Ford Escape

tronsr1 · April 2002

Just read in Auto News Ford has $500.00 rebate on Escapes due to low sales volume. Also Jeep Liberty
has 500.00 lease rebate in N/E section.

npaladin2000 · April 2002

Only $500? That's not exactly a lot...

286williams1 · April 2002

I have been an Escape XLT owner since 01/01. I have been a Dodge lover all of my life, but i made the Ford "switch." Thus far, i have been quite satified w/my purchase. However, the gas mileage is not living up to the sticker quote. I average slightly below 18 mpg with mixed driving. Does anybody have any information re: the mileage issue? I have also noticed the fuel smell listed on posting 471. My Escape is going in the shop 04/17 to have these problems checked out. Also, does any other Escape owners have a driver's side seatbelt noise when driving (clicking noise)? It is quite annoying.
Thanks for you time.

steve2675 · April 2002

Thanks for your comments everyone!
But, my question still remains unanswered...
Are there any differences to purchasing a vehicle in Upstate NY versus purchasing the same vehicle in Florida?
I am looking to move to Florida in the next few weeks and I am not sure if I should trade-in my black Dodge Avenger here in Upstate NY for a Ford Escape, or if I should just trade it in down there in Florida for an Escape.
Oh, also, I just spoke with my local dealer and he said that there is a new $1000 rebate available on all new Ford Escapes!
Just some good news to pass along.

gr8_esc · April 2002

As far as differences in the vehicle, there won't be as they all come off the same assembly line near KC. The Florida dealer will probably try to sell you a useless paint protection package due to the "intense tropical sun" and low ball your trade because "nobody wants a black car in the Florida heat" while the New York dealer will try to sell the paint protection because of the "severe northern winters" and low ball the trade-in because nobody wants a black car up north because "they're hard to keep clean". Seriously, the only thing I can think of is any difference in sales tax between NY and FL. The only other consideration would be the break in period on the new Escape. From the age and mileage of your Avenger it looks like you do around the average 1000 mi/mo. You probably wouldn't have the Escape broken in before the long drive down south and constant highway speed early on is not recommended but the way around that would be to take some local roads so speeds would vary, if you'd have the time.

steve2675 · April 2002

Thanks for your thoughts!
I guess its just six of one, half a dozen of the other!
Thanks again!

ericsmith1172 · April 2002

I haven't really had any major ones until today. My PFE sensor needed to be replaced 2 times. 1st after 10,000. Then again at about 25,000. It was great that it was covered under waranty, but, what happens after the warranty expires and this sensor needs to keep being replaced? Secondly, today, I drove to work got out of the car and tried to lock the doors from the remote. Didn't work. Then I noticed the factory installed anti-theft device wasn't working. Couldn't turn the lights on without the key, etc. The only way any of this stuff would work was if I inserted the key and turned it to ACC. Then I noticed the Speedometer went all the way to 120 MPH and the RPMs went to 8000. What the heck is going on with my truck? I am currently at 30,000 miles and thisthing is freaking. Any suggestions?

jefferson1964 · April 2002

24,000 trouble free miles. Its the best all around sport ute in its class hands down imo.

indylowflyer · April 2002

Just turned 16,000 miles with no problems. We did have our 2001 XLT at the dealer for oil change and they performed a TSB on the coolant reservior by replacing a sensor. IMO, the Escape is a very good small SUV. For $25,000 loaded with four wheel drive it a good value as well.

carolina_ee · April 2002

I bought my escape in August 2000. I have taken it in regularly to change oil, etc. I have had problems with it: wiper module on front wiper, driver window making popping noise when rolling it up, cruise control not working, etc. Well I just went over the 36k mark (36800) and the engine light came on. I can't see or hear anything unusual. I looked in the owner's manual and they mentioned something about bad gas causing this to come on. I am trying their suggestions about using a higher grade of gas but it has not changed anything. I'm about to take it in but I wanted to check to see if anyone has heard of this. Also, how can I get an extended warranty? I'm afraid I'm going to need it.

Carolina_ee

bess · April 2002

First, be sure you didn't leave the gas cap loose, as this will cause the engine light to go on..
Once the light goes on, it takes a very long time (even after the condition causing fault has been corrected) for the light to 'go out'..

You can reset it manually by disconnecting the battery for 10minutes or so..

If your not suffering any drivability problems I would recommend:
a. check the gas cap, was it loose at any time while the engine was running?
b. reset the computer (battery disconnect/reconnect)
If the light comes on again, then off to a garage to have a computer hooked up to tell you what sensor is throwing the code.

scape2 · April 2002

if Ford programmed a 36K mile check_up into the PCM of this vehicle? Honda has its engine lights come on at scheduled maint intervals.
Gas cap is a huge one for the engine light coming on.. Make sure the seal is good. The gas/fuel system vacuums down and keeps any vapors from entering the environment.

scape2 · April 2002

a programmed 36K maint interval for the Escape programmed into the PCM of this vehicle.
Gas cap is a great place to start. If there is a bad seal it will cause engine light to come on probably.

lovethosesuvs · April 2002

a great time with my Escape and so is my new SO (he's got a 4Runner and loves driving my Escape). 12000 trouble-free miles and loving every minute of it. Fun to drive and nimble.

pellegjo · April 2002

I ordered my fully loaded escape XLT Premimum on 2/27/02
its scheduled to be build this week (April 15th)
with delivery to the dealer scheduled for the week of
5/6/02. the sticker was 26,100 and i got it at the A-Plan price of 23,289. I have been tracking it through the 1-800 ford number where you can track the progress of your order if you have the dealer number and Vin number.
I have been reading this board, and i am hoping i will have many troble free miles with this new truck. i and downsizing from a 2 door explorer sport.

scape2 · April 2002

you got an EXCELLENT price! I bought my 2001 XLT v6 4wd in Sept/Oct and paid 22,800! I don't have leather, or sunroof.. Prices for these vehicles have dropped considerably. I visit other chat rooms and people are picking these vehicles up at fantastic prices. A large dealer is offering Escapes just like mine now for 20K! I guess the only thing I can be thankful for is I got in when for had .9% financing on Escapes last year...:-(

robingf · April 2002

I'd like to bring up an OLD subject......my 2002 XLT has a VERY irritating vibration that appears to be coming from the Roof Rack area, at speeds anywhere above 55MPH. If you're driving into any kind of headwind, it's worse and also happens at lower speeds. The dealer has already replaced the entire two horizontal sections of the rack, to no avail. He also says that I'm not the only one complaining, either. One other owner had their entire windshield replaced under warranty to try getting rid of the problem, & that didn't work either. So far, two dealers haven't either found out themselves what might be the cause, nor can they find any Ford TSB's to help.

Anyone in this forum experienced anything similar, and if so, were you able to get it fixed ??

Thanks in advance for any help and/or advice you can offer....

Gary

bess · April 2002

Be sure that the roof rack mounting brackets are not installed backwards.. I've seen dealerships do this. The front of each bracket is the angled end, while the rear of it is more straight up and down.. if the bracket looks like |_\ from the side, the front is the right one..

moonlight · April 2002

I wondered if anyone can help me out regarding purchasing a "pre-owned" Ford Escape. We have used the Edmunds pricing to purchase two new vehicles in the past. It was the most pleasant car purchases we ever made. It's great to have the info from this site. Now we would like to purchase an SUV, and agree we like the Escape the best. After looking at the used car pricing, according to the TMV we should be able to get a '01 XLS, auto, 4WD for, at most, being generous, for $17,000. At least, that's what I see on this site for dealer retail. We have located a few that have between 13,000 and 18,000 miles. I would like to know if this is realistic? And also, if anyone has had the experience of purchasing a used auto/SUV at the TMV price? (We don't want to spend $20,000 so the rebates for a new one would not help- also I'm told it is $500 for auto/$1000 for manual-don't know if that's true)

scape2 · April 2002

This is an old topic.. As was said, make sure they are not installed backwards. I had mine installed backwards and it made a lot of noise. I remembered reading this and looked at the manual. The manual shows which way these are supposed to point. I turned mine arount and the noise disappeared. I also had some rattles in my tailgate/glass section. Easy fix for you do it yourself types. You can open up the linkage and tighten it yourself or take it to the dealership.. rattles all gone..
Mechanical items just need adjustment sometimes due to "break-in"...
Moonlight.. it may be to your advantage to get a new Escape. Watch the ads.. In my region you can get new XLS V6's for $18,888.

escapeowner1 · April 2002

I have a 2002 Escape. I bought it in December. Twice since then, I have been going down a hill and the engine light comes on. I loose all power steering and control of the car. Once I turn it off and back on, it starts right up and the engine light goes off. Has anyone else had this problem?

gr8_esc · April 2002

There have been many complaints of this. Go to the www.escape-central.com forums section and then do a search for stall or stalling and you will see many discussions on this topic.

escapeowner1 · April 2002

Thanks for the info. I'll go check out that website!

robingf · April 2002

Well, I appreciate the input on making sure that the roof racks are turned the correct direction, and that's already been done. In fact, the dealership has also changed out the entire set of horizontal cross-members, to no avail. Having read through the multiple posts about this around last November, I've made sure about the install direction, checked tightness, checked the fasteners that hold the channels to the roof, even taped over the front of the channels to see if air was being funnelled up through the assembly. So far, the only thing that eliminates the noise is to have the horizontal crossmembers OFF of the vehicle !!

According to the dealership, Ford engineers are taking another look at the profile of the horizontal rails themselves. Seems that they're claiming their current cross-sectional profile is very akin to an airplane wing....the higher the wind shear over the top, the more the bar wants to 'lift'....but it can't go very far....it can only vibrate.

What ever the 'real' cause is, I can vouch that it's !@#$ annoying, that's for sure.

If I find anything, I'll be sure to post the solution.

Gary

steve234 · April 2002

My wife wants a PT Cruiser and I am trying for an Escape instead. Took a 2.0 w/5spd for a test drive since she prefers standards. I was impressed with the power it had. Nothing spectacular, but better than the PT. Liked the fit, handling and feel too. Salesperson told me that they had peped the 2.0 engine up this year and that they were coming out with a $1K rebate. IBIWISI, but thought I would mention it.

Ericsmith: You may want to try another dealer. It sounds like the mechanic is just guessing about the problem. My F150 was doing poorly after I got it and they kept replacing the ox sensor. After several pathetic trips to the dealer, I went to another one. The mechanic found that I had a bad distributor and ended my woes.

baggs32 · April 2002

I think your salesman was a little off. The 2.0L in the Escape has not been "pepped up" as far as I know (my ZX2 had this engine, and it was a very fine engine). It's still the same 130hp that is was before. There is talk about Ford's 2.4L engine being used for the 2003 model, but nothing has been confirmed around here yet.

I'm with your wife when it comes to choosing transmissions, but I was willing to sacrifice the manual because of the exceptional power of the V6 w/ auto trans. Make sure she drives both engines before making a decision because it is definintly worth the extra money if you ask me and most other members of these boards.

Happy hunting.

jgar · April 2002

I am purchasing an Escape this week and am curious if anyone else uses the two-person bike rack that attaches to the trailer hitch. Does it work easily? Do the bikes stay firmly in place? Thanks!

scape2 · April 2002

is well worth the extra 700 bucks! Don't scrimp if you can help it. V6 XLS AWD are 18,888 now in my area. If all you want is Front wheel drive V6 this should be easily hit the 17K-18K range. the Zetec 2.0 is a good engine but not strong enough to pull this heavy vehicle. Test drive both...

glzr2 · April 2002

If your roof rack rattles or vibrates, there could be two reasons. The rack could be rattling where the plastic crossbar supports fit into the steel side rail channel, or it could be rattling where the aluminum crossbar fits into the plastic support. The easiest way to find out where the rattle is is to bang on your roof with your fist. Bang on the side rail to see if its the rail to support that is rattling, or bang on the support to see if the support to crossbar is rattling. My guess is the support to crossbar. If you think that the crossbar is rattling inside the plastic support, (typically this occurs when the outer diameter of the aluminum crossbar is substantially smaller than the inner diameter of the support shroud)I would take four pieces of wedge shaped foam and shove the foam in between the crossbar and the plastic support and then road test it. Try removing on piece at a time and by process of elimination, you might find which support/bar is rattling. Let me know and I'll tell you the long term fix.

steve234 · April 2002

I never accept what a sales person tells me, unless it is written in a legally binding document. As far as it goes, I do not like having less than 8 cylinders, but this is what my wife would be driving. Her driving history started with a 71 VW bug, 68 Opel SW, etc. She now drives a Dodge Shadow. Power is not her forte, shifting is. For what she would be using it for, the 4 would be adequate, just doubt that it would be fun on our Colorado trips. I only said that I was impressed that it was that peppy compared to the PT Cruiser.

scape2 · April 2002

Ford would speed up the introduction of the 2.3 into the Escape/Tribute. this 4cylinder is going to be wonderful and go head to head with those other 4cyl SUV's. Reports around the net quote HP anywhere from 145 up to 155! Lets hope.....

escapewanted · April 2002

I really can use some help! I want an escape but I don't know what a reasonable price for it should be. I found one just the way I want it. It is a 2002 XLT V6 with side rials, 6 cd changer in dash, good stereo system(forgot the name of it), sun roof with cover, leather interior, Trailer hookup. They are asking $24,305. for it with a 1K cash back and 5.9%APR I really need any ones opinion!!!!
Thanks

escapewanted · April 2002

Add on to previous comment.
I looked at the 2002 XLT Premium.
Can any one explain the A-Plan price????
I'm a first time buyer so any info on this car can help. I'm located in California.
Thanks again!
-Bonnie

tincup47 · April 2002

A-Plan pricing is for Ford Employees or their immediate families. It is basically for the dealers invoice, less holdback and advertising fees.

baggs32 · April 2002

If you can get it for $23,305 with 5.9% financing, yes that is a pretty good deal. We bought a 2002 XLT Premium, without the MACH stereo and side step bars like the one you are looking at, with the X-Plan in January and ended up paying only a few hundred less than that because they couldn't keep them on the lots during winter in the Northeast. Although they did give us 6.2% financing in order to compete with our credit union. I think it was like 9.something% otherwise.

sowega · April 2002

escapeowner1; I have experienced the problem
your are describing twice in 18 months on my
wife's 2001 XLT 4x4. The engine shut off and
I was able to restart with no problem. Spoke to
a new 2002 model owner last month and he had the
problem twice in one month. I recently met a Ford
dealer service Mgr. and asked him about the problem. He said Ford just released a fix that requires re-programming the computer. I plan to take my truck in at my convenience to get the fix
installed. Good luck!

sowega · April 2002

I need to replace the OEM tires (37K miles)on my wife's 2001 4X4.
Does anyone have experience with larger tires?
I want to change from 235/70SR16 to LT245/75 size.
Diameter increase is 1.5" and tread width goes up
by .3"
Any helpful remarks??

tronsr1 · April 2002

If you go to the Town Hall "Aftermarket and Accessories" topic and scroll down to the "Tires,Tires,Tires" discussion, I am certain you will get answer from one of the "Tire Experts". Personally, it seems to me, if you put a larger diameter tire on the Escape, I believe it would screw up your accurate odometer and speedometer readings and you better make sure the new size will clear your wheelwell area.
Also, you might get a good answer from Tirerack.com.

indylowflyer · April 2002

The original Firestone tires that came on our 2001 XLT are poor quality. We have 17,000 miles on them and they will need to be replaced in about 5,000 miles. I will replace with Goodyears or Michelins. Also had the vehicle in for an oil change and they replaced a coolant sensor that was on a TSB.

Still very happy with the overall performance, as we have had zero problems.

Just a side note, I have seen a couple of the new black Escapes without the plastic side moldings and think they look very good.

escapewanted · May 2002

Thank you baggs32 and tincup47. Your info helps a lot. But i'm starting to wonder if its a good idea for a 20 year old female in a car with a couple of problems is a good idea. I was also offered a lease. Any opinions will do!!!!!!!!
Thanks again!

daveghh · May 2002

Maybe you should consider a Honda or Toyota if you want a relatively more reliable vehicle. They also hold there value much better. If you want to buy that is...

I do however, think the Escape and Tribute are a more attractive vehicle then the similiar ones made by Honda and Toyota.

steve234 · May 2002

I think that most people will agree that while there were a few problems when the escape first came out, these have been corrected and there is no more problem with the escape than with any vehicle in its category.

scape2 · May 2002

I crossed the line again and deserved the spanking...
Now back to dave.. I will be more politically correct.
Dave. What about Honda hiding TSB's, or the Toyota sludge?
The Escape is a reliable vehicle.. get out on the net and find the rooms..
My Escape has been wonderful..

knapp3 · May 2002

I noticed lately that Valvoline carries a product data sheet for their semi-synthetic oil, Durablend, in a 5w20 weight. This looks to be a new oil is inaddition to their regular All Climate 5w20. Has anyone seen it for sale yet, or used it in their Escape?

escapewanted · May 2002

All this info has been great!!!!
Although it wasn't possible for me to purchase it.
Thanks again,

)

jafo2001 · May 2002

I investigated buying an Escape months and months ago. I rented one for the weekend but was put off by the loudness on the highway (noise and wind noise). The radio could barely cover it. Has there been any improvement or is any planned?

deanedandy · May 2002

noticed when driving highway; - checked roof rack and mirrors, all fine, found that triangular shaped plastic molding coming up from side windows/door corner by mirror ends in a sharp point, and there is a small space between it and the window where wind probably whistles right on through. anyone else noticed this? how to fix?

just had first oil change and all else going great - avg. 23 mpg hwy after 3 mos. on my 02XLT
V6.

Q?? - where do you put the headrests when back seats are down? as of now, thats been my biggest problem so I'm a happy camper.

irvedmunds · May 2002

Any insight from drivers 4'8'' or shorter on ability to drive without being on top of the steering wheel (and air bag)?

escapeowner1 · May 2002

sowega,
Thanks for the info! I'm taking my Escape in this week to get an oil change, I'll definitely ask about the "fix" then.

escape2003kcgu · May 2002

Hi all, I have been reading this forum for a few months with interest since I work at Kansas City which is where Escapes are produced. The good news is that some of the Escapes problems are being addressed with fixes to the 2003 models. (Yay!)

I have a detailed copy brochure that shows all of the changes for the upcoming 2003 Escapes if you would like to have a copy of it just email me and I'll be happy to send it to yah. My address is escape2003KCguy@yahoo.com.

Ford Escape

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