Ford Escape

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Comments

  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    The manual states that the rear defrost does not shut off automatically. You either have to shut it off yourself, or turn the engine/power off. No rear wiper problems here.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Sorry,I don't have this problem either with my rear wiper. I wipes rain and snow off.. Have you checked the wiper blade to make sure its making contact with the glass? or changed the wiper blade? Maybe the blade holder is bent?
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    How do you find the noise from the rear wiper? To me it's very obtrusive, like some loud carn opener or something.
  • badtz_bbadtz_b Member Posts: 6
    I am looking to buying a used escape. If I buy a used 2001 xlt escape, will I be on my own if there is any recall on the escape? Can I still bring it to ford dealer to have them fixed.

    Thank you
  • badtz_bbadtz_b Member Posts: 6
    Also, why was the 01 XLT price quite low on Edmunds (~12000-14000)? Considering this is a more-than-20000-dollar vehicles and only one and a half year old? Is it because of all the recall issues? I will be appreciated any inputs?
  • badtz_bbadtz_b Member Posts: 6
    Also, why was the 01 XLT price quite low on Edmunds (~12000-14000) with "clean" condition? Considering this is a more-than-20000-dollar vehicles and only one and a half year old? Is it because of all the recall issues? I will be appreciated any inputs?
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    The rear wiper does make a strange noise, but I don't think it is very obtrusive. My brother-in-law's CR-V rear wiper makes an even louder noise that I didn't find all that bad either. When the radio is on at any volume, I can't hear either one. You have to expect it to make some sound because the motor is actually inside the vehicle. Maybe yours is bent like scape2 suggested? I've noticed that you can't pull it out to clean underneath like you can on the front wipers. Someone may have pulled a little too hard on it before you owned it. Just a thought.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    did you add 4x4 and V6 to the package?
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    This was during a test drive. I found it quite loud compared to the VUE's wiper (which just went "swish").

    I guess you take the good with the bad.
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    To whoever asked about residual values, it's true, these small SUV's take a bath the first few years. I'm not sure why. Maybe there's no used market for them? Maybe all like to buy them new for fear someone would have abused them. At any rate they seem to eat up 48%-52% in the first 3 years.
  • maybrysheriffmaybrysheriff Member Posts: 4
    I'm considering buying an Escape in the next few months. The vehicle seems to be pretty solid overall, but the interior door handles of the Sport model I looked at seemed a bit flimsy. Has anyone had problems with theirs?
  • utopiautopia Member Posts: 24
    As promised, I am updating you on our Escape XLT Premium 2WD experience. First tank of gas w/in town driving (stop, crawl, go, stop, crawl, go, -- you get the picture) was 22 mpg. I'm happy with that, especially since I've got the get up & go of the V6. We had a 2001 CR-V's (4 cyl.) & the best mpg during the time we owned it was 23. We are really liking this SUV - it's fun to drive, peppy, comfortable, well appointed. So what can I say -- we're still "happy campers."
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Check out the Consumer Ratings for your vehicle (both New and Used). Feel free to write your own. (The Rating will be found in the upper right when you drill down to your make and model).

    Steve
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  • cautiouswpcautiouswp Member Posts: 9
    I'm looking for information from owners with 15k to 25k miles regarding your routine service experiences.

    1. Are you following the recommendations of Ford or the dealer?

    2. What is your experience regarding cost for routine service.

    3. Are the dealers suggesting changing filters, wiper blades, brake pads, etc. prematurely?

    4. How difficult is access to the oil filter? .....gas filter? ......air filter? ...etc.?

    5. Do you void the warranty if you perform routine maintenance yourself?

    In the past my experience has been that following routine service at the dealer something always gets messed up.

    I would appreciate your input.
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    1. Of Ford yes. Of the Dealer, not always..
    To explain. The dealer sends misleading notices that you should bring the vehicle to the dealership for routine maintainance (oil changes, etc) to 'protect' the warranty..
    So, if you listen to the dealership, you should only take the vehicle there. However Ford has no such restrictions..

    2. I don't have the dealership do routine service. However the costs they have listed are fairly reasonable..

    3. On the rare occasions I've had my vehicle in for warranty service, or non-routine service, the dealerships gave no pressure to do work that was un-neccessary.

    4. Oil filter: reasonable, no jacks needed.. Air filter: easy, Fuel filter: have not done, but easy to access, and requires an special tool commonly found at auto-stores and is not expensive.

    5. Absolutely not.. Just keep the reciepts of the oil and filters you buy, and any other parts or services you buy.. It is my understanding that it is illegal for Ford to void the warranty for this reason via the Moss-Magensun act.. (I may have misspelled that).
  • chevycamchevycam Member Posts: 54
    Automatic Car Washes can grab the rear wiper blade a little as they pass by. Simply grab the arm with both hands and gentle bend it towar the window. Problem Solved!
  • urbanresidenturbanresident Member Posts: 1
    Check out Car and Driver. They have a small update on the hybrid Escape.


    Sounds like some discouraging news, though. Not expected until late 2003 (guess I can stop waiting for it and buy a regular one now), and at a 25% premium over a regular Escape. That would pretty much eat up any gas savings it seems like.


    http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/dai/2002/march/20020308_dai_ford.xml

  • maybrysheriffmaybrysheriff Member Posts: 4
    I can't seem to find an Escape equipped the way I want in the color I like on local lots, so I'm considering ordering one. For those of you who have ordered Escapes, how long did it take to receive your vehicle.
  • rfruthrfruth Member Posts: 630
    If the proposed tax credit for hybrids passes the gas savings could happen pretty quick as for the late 2003 availability I agree with you, how much of a head start do we want to give the Japaneese ?
  • lescapelescape Member Posts: 3
    Hi! I've had my Escape XLT V6 for almost a year now and have found it to be a good vehicle and well-suited to my needs. The gas mileage has been a bit better than I expected. I drive the freeway to and from work, but in heavy stop & go traffic. My mileage seems to hover around 20 MPG, so I guess that's not too bad. I've had the rear hatch rattle issue, which was fixed then came back 6 months later, supposed to be fixed again as of yesterday. Biggest problem has been moonroof jamming and making grinding rat-a-tat noises last week. Dealer fixed under warranty (replaced whole track unit), but roof still not right. Now won't open and close properly - either sticks slightly open or goes past closed and opens up the other direction. Dealer has another Escape on the lot that does the same thing so they thought this was "normal". I had them get a third Escape and demonstrated how the roof is supposed to function. They wonder if Ford considers this a problem because they find it odd they have seen two of them at the same time. Anybody else have this problem show up?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Service will vary widely from dealer to dealer. When a car is under warranty they get paid very little or a flat rate from Ford to fix problems. These jobs are handed down to less experienced low man on the totem pole techs. Techs with higher levels of experience and more time on the job want the jobs that pay more, the ones that are out of warranty. Go right to the management of this dealership and demand your sunroof be fixed by an experienced tech, it will get fixed right believe me.
  • cheer118cheer118 Member Posts: 2
    Hi all ~

    I am thinking about purchasing a Ford Escape 2002. I was curious to know any problems people have had with the vehicle and if any one has information on the safety ratings of the Escape. I would not be using this vehicle off-road, just normal road conditions. I would also choose the upgrade on the XLT for the side air bags for additional safety. Your help is much appreciated.

    Thank you.
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    We took delivery of our Esacape in November of 2000 and now have about 14,000 miles with no problems. Just changed the oil regularly. As far as safety, the Escape has acceptable ratings. It handles very well, but is still a suv and should be driven like one. The side air bags were a "must have option" for us, as we felt the added cost was well worth it. It sounds like you are like 95% of the suv drivers out there that never take theirs off-roading. (us included) With that in mind the Escape is a great choice- good mileage, very peppy, handles well, and IMO a very good value for the money.
  • vezinivezini Member Posts: 38
    Any thoughts on using an oil other than the Motorcraft 5W-20? Different viscosity or brand?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    much debat on this one. I was told by an ASE certified master technician that a 10W-30 weight oil will in no way harm the 3.0 Duratec engine. Just make sure it meets or exceeds manufactures specs. I know this was only one tech and opinions will vary. However, being an engineer myself the viscosity numbers are so close I can't see how the weight difference/temp variations are going to make any difference either.
    I own a 2001 XLT V6 4x4 Escape with 7000 trouble free miles. I use mine to go skiing, tow my jet skiis and get into my favorite fishing spots. If I can give any advise.. GET the V6, you won't regret it. Safety/crash numbers vary from site to site. Here at Edmunds they rate the Escape/Trib quite well, but at crashtest.com its marginal... who do you believe? NHSTA site rates the Escape as acceptable for most but marginal for offset? whom to believe...
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    Go by the info in the owners manual. Use the viscosity range and API service level specified for the temperature range you live in. A few years ago when I worked at a dealership one of the Employees (A used car Tech)bought an SHO Taurus, which called for 5w30. He put in 10w40, and had a no start problem in the winter in severe cold. From conversations with Ford Engineering it was determined the oil thickened enough to slow the starter to where the engine wouldn't start, replacing with the right viscosity cured the problem.
  • puppyduopuppyduo Member Posts: 3
    I have a question. Last year I had ordered and Escape and put $100 down on my credit card. I backed out and did not pick up the car. (I notified the dealer of this before it came in) because of all the recalls. He told me for this year if I want to buy the veh I have $100 "in house" to add to it. Well in the meantime I shopped around and found the veh for $1000 less at a different dealer. My first dealer would not budge on the price. I asked the sales person if I would be able to get the $100 back if I didn't order the car there and he got all snooty and said the guy that would know that is not in and he would call me at work and let me know. So far he has not called. Would just like to know if I should write it off as a learning experience. Thanks.
  • chevycamchevycam Member Posts: 54
    Sounds like a learning experience to me. You could try being aggressive. The worst you could do is piss off the dealer. Threaten filing a claim with the BBB.

    My favorite, be their worst nightmare. Call, stop by, make a scene if you have to. It works 90% of the time.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Your $100 was "earnest money" and, essentially, you agreed to buy the vehicle with the understanding that if you backed out the $100 belongs to the dealer.

    Often, as a courtesy, a dealer will refund the money but is certainly under no obligation to do so. The fact that it was on your credit card has no bearing on the issue.

    Oh ... and by all means, be sure to tell your friends about the lack of courtesy displayed by the dealer!

    tidester
    Host
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  • puppyduopuppyduo Member Posts: 3
    Somehow I knew that would be the case but was hoping I would be wrong. But I am damned sure I will let everyone know about the dealer. I stopped someone in the parking lot with an Escape to ask how he liked it. He LOVED it and then told me he went to every dealer in the area and the one with my deposit was the highest and tried to talk him into paying the xtra $ for a service area that is open 24 hours. No thanks!!!! (By the way almost everyone I have asked in my parking lot survey have absolutely LOVED their Escape & experienced no problems.) I am ordering mine next week. Thank you for everyone's help. And I HAVE learned a lot!!
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    I have seen two Escape Sport models in the last week, my first sightings. I love the look of the roof rack and the wheels. I wish the wheels were available for the regular model, even if the cost is slightly more than the standard wheels. I'm not sure about the functionality of the roof rack, but it sure looks neat. For our needs, we probably would not put cargo on it due to the large cargo area inside when the seats are folded flat.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Well, unless there's a contract or other piece of paper saying that my deposit was non-refundable, I'd demand it back. But that's just me. You may want to get an opinion from your local Attorney General's office division of Consumer Affairs - most states have them.

    Steve
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  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I think it would come under the heading of "implied contract" though I am certain any respectable car dealer would cave in and refund the money at the first sign of litigation. Basic business decision there!

    I had a similar siuation once with a realtor and, finally, after contacting the state's realty board, they very cheerfully refunded my money!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • fiveabesfiveabes Member Posts: 1
    I KEEP HEARING ABOUT THE GREAT MILEAGE ON THE ESCAPE. I GOT MINE IN JUNE AND HAVEN'T HIT 20 MPG YET. DRIVE 16 MILES EACH WAY TO WORK (PART EXPRESSWAY) AND USUALLY GET ABOUT 17 MPG.

    ANYONE HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS OR ADVISE?
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    The poor mileage complaint seems to be very very common. From my own experience it seems to be very dependant on whether you have a heavy foot or not.
    Must be the gearing or something?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Started soccer with one child and vollyball with the other. Come to find out there is 1 Trib and one Escape in the crowd. BOTH owners have experienced NO PROBLEMS! This is what its going to take to rid the Escape/Trib of its initial black eye during release. People like us spreading the news that these are reliable vehicles..
    MPG dropped a bit in my Escape from 22.3 to 21.7 this last tank full. I also have running boards, 2 Yakima bike racks, rock guard.. this may impose some drag..
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Our first tank only yielded about 16.7 mpg, but it has been going up ever since. The last tank gave us about 19.3 mpg. We drive on a pretty even mix of highway and city roads, and the Escape has about 1500 miles on the odo. I rarely put the pedal to the floor because the thing scares me to death. Driving my old ZX2 was like driving a Porsche compared to this or any truck, and I can't get up the nerve to go fast just yet. Besides, it goes plenty fast at half throttle.
  • drumbolddrumbold Member Posts: 22
    2WD, 4WD, 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, driving style, it all makes a difference. You gotta make sure your comparing apples to apples.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    Good point. V6, 4WD, already gave you my driving style.
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    I think the only thing you can say with assurety is that there seems to be a very big discrepancy in mileage figures with the Escabute as compared to other mini-cutes in its class. I'm not sure why. Could be gearing or perhaps some manifold thing.

    Still, the Escabute does have alot of pep when called upon.
  • 1jimv11jimv1 Member Posts: 108
    The big cost is depreciation, 50% in three years! Less than advertized mileage isn't so significant a cost compared to that! Advertized EPA mileage was measured using unusually conservative driving technique and maximally broken in powertrains. Few buyers have the discipline to drive our oversized "optional" engine at barely cracked throttle that way very long. The "base" 2 liter engine was low powered economy like in the competitive SUVs. We chose the overpowered hot rod engine and drove it that way!

    The original Ford plan was to use the new 2.3 liter four as the "base" and most people would have chosen it, especially if they could also have gotten the new CVT continuously variable belt driven automatic transmission, which is Much more efficient that the torque-converter type used now. Those two would have given superbe mileage and balanced overall performance. But unfortunately, the engine was delayed and production is still just sufficient for use in the Ranger truck. The new transmission works well, but isn't quite durable enough yet! These Optomistic Ford engineers, their plans take time! Escape/Tribute are going to get much better in ways that have been planned for some time.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    are in need of the 2.3! I had first read it was to be available in Spring of 2001.. HA! Now maybe Spring 2002.. I'll beleive it when I see it.. The 2.3 is a much better engine than the present 2.0, get better MPG, more HP, more torque..
  • jafo2001jafo2001 Member Posts: 98
    Has anyone heard any rumblings that Ford will increase the sound insulation in future models of the Escape?
  • bradboy3bradboy3 Member Posts: 5
    Has anybody had any luck using Edmunds TMV pricing
    on used vehicles? I tried using it on a 2001 Escape that was loaded and the dealer acted insulted. He had it listed at $22,995 and I offered him the Edmunds price of $17,200. He said
    I was offering less than he paid for it. I walked
    out of the dealership without buying. I would like to hear of others experiences, thanks.
  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    For new cars, the TMV seems about right..

    You got me curious so I looked at Edmunds used Escape TMV vs what Carmax was offering.
    Wow, a big difference.. Edmunds is in the 12 or 13k range, and Carmax is selling at 18 to 20k range..

    KBB also has similar values for tradin etc that Edmunds does.

    So putting all the pieces together, it does appear that there is alot of money being made by folks buying selling used cars..
    The price point for Escapes is so low, why bother with used, when you can get a brand new Escape for only a few k more..
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    on 2001 Escape is way way off. I don't know where or how they get 13K for a loaded Escape XLT V6 4WD??? I searched other sites like MSN, Vehix, auto.com... and a few others they were within the 18K-19K range.. Edmunds you screwed up! I even called a friend that manages a Honda dealership and asked him what he would ask retail for a 2001 Escape. he siad about 19,999 - 21,999! because even with all the bad press they are still selling like hotcakes!
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Noted and forwarded to the data folks, scape2. Thanks!

    Steve
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  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Are you sure you aren't looking at a base model without options?

    Steve
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    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I chose the XLT 4wd with a V6..
    Does anyone use the O/D off option on their Escapes? Notice any difference? I have used it a few times around town and notice little to no difference.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I am selecting the 4WD XLT wagon.. I guess I should have went a bit farther with options.. Sorry, I put my foot in my mouth once again.. They may want to change this price structure a bit to show what a V6 XLT 4wd would price for.. Its a bit shocking to see a 22K vehicle drop 8K in less than one year.. I guess I jumped out of my chair and out of my wits when I saw this... Once again.. I did not put in the options. I would however recommend they change it to indicate it is a 4cyl Escape and no options..
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