem or is it too minor of a problem?
can also be caused by the roof racks put on by dealership backwards... I noticed this going down the freeway. But, I had also read this in another chat room. The person turned around the roof rack and walla! much of the noise was gone. I did the same.. and mine toned down substantially. canda - you said it yourself "not every problem vehicle is reported to the NHSTA". The same can be said for Honda/Toyota/Nissan....
Walked down to the Ford dealer as I pass by it on my morning walk, and first noticed that my Ford dealer is now also selling Isuzu and Suzuki products, anyway, the 2002 Escape has the new shifter,new ignition switch(winged), and better seats. Also reading one of the trade mags., the Tribute gets these updates also. But that silver Trooper really caught my eye.
Hybrid engines are targeted for "sometime" in 2003. Any other changes, if Ford has its ear to the ground and these boards, might include better insulation in the door panels..............
nycmoxie, You have to remember that people that have things go wrong look for ways to vent their frustration and this board is a good place for them to do that. So if you read through all these posts, please keep in mind that if your Escape (like mine) is doing great, you have less motivation to comment on a site like this.
Also for future reference, canadatwo rarely, if ever, has anything positive to say about the Escape, because of his bad experience. I am convinced that he is a bitter old man.
I would encourage you to look at the Tribute. If you are considering black, you should wait for the Midnight Escape with painted black bumpers. I have a black escape and wish that I would have known about the Midnight model a month earlier.
Our windshield was broken by a rock and needs to be replaced. Our problem is that we have VIN etching on our glasses, which came from the factory. Now we cannot find anyone who will replace it with the etching. We live in north Texas area. Does anyone know anything about this? Thank you. Eric
erandolph: If you go back to the dealer who sold you the truck I believe you will find that they put the etching on inexpensively using a simple kit. Then they charged you a lot for it. Ask yourself if you really need it. It's just a high-profit add-on to benefit the dealer.
No one answered my questions (post # 1607), so I phoned Ford Motor Company yesterday to inquire about the shifter, seat, etc. changes talked about here for the Escape. After numerous waits while my CSR searched for additional information, she informed me that they had no information whatsoever about ANY changes on the 2002 Escape!!! Now, I do realize that most of the time in corp. America the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing. So, does anyone know for a fact that there are changes? What are the changes (ex. "better seats" - what does that mean, exactly?)? And, is there a publication with these changes detailed that I can reference? And, finally -- if there are changes, does anyone know (for a fact) if the Tribute is included? Thanks....
Dealers and Manufacturers will always AVOID discussing impending changes because they want to sell you what's in Current inventory before change makes it "obsolete" and worth less. Also they don't want you to delay buying forever, because there is constant change and improvement. One of their big secrets is exactly when the "new" models come out because they want maximum time to clear the "old" models first. So your best source of early information is investigative journalists. For late information, Canadatwo is right, investigate the newly arrived inventory at the large volume dealers. And since you are aware, don't let them clear the old inventory on you without discounting it!
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.
BlueOvalNews.com
I have driven an escape with these changes. The shifter is not in the way of the radio anymore. The seats are more comfortable but still could have more leg support.
I have had my 2001 XLT Escape for six months, and 11,000 miles, with virtually no trouble. The only issue I had was a intermittent rattle in the lift gate, which the dealer adjusted during an oil change.
This truck runs great in the snow. Also, for a Mini-ute, this vehicle is fairly smooth on the highway (which is what most of my driving entails).
The only complaint is that the 2001 seats are not as comfortable as my Olds Intrigues were; yet they aren't supposed to be. Overall, the Escape is a much more enjoyable ownership experience than the OLDS.
Good to hear. We are 18 months owning our Escape and love it. Feel for the price, this is a very good vehicle. Not one problem with our XLT since we took delivery in the fall of 2000. I also feel the ride is very good. Would reccommend one, and will buy another in 2003 or 2004. Maybe the hybrid model if it performs as touted.
enjoying the heck out of my Escape! I put on the bike racks and some ventshades and it looks very sporty now! Next project is to have the two front windows tinted the sames as the back ones are.
There are three Escapes in our neighborhood, including one right across the street. The owners are all very happy with their vehicles with no problems. Their feeling is much the same as mine; very good vehicle with many best in class features.
We could afford a larger more expensive suv, but wanted a small/mini size. The Escape really fit our needs, and we acually delayed our purchase of a new vehicle a model year for it to become available. My wish list for the Escape would be additional options (mostly electronic) available and an upgraded wheel/tire package from the factory. Bottom line: After 18 months of ownership, if we had to do it all over again, we would buy another Escape!
Hey, I have a question about the Escape's 4WD. Elsewhere on Edmunds, someone posted about a limit of 18mph on the speed at which you can drive the Escape in 4WD = on (this is the "other" mode besides AWD, right? I'm not sure of the terminology).
I looked through the Edmunds reviews and other reviews as well as the Ford Escape web site & brochure and found nothing. Is there anything to this?
Escape is definately NOT AWD! The Escape's "4WD AUTO" mode is really just Front-Wheel Drive, and the computer will send 1/2 of the power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected. Once traction is regained, its Front-Wheel Drive again.
The "4WD LOCKED" mode is when the VCS is locked together, sending power 50/50 to both front and rear. Don't drive in LOCKED mode on dry or even wet pavement where the wheels cannot slip (try locking it on pavement and go around a turn and you'll see what I mean - the car will "buck"). You can, I believe, drive in this mode up to 55MPH. Check your visor, somtimes they give you these instructions on the back of it.
The Escape's "4WD AUTO" mode is really just Front-Wheel Drive, and the computer will send 1/2 of the power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected. Once traction is regained, its Front-Wheel Drive again.
I'm a little confused now...your description sounds just like what AWD is...a viscous coupling that switches from FWD to FWD/RWD when slippage occurs. But, ok..it seems it can do 55 in that mode.
In any case, I'm really interested in what speed it can do in the other 4WD mode, which is more like PT 4WD...although, if I understand it right, the center differential is not locked then either.
Generally, AWD refers to those systems like what Audi has, where all 4 wheels are constantly receiving some power..
When the Escape is in 'auto' mode, the rear wheels get 0 power until the front wheels actually start slipping..
In 4wd mode, the rear wheels always get power..
In both modes, the power given to the rear wheels is either 0 or full on, and not a gradual shifting of power like in Audi's AWD system.
According to the owners manual, there is no speed limitation in either mode. And the selector knob can be shifted from AUTO to ON, or vice versa at any speed.
From what is on the card on the visor of my Escape, the max recomended peed for "4WD ON/LOCKED" is 55MPH. There are no limits on the "AUTO" Mode, other than the top vehicle speed. Also, the escape does NOT have a center differential, and it is NOT AWD. This system is unlike Subaru's (or Audi's) AWD system, and is also unlike the Explorer's (or traditional truck) 4WD system. It is similar to the Highlander's VCS.
After months of debating & researching the Tribute vs CR-V -- we finally bought a.... black 2002 Escape XLT Premium. The day we went to purchase, we were convinced the Tribute was our choice, but I decided to give the Escape a once-over since the sportier look had begun to grow on me. Our wonderful & knowledgeable salesperson (yes, at least one DOES exist) took it upon himself to drive an Escape to the Mazda dealership for a side-by-side comparison. He was able to sell either to us, so he didn't have a vested interest in selling the Ford over the Mazda. ANYWAY, we've had the Escape for only 5 days now &, so far, we absolutely love it! It does have the improvements - shorter shifter, winged key slot, etc. Trust me, for over a year we've been afraid to go with our "heart's choice" due to recalls, negative comments, etc. but finally decided to go for it. We've owned Honda's (absolutely outstanding vehicles &, in fact, still have a '95 Civic hatchback that's running great with close to 90,000 miles on it), but also have had a Mustang & F-150 pickup that were excellent vehicles, as well. So, just for consistency's sake - I will keep readers who are also trying to make purchase decisions posted from time to time about our ownership experience with the Escape. Thanks to all who supplied information we used in making our decision. For now, we are happy campers...
My wife and I had a similar experience with our Escape purchase. We have only owned Honda and Ford products (driven others though) as well, so naturally we shopped for the CR-V, Tribute, and Escape. Neither one of us liked the CR-V at all, so we moved to the Tribute and the Escape. We thought that the Tribute was the one for us until the test drives. I know the Tribute is supposed to be the better performer of the two, but it just seemed a lot heavier and harder to handle than the Escape but not in a sporty way. Anyway, we bought a silver XLT Premium about three weeks ago (Our salesperson must have read the Escape brochure from cover to cover too. Shocking!) and haven't regretted it once yet. We even had a couple of opportunities to test out the 4WD systems as it has snowed two or three time here in Pittsburgh (lots of big hills too if you don't know the area), and we haven't slipped once in the "Auto" mode (keep forgetting to try out the "ON" mode). If you're shopping for a small carlike SUV, make sure the Escape is on your test drive list. One other thing: For those of you who think Honda's are unbreakable, and are avoiding other makes because of that, clear you mind and start over. Our 96 Civic was in the shop for more repairs (expensive one's at that) and recalls in the past five years than our now departed 98 Escort ZX2 (bought 5/1997). All cars break. So choose the one that you like best and buy it. There's a small risk of a lemon no matter what brand you buy.
on your choice. I don't think you'll be disappointed. The V6 is a gem, powerul and responsive. The Escape handles great also. Enjoy.. I own a 2001 Black XLT V6 Escape. I have the stepbars, bike racks, splashguards, tinted windows, ventshades, rock gaurd. Looks sharp! and I'm enjoying mine too..
The Escape is a great suv. I'm continually amazed at the interior room in a vehicle this size. I also like the ease with which the rear seats fold flat. This is only the second Ford we have owned, but have had very good reliability and build quality on both vehicles. Ford has hit a home run with the Escape. This is evident by the number sold and the lack of financial incentives offered.
I contacted Ford concerning the exterior color choices offered for the Escape. The offerings seem pretty "pedestrian". I am reading in some of the comments that a classy gray is available. I wonder why Ford made no mention of any alternate color choices. What's the story??
What colors are you looking for? The Escape I feel has a decent range to choose from: Black, Dark Green, Silver,Bright Red, Shadow Grey, Blue, Yellow and White..
The wife has had here 202 XLT for about 2 weeks. She loves it, and begs to drive anytime we go out. I have been stumped by the overhead garage door opener compartment. The one we have just doesn't fit, the door will not close. I checked Home Depot for another size and they all seemed to be about the same thickness. The only alternative I have come up with is to trim the rubber "finger" until it fits. But my wife is adverse to this.
What size does the remote have to be to fit in the compartment? The garage door openers my company sells has the regular transmitter as well as the keychain unit.
value is hard to determine right now because the Escape is so new. Ford/Mazda are not offering any discounts/rebates or financing for the Escape/Tribute and they are still selling like hotcakes. As far as Honda resale value, you also pay more at purchase when buying a Honda product. This must be factored in when considering resale value. I know because my wifes Honda Accord was $$$ when comparing. As far as reliability/quality.. the 2002 CRV already has 1 recall. Another thing is Ford/Mazda has 3x the manufacturing capacity than Honda. The Escape passed the CRV as the number 1 mini-SUV its first year. Honda missed the boat by not putting a V6 in the CRV.
I'm thinking about switching from Honda to Ford. I've had 2 Honda Accords (1 SE coupe and my current sedan). I wasn't thrilled with the Honda quality when I had to have it towed 45 miles to my dealer from the other side of town. The check engine light went on and I coasted into a parking lot. From that point I wasn't able to put it into gear to move to another space. It took almost a week to get it fixed. Honda doesn't offer the free towing within the warranty period like everyone else and my insurance had to pay for it. Another reason for switching is the V6. It is almost to the point that you need a bigger engine because there are so many larger vehicles on the road with bigger engines. If the new model of the CRV had more power (I know about the improvement but it is still a 4 cylinder) I think I'd consider it more seriously.
Audo- We gave our 1991 Honda Accord to my in-laws and purchased a 2001 Ford Escape XLT. Honda ran well with little or no reliability/quality issues. Have had our Escape for 18 months and not one problem. The V-6 is a real plus and made us eliminate the CRV and Rav4 from consideration. The interior room is best in class and the ease of folding the seats flat are a real plus. Once you add additional passengers and gear is when you really are glad you opted for a 6-cylinder.
I would reccommend an Escape and as previously stated I would buy another if I had to do it all over again.
Messages like yours help reinforce my decision. I've read a great deal about the Escape and I'm aware of the possible problems but I think I'm willing to give Ford a chance. From what I can tell, there are many more satisfied drivers than those with complaints.
8600 miles and loving my Escape! A friend recently admired it as well--I guess his Toyota 4Runner doesn't have the 4WD option the Escape does. It is certainly a nimble, fun-to-drive vehicle. It's an SUV without the guilt since the mileage is pretty good--I don't feel like I'm in the ostentatiously gas-guzzling group (i.e. the Navigator/Expedition folks), and I still have gobs of interior room. If you are thinking of an Escape, give it a serious look!
Comments
Questions: 1) Does anyone yet know if the changes for the Escape will also be on the Tributes? I know shift lever is suppose to be shortened. But, what changes are they making on the seats? I loved the old seats in the '01 model (all one piece & were very comfortable) -- are they going back to a one piece seat instead of the two-piece with the adjustable headrest? 2) When is the Escape HEV suppose to be available for sale? And, will they have a "twin" Tribute HEV? Was looking to buy fairly soon, but that 40 MPG could tempt me to wait if an early release is possible.
Even still, 100 is 99 too many.
Jim
canda - you said it yourself "not every problem vehicle is reported to the NHSTA". The same can be said for Honda/Toyota/Nissan....
Jim
Walked down to the Ford dealer as I pass by it on my morning walk, and first noticed that my Ford dealer is now also selling Isuzu and Suzuki products, anyway, the 2002 Escape has the new shifter,new ignition switch(winged), and better seats. Also reading one of the trade mags., the Tribute gets these updates also. But that silver Trooper really caught my eye.
73
Randy
You have to remember that people that have things go wrong look for ways to vent their frustration and this board is a good place for them to do that. So if you read through all these posts, please keep in mind that if your Escape (like mine) is doing great, you have less motivation to comment on a site like this.
Also for future reference, canadatwo rarely, if ever, has anything positive to say about the Escape, because of his bad experience. I am convinced that he is a bitter old man.
I would encourage you to look at the Tribute. If you are considering black, you should wait for the Midnight Escape with painted black bumpers.
I have a black escape and wish that I would have known about the Midnight model a month earlier.
Independent Voice of the
Ford Community since 1998.
Feature Report
2002 Ford Escape Production Changes
Robert Lane
20 October 2001
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.
BlueOvalNews.com
I have driven an escape with these changes. The shifter is not in the way of the radio anymore. The seats are more comfortable but still could have more leg support.
This truck runs great in the snow. Also, for a Mini-ute, this vehicle is fairly smooth on the highway (which is what most of my driving entails).
The only complaint is that the 2001 seats are not as comfortable as my Olds Intrigues were; yet they aren't supposed to be. Overall, the Escape is a much more enjoyable ownership experience than the OLDS.
73
Randy
We could afford a larger more expensive suv, but wanted a small/mini size. The Escape really fit our needs, and we acually delayed our purchase of a new vehicle a model year for it to become available. My wish list for the Escape would be additional options (mostly electronic) available and an upgraded wheel/tire package from the factory. Bottom line: After 18 months of ownership, if we had to do it all over again, we would buy another Escape!
I looked through the Edmunds reviews and other reviews as well as the Ford Escape web site & brochure and found nothing. Is there anything to this?
thanks,
Tom
The Escape's "4WD AUTO" mode is really just Front-Wheel Drive, and the computer will send 1/2 of the power to the rear wheels when slippage is detected. Once traction is regained, its Front-Wheel Drive again.
The "4WD LOCKED" mode is when the VCS is locked together, sending power 50/50 to both front and rear. Don't drive in LOCKED mode on dry or even wet pavement where the wheels cannot slip (try locking it on pavement and go around a turn and you'll see what I mean - the car will "buck"). You can, I believe, drive in this mode up to 55MPH. Check your visor, somtimes they give you these instructions on the back of it.
I'm a little confused now...your description sounds just like what AWD is...a viscous coupling that switches from FWD to FWD/RWD when slippage occurs. But, ok..it seems it can do 55 in that mode.
In any case, I'm really interested in what speed it can do in the other 4WD mode, which is more like PT 4WD...although, if I understand it right, the center differential is not locked then either.
Thanks again.
When the Escape is in 'auto' mode, the rear wheels get 0 power until the front wheels actually start slipping..
In 4wd mode, the rear wheels always get power..
In both modes, the power given to the rear wheels is either 0 or full on, and not a gradual shifting of power like in Audi's AWD system.
According to the owners manual, there is no speed limitation in either mode. And the selector knob can be shifted from AUTO to ON, or vice versa at any speed.
Also, the escape does NOT have a center differential, and it is NOT AWD. This system is unlike Subaru's (or Audi's) AWD system, and is also unlike the Explorer's (or traditional truck) 4WD system. It is similar to the Highlander's VCS.
thanks...this looks like the answer to my question.
Enjoy..
I own a 2001 Black XLT V6 Escape. I have the stepbars, bike racks, splashguards, tinted windows, ventshades, rock gaurd. Looks sharp! and I'm enjoying mine too..
JD
Black, Dark Green, Silver,Bright Red, Shadow Grey, Blue, Yellow and White..
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
73
Randy
You can not beat Honda's quality, dependability, and re-sale value.
I look in the classified adds from time to time ,and count the number of Honda CR-V's for sale verses there competion. Not that many Honda's.
I would reccommend an Escape and as previously stated I would buy another if I had to do it all over again.
A Light off-road event in Southern New Jersey! Come enjoy the trails!
-mike