Ford Escape

kcallon1 · March 2004

I have 2003 Ford Escape XLT. I took delivery 9-13-03. I have 6,100 miles on the truck. Within the last 4 weeks, the following has happened about 9 times: the engine dies and the "Check Engine Oil","Battery", and "Engine" lights came on and the truck died. I put on my flashers, but when I turned the key, the truck started right up and I drove on to work. I took it to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong with it. Within the last 3 days, it has died, while DRIVING once, and while in idle 3 times. Has anyone with this problem had it fixed or have some sort of an explanantion given to them as to why this happened to their Escape? Any idea what the cause was or what can be done to have it fixed short of getting rid of the vehicle? Any advice is appreciated - Thanks!

holbes · March 2004

The crash performance of the Escape is an important factor for me as well. From what I read below, the Escape is looking more and more attractive. I found this quote on autosite.com in their Preview of 2005 Ford Escape:

http://www.autosite.com/Previews/2005-ford-escape.asp

"Buyers may discover that the 2005 Ford Escape offers an improved ride quality over its predecessor, and the company hopes that nobody learns that strides have been taken to improve offset crash protection. The newly optional Safety Canopy System includes side curtain airbags that can remain inflated in the event of a rollover accident."

What I like about the 2005 Escape is that it seems that Ford really listened to the problems that consumers were having and fixed everything. This doesn't always happen when models get redesigned.

-Mike

suvshopper4 · March 2004

"the company hopes that nobody [?] learns that strides have been taken to improve offset crash protection" Is this a typo?

Also, did Ford do anything to protect the driver's foot area? I think that was a weak spot in the original offset crash test, IIRC.

baggs32 · March 2004

""the company hopes that nobody [?] learns that strides have been taken to improve offset crash protection" Is this a typo?"

It's not a typo. They are saying that they hope no one is ever in an accident. You'll never know how well the new improvements fare in an accident unless you are in one. Get it now?

explorerx4 · March 2004

how often do you think this happens?

scape2 · March 2004

An Escape optioned with the side curtain airbags moves the Escape up in the crashtest ratings. The new 2005 will be a good improvemt for Fords image. I agree, its nice to see Ford listening to its customers and making improvements where people want them, not the bean counters.....

baggs32 · March 2004

"how often do you think this happens?"

According to the IIHS it is the most common type of accident. However, no proof has ever been posted to verify that claim.

I'm not going to argue that offsets are common but I will argue that their crash is not. Most offsets will involve two moving vehicles of varying sizes and weights. Then you have to add many, many other factors to that to determine how a vehicle will perform in an offset crash. Things like, were the vehicles braking before they hit (Very likely)? Were they trying to turn away? Etc., etc.. Moving any vehicle a couple inches to the right or left in their test could very easily produce different results.

To me, the IIHS offset test is the equivalent of a vehicle hitting the rear end of a pickup truck that is parked in front of a brick/steel wall. Now that can't be all that common!

rhouser2 · March 2004

saw a 2005 base model today. 2.3 4 cyl engine/automatic trans/AWD and disc drum brakes.

escape05 · March 2004

I picked up my new Escape 3/6/2004. It is awesome to drive. I'm 6' 2" 225 lbs and have plenty of room for both legs and head. The seats are very comfortable both front and rear. The ride is smooth and I notice very little road noise. Mileage so far averages 18MPG. Stereo system has great sound. It came with Continental tires which I've seen complaints about noise but have not experienced so far. I'm glad a made the choice for the 2005 Escape.

explorerx4 · March 2004

regarding offset crash. as you explained, there are so many variables. that's why i posted my comment.
as far as what you described, been there, and still able to make posts.

bbag · March 2004

I have a 2002 XLT V6 AWD Escape with just over 50,000 miles and within the last week it suddenly refused to start (cranked but would not turn over). Was repaired after $400, apparently a wiring problem at the fuse box. After getting it back, now the engine dies out without warning, other than all warning lights illuminating - Service dept cannot find problem, after another diagnostic fee.

scape2 · March 2004

"Too many problems" How do you know this? just by reading here at Edmunds? Some come into these rooms claiming to own Escapes and bash them and cause rumors. Edmunds cannot keep track of who is logging in when and from where. I have owned and Escape now for 40,000 trouble free miles. I have used mine to tow, haul and visit skii areas along with my favorite fishing spots in the Cascade mountain range here in the Northwest. Get out on the internet, find other chat rooms. You will find plenty of Escape/Tribute owners who are happy with thier vehicles.

scape2 · March 2004

The Ford Explorer has been out for many,many years. People claim these vehicles are also problem ridden and unreliable. If the Explorer was so unreliable and such garbage why is it still the best seller in its segment after 8 years! People would not buy them or buy another one if it did not give them good service. The same holds true for the Escape/Tribute. The Escape has been out for over 3 years now. Sales are climbing not diving. Why? because these are good vehicles and are not unreliable. Word spreads, not just from the internet but from friends and family when a vehicle is that bad. Consumer reports has also rated the Escape a buy.... I can go on and on...

smsuvundecided · March 2004

You are like a PR spin machine for Ford.

But I agree with ya on the dude claiming that all these Escapes are being towed in mass. LOL

stever · March 2004

Edmunds cannot keep track of who is logging in when and from where.

Actually it's not all that difficult to track IP addresses from individual computers. If you think there's someone with multiple personalities posting here, send me an email and we'll check it out.

I think we've zapped maybe three posters for logging in with multiple id's in the last several years.

Steve, Host

tidester · March 2004

Also, it would in fact be possible to cross check IP addresses automatically but programmers cost money and their time is better spent on other endeavors - like keeping all this wonderful stuff running smoothly!

tidester, host

scape2 · March 2004

don't get me wrong.. I like Edmunds. But, a person can have multiple IP addresses, use a friends oomputer, work computer, ect....

scape2 · March 2004

I own both a Ford and a Honda. Have owned other brands of vehicles also. Have had Fords last me up to 100,000 miles with no problems, just general maintenance. I am just trying to say to people, look elsewhere and get a more open point of view.

tidester · March 2004

Agree! Which is another reason why it's not cost effective to perform general IP monitoring.

tidester, host

smsuvundecided · March 2004

Scape2 I never said you were a PR person for Ford. You merely sound like one. After reading many of your posts I'm beginning to doubt your claim.

As for the Explorer being the best seller, well the world is full of uninformed people. I wouldn't touch an Explorer with a ten foot pole.

Did you read the latest news about Toyota?

"The Japanese automaker surpassed Ford Motor Co. of the United States in global sales for 2003 as the world's No. 2 automaker. Toyota confirmed the tally it gave for worldwide sales for 2003 of 6.78 million vehicles, up 9.9 percent from 6.17 million the previous year. Ford's 2003 sales have slipped to 6.72 million vehicles, down 3.6 percent from 6.97 million the year before."

http://www.automotiveindustrynews.com/auto33040472.htm

jrc346 · March 2004

3 Explorers and counting. Then again, I took that little IQ test while I was at Cracker Barrel recently, and according to it, I am eeeeggnorahmous (a kind way of calling you ignoramus I'm sure ;-). :-p

baggs32 · March 2004

"Did you read the latest news about Toyota?"

I have. Now you can too.

http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0402/13/b02-62995.htm

smsuvundecided · March 2004

They don't want credit yet, even though it will happen. It's just a matter of which beans ya count I guess.

baggs32 · March 2004

If it does happen it may only be for a year or two though. Ford is releasing several new car models which should boost their sales significantly.

zeen · March 2004

Just drove the 'O5 XLT yesterday. My dealer had them hidden behind the service bays per Ford's instructions.
I was quite impressed. Very solid, tight suspension. No rattles or squeaks. Duratec 6 had plenty of power and it was fairly quiet but with a nice sound to it. Interior materials were decent and the leather is pretty nice for a Ford. Steering wheel didn't adjust upward very much but it was adequate. Rear seat was very comfortable. I am comparing it to a Chevy Equinox and I think the Escape may be a better alternative for the money. I will wait for the incentives to kick in though as it's priced close to MSRP now.

explorerx4 · March 2004

we just bought an '04 limited. the '04 has 2 grades of leather; 1 for the xlt, a better grade for the limtied. it is much nicer than the leather on my '02 explorer eb. the '05 has a $1000 rebate on it.

carguydc · March 2004

Zeen - two comments:

There are no instructions from Ford to keep the vehicles in the back of the dealership. A dealer is allowed to sell units the moment they hit the lot. The dealer simply has them in the back to "encourage" people to buy his 04's which he's trying to get rid of.

As far as incentives, the 05 has $1,000 on it now vs. $2,000 on the 04.

zeen · March 2004

The local dealer called me today to say that there is a $1,000 incentive on the '05's but that it doesn't apply to the leather versions. I'm not sure if that's the XLT's with leather and the Limited's or just the latter.

baggs32 · March 2004

The $1000 applies to ALL 2005 Escapes. Not just those without leather. Follow the link below and enter your zip code to see if it does, and if there are any more incentives, in your area.

http://www.edmunds.com/incentives/RebateController?step=1&set- zip=90210&tid=edmunds.n.incentivesindex.incentives.2.1.*

Also, you might want to consider taking your business to a more honest dealer. Sounds like they lied to you twice. Imagine what they'll try to pull off when negotiating a price!

Makes the stomach turn.

zeen · March 2004

I see the $1000 cash ends tomorrow. Any predictions on what comes next?
Baggs: You may be right about this dealer, although the sales guy who took me for a test drive was all of 23. I suspect he just doesn't have any judgment. On another note, my daughter has a friend who works for Ford who offered us the 10% employee discount but I am a little confused on how it works. Do I negotiate a price first or is it tied to some fixed price?

baggs32 · March 2004

The employee discount price is fixed but you should still be eligible for all incentives. Ask to see the actual invoice which lists the discounted price (usual at the bottom).

I am eligible for the partner discount, X-Plan on all Ford brands save for Mazda which is S-Plan, and have used it before. Once to buy the Escape and two days ago to buy an '04 Mazda6. Make sure they subtract the rebates and ask for the "out the door" price up front.

Just because the price is fixed doesn't mean they can't juggle all of the other costs.

zeen · March 2004

Thanks baggs. Given your advice is it worth getting prices from more than one dealer? I don't fully trust the dealer I've been speaking with.

baggs32 · March 2004

Yes, it is worth getting prices from other dealers. Sometimes "hidden" incentives exist that the public does not know about. Another dealer might slip it in and give you a lower price. You can then buy from them, because they were more honest with you, or take that price to the other dealer to see if they'll match or beat it.

jws48 · April 2004

Just purchased a dealer inbound 05 Limited, Black and Black - Luxury, Towing, Side Curtains. Should be in week of April 12. Did some internet shopping and had offers of invoice, X Plan pricing, and $100.00 under invoice. The $1,000 rebate is extended through June 30 and there is an expanded Military Appreciation of $750.00 the dealer said I qualify for. I was surprised at pricing given the TMV listed.

purduealum91 · April 2004

Inquiring minds want to know

suvnut · April 2004

Hello Everyone

Just took delivery on a 04 XLT Escape. Very nice! But! (Rant on)Listen up Ford Employees! WHY WHY WHY do these cars come with mounted front license brakets? Not only that but WHY WHY WHY must the dealer add a dealer name plate to it? I removed the bracket when I got home and now I have five nice HOLES! in my front bumper. What the hell is Ford going to do about that? Probably nothing. I can't help but I think that is the most idiotic option from the factory. Why can't this be a dealer installed option in the areas where it is required? I'm BUMMED!!!!!!(Rant off)

Rich

baggs32 · April 2004

1. Dealer employees are not Ford employees in almost all cases. They are employees of the dealer, which is probably not owned by Ford.

2. The front license plate bracket does not come mounted from the factory. The dealer employees did that so they could display some cheap advertisement like a plate with their name on it.

I'm pretty picky about things like that too and won't put up with it. I even make the dealer remove their stickers from the back of the vehicle because I don't want to be a moving billboard for them.

I'm not sure what I'd do about the holes in the bumper, but asking for a discount or some free accessories/maintenance would be a start. It might be too late for you to negotiate that though.

zeen · April 2004

Get some free touch up paint from the dealer. Plug the holes with putty and paint. That should look OK. I also hate the white sticker that they put on the rear of the car. I insist that they refrain from doing that but they are fairly easy to remove.
Please keep posting any info on 05 pricing.

oregonboy · April 2004

Ask for a new front bumper cover. You may not get it, but you may get them to sell it at cost and install it for free.

jws48 · April 2004

$26,921 as opposed to the $28,825 MSRP. With tax, title, and tags, it's a "drive out" of $26,977 including the $1,750 in rebates. BTW - my sales person warned me about the dealer policy of front plates and hole issue and I was able to "opt not" to having it installed and dealing with the holes. I'll take delivery tomorrow afternoon -

suvnut · April 2004

Baggs

As a matter of fact the front license bracket is listed as "no charge" optional equipment on the MSRP window sticker! This cheap plastic frame is held in place by no less than THREE screws. Right through the finish of the front bumper, which by the way will cost $315 to replace.

Then the dealer added two more holes for me by slapping on their trashy "metal" dealer name plate. The night I took delivery on the car, I specifically asked the sales person if adding the dealer name plate would cause damage to the front bumper. Guess what his answer was?

Zeen
I cannot paint over the damage to the front bumper, it is not the finished version you get with the "appearance package" but the unfinished vinyl.

Today, I spoke to the same sales person who sold me the vehicle. When I told him about the damage to the bumper the first words out of his mouth were "They won't replace to front bumper" If I had any idea that the front license plate bracket was mounted that way I would have never purchased the vehicle. I waited 11 years to buy a new SUV and now I'm sick to my stomach. I am extremely angry that Ford would have such an asinine method for mounting a $.50 piece of plastic.

Also in addition to the holes in the bumper, the silver face plate around the instrument and control panel on the front dash was badly scratched. When I requested they replace the face plate, I got silence. Its as if these defects are no longer their problem. I don't think the dealer is going to be cooperative about any of this. So much for the excitement about buying a new vehicle.

Rich

explorerx4 · April 2004

get yoursalf a 'personal expression' plate for the front. know you can't have the original bumper back, but you can turn it into a positive.

zeen · April 2004

I think a creative body guy at the dealership could plug the holes and use a matt finish paint to come pretty close to the unfinished bumper color so that it would be relatively unoticeable. Keep in mind that you may be obsessed with it but most people looking at your vehicle would never notice it. I think you may have to appeal up the ladder to Ford to have the bumper and the faceplate fixed. Be persistent. The more you bug them the more likely they'll take care of you. However, asking for a new bumper is unreasonable if they can make it look 90% ok with some body work. Keep at it and let us know how it goes.

baggs32 · April 2004

"As a matter of fact the front license bracket is listed as "no charge" optional equipment on the MSRP window sticker!"

That's news to me. I don't recall if it was listed as an option on the sticker of our Escape or our Mazda6. What I do know is that both came with a front license plate bracket, and both were in the cargo/trunk area in a plastic bag. If they would have been attached to the front bumper I would have taken my business elsewhere.

suvnut · April 2004

ExplorerX4 I'm not one for stuff like that, wish I was it would certainly make life easier, thanks.

Zeen you sound just like my father! lol Unfortunately I'm the kind of person that is really nit picky when it comes to stuff like this. For me, repair would be out of the question. It just really made me mad that the dealer added more holes by putting one of their cheap metal dealer name plates on it. There should be a law against dealers adding advertising to any new vehicle without the consent of the new owner. Lets get a petition going! I did call Ford though and they wanted nothing to do with it. They said its between me and the "independently owned" dealer. Guess I have to do battle with the dealership. If I ever by a car again I will never take delivery after sunset I can tell you that!

Braggs maybe your right, maybe the bracket is sent and the dealer mounts it. The Escape came from a Maryland dealership in a trade. Problem is this vehicle is so popular around this area (Pittsburgh,PA) that there weren't many plain 04 XLT's left to pick from. I was using Ford's search inventory on their web site to just locate one.

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for letting me rant and being very understanding. This is a great place to grab a beer and hang! Believe me despite the minor problems I really like this SUV, even a little better than the Tribute. I think its definitely more sportier looking. But don't get me wrong you Mazda fans, I like the Tribute too! Disappointing though that Ford doesn't offer the 4 year warranty like Mazda does.

All let you know how it all turns out.

Rich

tincup47 · April 2004

I can tell you from personal experience (almost 20 years working at dealerships in Md) that it was standard practice to attach the front tag bracket when the vehicle hit the lot. Maryland law requires front tags and since most people transfer tags the car has to be ready to accept the front one. It really wasn't the dealer in Pennsylvania's fault. We actually had the opposite problem when we got cars from PA. dealerships, the front tag bracket wouldn't arrive with the vehicle, we ended up having to buy them from Ford to install it on the vehicle.

zeen · April 2004

I had to remove the front bracket from my Envoy when I bought it leaving small holes. I felt however that the small holes were a hell of a lot better than having the bracket with the ad so it gave me satisfaction. I couldn't agree with you more about dealer ads on cars. I have also removed the white dealer logos often affixed to the trunk near the license plate. They come off but not easily. Last 10 years or so I tell the dealer not to affix any stickers or logos to the vehicle.
PS: Your father must be a wise man ;-)

baggs32 · April 2004

I live in Pittsburgh as well. Which dealer did you buy from?

I think tincup nailed it. If your Escape came from Maryland they probably put the bracket on there to accomodate the front plate that the state requires.

zeen · April 2004

OK. I like the Escape/Tribute but my wife likes the new Chevy. The Chevy is a couple thousand more for the same features, is definitely larger, has less power and doesn't drive quite as well, but it's not bad. It's just that the Escape has more power, is more agile and seems to corner a little better. Anyone want to chime in on this one?

scape2 · April 2004

The Equinox is under powered when comparing V6's in this segment. The Escape/Trib are the way to go. The Equinox is new, this is why it costs thousands more than an Escape/Trib. Give it about 6-9 months and you will see the prices drop to become more competitive with the Escape/Trib...
My vote is for the Escape. V6 is wonderful.. handling is superior in this segment.

Ford Escape

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