Ford Escape

1…4142444647…60

Comments

  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    The Escape seats recline backwards, but not completly flat like those in some vehicles.

    Both the CRV and the Escape are so comparable that either is a great choice that comes down to personal preference, and maybe even dealer service.
  • phaedrysphaedrys Member Posts: 37
    Actually...I'm not sure if the ones in the Escape still do. I thought that they had removed that feature for 2003 (along with lumbar support for the driver and a couple of other things). The Mazda Tribute on the other hand still has those features intact. That's actually the primary reason I got the Mazda over the Ford, because I needed the lumbar support.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    The rear seats do still recline. I've seen it in the 2003's when we were showing someone how they worked at the last Pgh Auto Show back in February. I'm sure the 2004's, which are starting to show up on lots now, have the feature as well.

    The recline feature is part of the mechanism which allows the seats to fold forward. I doubt they'd spend the time and money to engineer it out this late in the model run.
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    I did not need to see this;

    http://www.thewgalchannel.com/8onyourside/2273381/detail.html

    and on a side note, My engine light is back on. (just as I was passing the dealer no less) Pulled in to the service department and had them hook up to the computer, turns out there is an emission's leak somewhere in the exhaust. I have to drop off on monday to have a Exploratory Diagnostic System Check (sounds like a Medical Procedure to me) Luckily I'm getting a 2003 for a loaner. I'll keep you posted with what happens.

    Odie
  • painfullessonspainfullessons Member Posts: 8
    You scared me odie until I read the whole article,and who the list was put out by ... "The law firm of Kimmel and Silverman has put out its latest lemon list"
    I wouldn't even take the list with a grain of salt. Unfortunately, some lawyers will say or do anything to get their name in print, and who knows what data they relieved upon in making that list. Who is that firm anyway?
    Anyway, if it makes anyone feel better, I'll have my firm put out a list with Escape on top. It would make as much sense as that list, and be as factually accurate:
    "Cars you are least likely to be eaten by a robot or dinasour in:
    1. Ford Escape
    2. Ford Focus
    3. Honda Accord
    etc.

    lol
  • bearsabelbearsabel Member Posts: 1
    Hello Escape owners, I just bought a new Escape.
    And every time I use my car I have to press the clock button to get it off the radio station to the clock. Do any one else have this problem.
    Please e-mail at Bearsabel@aol.com if you can help. The dealership says that is just the radio works in this Escape. But, I'm not sure I believe them.
    Thanks
    Sandra
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    painfullessons: Kimmel and Silverman is the lemon law firm that employs zueslewis, who posts a lot in "Any Questions for a Car Dealer".
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    it turns out the reason my service engine light was comming on was because I had a bad tank of fuel. Dealer purged the tank and line and refilled me with a fresh tank of gas. Problem is fixed.

    Odie
  • momndmomnd Member Posts: 1
    I know, I know, I'm pushing it...but I found out my 3rd child is on the way 4 days after buying a new '03 Escape. Trading it in for a minivan (ugh) in 8 months may be a possibility, but I'd like to know if anyone has successfully and safely fit an infant seat, a booster (for a 55 lb child), and a forward-facing in-between for a 30 lb toddler. If so, what makes and models? Or, what did others do in this situation? I am leary of the big SUVS re: safety, but have avoided the minivan mom look for so long...Help!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    odie, I had bad gas a while back that was causing a horrible rattle sound. The dealer had to clean out my tank, change the fuel filter and re-fill the tank along with adding some additive. Problem gone, never had any issues since.

    Radio, If I remember right the radio station stays displayed, you have to push the button in order to see the clock, this is normal.

    Now pushing about 33K on my 01 Escape XLT. No problems, reliable as ever, solid as day 1..
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    do you have the 6-Disc? If you do the clock should be on along with the radio station and/or disc # / track #. If not look in your manuals, I got a seperate one JUST for the radio.

    Odie
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    Is it to early to do my christmas wish list since christmas is only 4 months away.
    check out the pics here;
    http://waag.com/showcar/post-gallery.php
    or here;
    http://waag.com/showroom/1.php

    now I just need to talk my wife into letting me get some of the stuff :>

    Odie
  • indylowflyerindylowflyer Member Posts: 148
    After 2.5 years and 31,000 virtually trouble-free miles, we traded in our 2001 XLT. The only malfunction experienced was a engine sensor, that was replaced under warranty. I feel this was a very good mini-ute for the money. I considered keeping it as a third vehicle, but it would of just gathered dust. I would highly reccommend the Escape to any and all. The crappy Firestone tires that came on my Escape were my biggest complaint, and Ford quit using them about 2 years ago. They were shot at 28,000 miles. I also feel that no matter what brand of vehicle you buy in the Escape's category, you must expect to have maintance issues due to the level of components used in building these SUVs.
     I did not buy another Escape, but would of had I purchased another mini SUV. It was a very good value and IMO the best in class!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Sales for Escape up 14.2%! Per Motor Trend Oct issue....
  • va_guyva_guy Member Posts: 12
    In case you didn't see my posting in the other forum, I went on a trip this weekend with my wife, our 4 year-old son, my neighbor and his 5 year-old son with no problem. We had 2 carseats in the back (one behind the driver's seat, one in the middle) with my wife sitting behind the passenger seat and everyone was comfortable for a 3 hour round-trip drive. We just purchase our '03 XLT on Labor Day and were pleasantly surprised that we fit everyone in comfortably!

    Congrats on the upcoming baby, I'll think your escape will do just fine with 3 little ones in the back!
  • mckee4mckee4 Member Posts: 47
    Roughly 38K on my '01 Escape XLT and I just changed the Continental Contitrac tires. I feel
    like I got a lot of life from them, but they were
    wearing fast and were noisy at speed. I replaced
    them with same-size Pathfinder SUV tires ( I believe made by Cooper Tire ) from Discount Tire.

    No problems, and I'd like to keep it that way. It's been a great vehicle and pretty solid. I'm
    probably going to change out the 100K spark-plugs
    and PCV valve just as an added measure. I'm also
    going to flush power-steering fluid, replace brake fluid, and do an upper-induction cleaning.
    About $250.00, but it's highly recommended by
    reputable mechanics as good preventative
    maintenance for this area.
  • yahaniyahani Member Posts: 8
    Yes, it is normal for the radio to do that. You have to push the clock button to see the clock. I have a F-250 Ford p/u & it does the same thing.
    I've been looking at the 03 XLT Escape.
    How is the Gas mileage in the Escape?
  • jwr0201jwr0201 Member Posts: 7
    I bought my 2001 Escape using the X-Plan and was very satisfied. I have a friend that wants to buy an Escape with the X-Plan, but the ability to qualify through the EAA is not so easy. You must be a member for a year before getting a PIN number. How can one qualify quickly for the X-Plan now? BTW - my 2001 Escape is doing great - solid as day one!
    Thx - RR
  • jwr0201jwr0201 Member Posts: 7
    city only is 18-19mpg. city/hwy combined is 19-20mpg. hwy at 65mph is great - 24mpg. hwy at 75mph is 22mpg. hwy at 80-83 mph is a bit less - 18-19mpg. RR
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I average about 20.7MPG. Hwy is better. One trip I reached a solid 27MPG! Granted it was mostly flat along with steady speed of about 65.
    One great way to improve your MPG is to go with a Front Wheel drive V6 Escape. You get the great power of a V6 and your MPG is better. My 01 Escape XLT 4wD has been great, not one issue.
  • mckee4mckee4 Member Posts: 47
    My '01 Escape V6 2WD XLT is hovering around 40K
    miles. I went to start it up last week and it
    wouldn't stay running unless my foot was on the gas.I had a mechanic friend come over and diagnose it.
    He knew what the problem was within 5 minutes.
    It was the IAC ( Idle Air Control ) motor which
    sits on top if the air intake closer to the engine. I ordered the part and had
    the replacement within a day or so. The part runs
    about $64.00 from Ford, but was able to get the
    original Motorcraft part at a parts-house for
    about $15.00 cheaper than what the dealer wanted.
    Runs like brand new. For any with either idle
    problems or V6 won't stay running, this may be
    a fix. The fix would've cost me a tow to the
    shop, diagnostics, part, and labor. I figure
    around $230.00+. It cost me ~$90.00 for the part
    and some labor time for my mechanic friend.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    that there are not more posts on this board. I see tons of Escapes on the road now. I have reached into the 30K+ range now on my 01 V6 XLT 4x4 Escape and have had no problems or issues to report. Looking at the Mercury Mariner that is supposed to arrive in 04/05 for a replacement for my Escape. There has got to be more Escape owners out here....
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There was hybrid news today, Scape. (KC Business Journal)

    And the Escape/Tribute was the Honorable Mention in the Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2004.

    Steve, Host
  • chigalchigal Member Posts: 3
    I was just involved in a 5 car accident while driving ( actually stopped and waiting to turn left) my 2002 escape. While my beloved little SUV is more than likely a total loss (waiting to hear from the estimator) I walked away from the crash with nothing more than a few bruises and soreness. The police officer on the scene could not believe I was okay from the looks of my truck and what had happened. I was hit from behind by a honda civic going 40 mph which sent me into oncoming traffic and was hit again in the front driver side corner as a car spun out of control and hit a total of 3 vehicles. I was, of course, wearing my seat belt and neither the front nor side air bags deployed. I can not help but think that the Escape is an extremely safe vehicle. I will be buying another one if the insurance company totals this one.

    P.S The truck has been great-not one problem in 2 years of ownership. (other than the people who keep driving into it!)
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Thank goodness you weren't hurt! Good luck getting a replacement.

    tidester, host
  • chigalchigal Member Posts: 3
    More than likely, my 2002 Escape will be a total loss. Any one know what kind of a deal I can expect on a 2004? From what I understand, there are no 2003`s to be found, I should be able to swing an A plan for sure, maybe an X plan if I play my cards right.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    chigal,
    The A-Plan is better than the X-Plan. The A-Plan is supposed to be for Ford employees only while the X-Plan is for family, friends, partners of FMC, etc.. If you do in fact qualify for the A-Plan don't push the dealer to give you the X-Plan price. :)
  • chigalchigal Member Posts: 3
    My escape was crashed ( see previous postings) and I went to get all of my belongings out of the car. The truck, of course, would not start and I couldn't get my CDs out of the in-dash player. Any ideas?
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Main thing, noone passed through the pearly gates...
    Good luck with the 04 Escape! Ever thought of trying to find an 03 Tribute??
  • jsylvesterjsylvester Member Posts: 572
    The only 03's I've found left are either 4 cylinder 5 speeds, or loaded AWD Limited's. If you want a FWD, you'll have to go with an 04.
  • mckee4mckee4 Member Posts: 47
    Good to know that no one was hurt real bad, from
    your end, hopefully not at all. Sorry to hear
    about your Escape. I can sympathize somewhat
    d/t a near-miss rear-ender yesterday. A big
    Chevy Suburban just about got me d/t bright
    west sunset. I was looking in the rear-view
    mirror and braced myself, but the lady driving
    was able to mash the brakes and quite literally
    stop within a foot or so of my back-end.
    I was at a dead-stop waiting to get the
    feeway at the entrance ramp. Close one, but
    no contact made. Where I live, unfortunately,
    it's not a matter of if, but when you will have
    an accident. Hope your able to find what you're
    looking for a s a replacement.
    The way I see it, Ford has just improved the
    Escape over the last several years. I've got
    an '01 XLT FWD. Ford's engineering is ready to
    go to a 'Phase II' for the Escape and probably
    keep it in pretty much it's same form for the
    next several years at least. It costs a lot of
    up-front money to develop a vehicle ground-up.
    With body, underpinning, and interior tweaks, it
    seems to me Ford could keep the Escape rolling
    for quite a few more years before major re-design
    and overhaul.
    With the new Mercury entrant, the Escape concept
    becomes more viable as a Compact SUV, with the
    Mazda Tribute twin as well. Speaking of Mazda
    Tributes, I've got several friends who opted
    for the Tribute over the Escape for differing
    reasons. But they all seemed to like the Tribute
    layout better.
    By way of info., if I'm reading correctly the new
    V6 in the Saturn Vue is made by Honda under
    contract and has about 240 HP. This will replace
    the 185 HP unit for the '03 model. Wonder if
    Ford can up the ante for the Escape some ?
  • yahaniyahani Member Posts: 8
    I just bought my 03 Ford Escape XLT 4X4. I love it.
    It corners wonderful, unlike those Jeep Liberty's.
    It has enough room for 3 kids and bicycles on the back. One thing I heard the other night was a soothing waterfall sound coming from the dashboard area. I checked the floor boards and everything else and nothing is wet. The sound lasted for about 15-20 minutes. Has anyone heard this from your Escapes. I called Ford and they have never heard of that at this point. Is something new so you can relax while driving?
    Please let me know.
    Thank you
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    This is new. Is you defrost on? fan on? staying on even though switch is off? Is it while you are driving a fast speeds? could it be wind noise?
  • yahaniyahani Member Posts: 8
    Yes, I let it warm up the other night, and when I went to drive, I heard the water noise. It'when I turn on the heat or defrost. The when I turn the heat to O for off, you hear air and water bubbling. The engine is not over heating though.
    I'll have it 4 weeks thursday and it never done it till now. Do you have any suggestions scape2?
  • nortsr1nortsr1 Member Posts: 1,060
    Why not take it back to the dealer while the engine is warm and turn it off and let them listen to the problem??? It's under warranty.
  • twolf3232twolf3232 Member Posts: 4
    I have an '03 XLT Base AWD (Canadian version), currently has about 11,000 km, and I've been noticing the waterfall since about 3000 km. It seems to happen after a rainfall (I don't have a garage), but other than that, I haven't isolated it further. I'm curious to see what others have to say about it. I'm not going to run to the dealer in a panic over it, but if someone knows why it happens, I'd love to hear about it.
  • tincup47tincup47 Member Posts: 1,508
    You probably need to have the coolant system bled. Sounds like air trapped in the system.
  • scapedad1scapedad1 Member Posts: 4
    My son has an '03 Escape xlt 4wd. Bought it in April and has complained about this gurgling noise after rain since day one. The dealer's service people can't find a cause, and Ford (Detroit) suggested resealing the cowl area. Their body shop disassembled the hood, fenders, cowl trim etc. and spent like 10 hours trying to fix it. All he ended up with is an Escape that STILL gurgles, and a pretty badly scratched hood. Apparently the engineers are baffled, too. Service manager admitted to driving another Escape ('02) that also gurgled. I've seen others on here mention the same noise, but has anyone managed to cure it?
  • yahaniyahani Member Posts: 8
    Thank you for your in puts on this matter. I will take it to the Dealer and see if they can get rid of it. If they can, I will post the problem for everyone to know about. Oh, If anyone is looking for a 2003 XLT Escape, St.Helen's Auto Center has some brand new ones left, and also an XLS. It's located in St.Helen's, Oregon. They gave my husband & I really great deals on his new F-350 and my Escape XLT.
  • desertmandesertman Member Posts: 30
    Do the Escape and the Tribute have the same 4WD system? Mazda touts its rotary blade coupling (RBC) system, while Ford calls theirs Control Trac or something. Are they the same thing?
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    They are exactly the same thing.

    However, they are both going to have a fully automatic system for the 2005 model which is supposedly going into production next month and will be on sale in Feb. 2004.
  • bflbfl Member Posts: 1
    I will be buying a 2004 Escape AWD Limited shortly. Is the extended warranty a wise purchase or a waste of money?
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    bfl, you'll get more advice if you visit our Finance, Warranty & Insurance board. There are many discussions about the value of extended warranty purchases, and some good advice regarding third-party providers to avoid.

    kirstie_h
    Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • bessbess Member Posts: 972
    My opinion. The extended warranty's are a waste of money.
    Your going to pay up front around $700 (or even more if you end up financing the extended warranty too), to buy 2 more years or 30k more miles than what the factory is already giving.

    Of all of the Fords I've owned, I've never needed the extended warranty (and yes I keep them until they have 100k+ miles). All of the problems or issues with a vehicle combined cost less than a few hundered dollars out of pocket.

     (Except for the 89 Ford Ranger tranny I had replaced for $1300 at 220k miles, but there are no warranties that go that long).

    If you have some amount of savings (say $1000 or so), that you could spend in rare case the vehicle would have a serious problem, then don't bother with the extended warranty.

    If a $1000 repair bill would throw you into bankrupcy (sp) then the extended warranty may have some value to you.. (as long as the warranty actually covers what ever happended to go wrong).
  • scapedad1scapedad1 Member Posts: 4
    The service manager told my son that he should call Ford directly to lodge a "formal complaint" about the gurgling waterfall noise that they haven't found a cure for yet. Supposedly after they receive 25 calls about a specific situation, they will investigate it further. You will need to have your VIN# for verification purposes. The number is 1-800-241-FORD. Let's see if we can get some action started.
  • vwbobc1vwbobc1 Member Posts: 1
    has anybody experienced exploding glass on a escape? my 2002 escape rear window exploded inside my 2 car attached garage shortly (10 minutes) after pulling it in. the outside temp was 31.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    Having a great year here in the NW Cascade range for snow. Skii areas opened early! Yeeehaa! Took my kids/wife up to do some tubing in the snow. I had my Escape in at least 8" of fresh snow and it handled great. No chains, no studs.. After owning this vehicle for over 2 years it has performed flawlessly... Got powder??
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    got our 1st major snowfall of the season...can't wait to get out and play in it with the escape.... :>

    Odie
    My Homepage
  • carlover321carlover321 Member Posts: 1
    Hello everyone, just purchased 02 XLT, it has radio and 6 cd changer, no cassette. anyone knows how to: either install a cassette player for the purpose using it to play MP3 cd OR just change the orinal cd player to MP3 cd player?
    thanks so much for help
  • yellow2004cabyellow2004cab Member Posts: 2
    Never had an SUV, and thinking about the Escape with a 6 cyl auto and 4WD ..so what are you guys actually experiencing for gas mileage ?
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.