Ford Escape

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  • suvnutsuvnut Member Posts: 6
    Braggs I purchased my Escape from Kenny Ross Ford South and I can tell you that they will not get anymore of my business. Since I took delivery on my SUV they have ignored me. So please anyone venturing into that dealership Buyer Beware! Make sure you look the car over carefully and get any problem resolved prior to taking delivery. Also make sure you let them know about the cheesy advertising name plate as it further damaged my front bumper when they put it on the car.

    Now could anyone tell me what proper cleaning reagents to buy for the aluminum wheels and the lower body panels and bumpers. Also what wax do people recommend these days. Would love to hear how people are caring for their Escape.

    Rich
  • zeenzeen Member Posts: 401
    That makes sense to me. This vehicle is for my wife and she of course prefers the styling of the Nox so I have to work on her a little. In addition, a friend has offered us the employee 10% discount on the Ford or Mazda so that is really attractive. I'll let you know how I make out.
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    I bought a ZX2 back in 97 and our Escape in '02 from Day Ford in Monroeville. Had a good experience both times and still use them for maintenance even though it's a lot farther away than four or five other Ford dealers in my immediate area.

    I haven't used anything special on the lower cladding or on the wheels so I can't help you out there. However, I have used Meguiar's wax for the paint with great results.

    Word of warning. If you have the rough cladding, as opposed to the painted cladding, try to keep from getting any wax on it. It takes a lot of work to get it off so you might as well prevent it in the first place by taping it off (like you do when you paint a room) with some painters tape or use your hand instead of a buffer when you get near it.

    If you do get some wax on it there are several ways to get it off. A lot of people have had success with a toothbrush and others with the Mr. Clean Eraser. Dish soap and a rough sponge has been said to work too.
  • jws48jws48 Member Posts: 8
    and it was definitely the right choice for us. Good size, very peppy and responsive. The black with black looks real good (clean) even in the overcast and snow flurries we're having here today. Had not expected to get to use the heated seats quite so soon - but it's a nice feature. I'm glad I took and 05 instead of compromising on color and equipment for an 04 - what was given up in rebate is offset in depreciation. I was telling the salesman about the front plate holes and he said they've been through that - had a lady with an Explorer and the dealer paid to fill the holes and paint - could not tell the difference after. Every unit on the lot has front plates installed as dealership policy in prep,even though Michigan does not have front and back plates. I give my salesman extra high marks for asking since I purchased it prior to arrival.
  • suvnutsuvnut Member Posts: 6
    jws48

    Congrats on your new 05. I hope you have the best of luck with your new Escape. I agree with your assessment about its responsiveness, its alot of fun to drive. I'm also glad to hear they can and will repair the holes from the front license plate bracket, unfortunately mine cannot be repaired. Ford has got to do something about this!

    Rich
  • suvnutsuvnut Member Posts: 6
    Baggs32

    Nice to hear from a local! I tired to make a deal on an 04 XLT Escape at Day Ford. I located it on the interent. When I got there it turned out to be a demo with about 3300mi on it. Besides the mileage the Escape was clean so I tried to make a deal. Turns out they wanted more for the demo than one with no mileage. So I did'nt buy there. Haven't had the change to use their service though, maybe I'll give the service dept a shot. What part of Pittsburgh do you reside? I live in White Oak which is near McKeesport.

    Rich
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    I live in the North Hills. I don't believe I've ever been to White Oak. However, I'm not very good with directions so I might have been there and not known it! ;)

    It always amazes me when dealers try to sell you a used vehicle for the same price as a new one. If you tried to sell them a clean Escape with 3300 miles on it they'd give you about 75% of the sticker.

    What a joke. They all do it though.

    Congrats on your new Escape! We still love ours after 2+ years and plan to keep doing so for a few more. :)
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=businessNews&st- oryID=4815493

    This one's actually good news! It's to fix the stalling problem that many of us have experienced.
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    I am very particular on how I wash and care for both my vehicles. I use only carwash soap, seperate terry cloth rags for wheels/paint. I rinse off my rags between dips in the bucket. I use Meguires waxes/polishes/cleaners only. For the plastic cladding I use Armorall plastic protectant. For my wheels I use an aluminum polish/protectant. In between washes I use a terry cloth to wipe any brake dust away.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    Keep in mind that the Chevy is a new vehicle. GM doesn't exactly have a good track record with new vehicles.

    The Trailblazer has had around 14 recalls since 2002 verse 1 for the Explorer which was also new in 02.

    Also the 30 Duratec is a thoroughly modern engine with a proven track record. The Equinox features an old tech OHV engine.

    The area where the 2005 Escape is going to stand out is in safety features with the Ford Personal Safety System where is also used in most other ford vehicles.

    The heart of this system is the RCM restraint control module which receives data from the Crash severity monitor near the bumper, the position sensor in the driver's seat, the weight sensor in the front passenger's seat, and the front seat seat belt sensors.

    Using this data, the RCM determines which of the 2 available stages to deploy the airbags at. This ensures that you receive the protection that you need while minimizing the chance of an airbag related injury.

    Also the new 4wd system appears to be the Haldex System used by Volvo. Its totally electronic requiring no user intervention. FWD to 4WD is seamless.

    Hope this helps you decide.

    Mark
  • trenectrenec Member Posts: 1
    I'm shopping for a 2005 Escape, so I was wondering if anyone has had any experiences buying from either Oakfield Ford in Villa Park, IL or Joe Madden Ford in Downers Grove, IL? If not, any recommendations for Ford dealers in the West Suburbs of Chicago? I have had GM's for a while, so all of my experience is at GM dealers.
    Thanks!
  • enid360enid360 Member Posts: 2
    Hello Everyone!
    I'm considering getting an Escape, but I have a few questions for you if you could spare me a second. Right now I'm driving a Suzuki Grand Vitara. It feels very top heavy and narrow, I've already had one wreck in the snowy/ice conditions (going 14mph) we get here in PA, and many close calls, even in light rain.
    How sturdy does the Escape feel to you. Have you had any sliding or slipping that you couldn't contribute to speeding or breaking too fast? Have you had any nervous periods where you felt like you were losing control of the vehicle because of wind, snow, ice or rain? Any help you could offer would be great… I'm still nervous driving after my accident, and I'm looking to get something much more secure!
    Thanks!
    Kelly
  • baggs32baggs32 Member Posts: 3,229
    I live in Pittsburgh too so I can safely say that the Escape is a great choice for driving around here. My wife and I have never had a problem in the snow/sleet/rain/ice (or on the sand in the Outer Banks) with the Escape and it has handled every pothole, hill, and hairpin curve with great ease as well.

    One more thing. I would stick to the V6 model. The I4 may not do it for you on the hills.

    Good luck!
  • turksteritisturksteritis Member Posts: 95
    I have owned 2 tributes...a 01 & now have a 03 ES. It is probably one of the most stable vehicles I have owned. I frequently tow 2 snowmobiles on very icey hi-ways & never any problems. My one huge major complaint is that there is a "LOT!!!" of road noise!!!!!
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    town in ice/snow the Escape/Trib do great. I live in the Northwest and frequent the skii slopes with my 01 Escape 4wd. I have had this vehicle in some pretty deep snow and it plows its way through. The V6 in these little utes is a blast to drive, along with giving you the power when you need it. The suspension on these is knows for its feel and ability to grip the road. However, you must remember this is an SUV and is top heavy and can roll on sharp manuvers. In its class the Escape/Trib beat the competion for handling and road feel. Let us know what you get!
  • oregonboyoregonboy Member Posts: 1,650
    You might considar the Subaru Forester. It has received the highest crash scores of any small SUV tested and handles better than most. The "boxer" four engine mounts low in the chassis to lower the center of gravity. The aluminum hood and roof rails contribute as well.

    The Subaru is all wheel drive ALL of the time for increased stability, unlike the Escape which is front wheel drive until slippage occurs. Some may tell you that the difference is not significant, but I think if you drive both vehicles in the rain that you will discover that it is.

    The Subie also has an outstanding reliability record.

    I do believe that the Escape and Tribute are excellent vehicles, but try the Forester and perhaps the Honda CRV and see which appeals to you the most.

    james
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    We test drove a 2004 Forester back in Sept of 2003. We liked the features it offered but we were disappointed by the rough engine and sloppy clutch. We were also let down by not being able to get a 5-speed manual turbo with a sunroof. Didn't seriously look at an Escape because of the crash test scores. The CR-V was a front-runner but it was too narrow for my tall husband. All of that led us to buy a 2004 Accord EX-L instead.

    However, now that we have a 3 week old we are beginning to see the need for a small SUV/van. The 05 Escape is looking good,along with the Equinox.
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    here's what the front license plate is for (when you don't live in a state that requires the front state plate)
    image
    image

    And yes I live in Steelers / Eagles territory. Lets just say with my wife being a Packers fan, she's not to thrilled with the plate...lol

    Odie
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    I too am not judgmental towards vehicle.
    image
    image
    As seen in the picture is my '01 Escape XLT and my wife's '03 Accord EX anniversary present. (which by the way is LONGER than the Escape)

    Odie
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Seeing that Accord (it looks identical to mine except I have the decklid spoiler) parked next to the Escape makes me realize I really don't want to trade it for an Escape. Maybe we should try to find a used 4 cylinder 5-speed Escape with some miles on it for cheap.

    Just curious since you own both an Escape and a 2003 Accord which one do you and your wife prefer?
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    for longer drives or heavy use, we take the escape. The only time I drive the accord is to work, then she drive the escape into work, I drive the escape home, then she drives the accord home. I work 2nd shift, she works 3rd shift. Plus it's alos easier to get our 11month old daughter in and out of the escape than the accord because of the height difference. Also there is more room on the inside for her MONSTER sized jumpseat.

    So all in all..the Escape gets more use than the Accord.

    Odie
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Our carseat takes up a big portion of the Accord's backseat effectively making it a 4 passenger vehicle. The stroller also takes up a good bit of the trunk. However, I can't find anything in the SUV class that is without even more severe compromises than we are faced with in the Accord.
  • gheimurgheimur Member Posts: 88
    It's called Expedition.
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    Problem with the Expedition for us is the size (we have never had anything in our driveway larger than a Lexus LS400 and a 2000 Silverado regular cab) and the gas mileage. I just can't imagine going from 30+ MPG in the Honda to 15 MPG or so in the Expedition. Especially since both my husband and I commute 80 miles round trip to and from work.
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    we have the same seat in both Accord / Escape. So I will show you how much difference there is. Plus I can still put my larger rear folding seat down with the car seat on the smaller portion. so that does make it a little nicer too.

    Odie
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    I snapped the pics, but because I don't want to use up alot of the space here on Ed. I'll post links instead.

    Car Seat 1
    Car Seat 2
    Car Seat 3
    Car Seat 4
    Car Seat 5

    Odie
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    the extra cargo room in the Escape does look nice and with the V6 it could easily pull a small trailer.

    Downsides to keeping the Accord are as follows:
    1. Can't/won't put dirt and hay in the trunk of the Accord and you can't pull a trailer with it.
    2. Our car seat scrubs the headliner when moving baby in and out of the seat.
    3. Stroller takes up a decent portion of the trunk.

    Benefits of the Accord:
    1. 30+ MPG
    2. Excellent crash test results
    3. I've almost always owned Hondas
    4. It's a car so it will handle and drive better at highway speeds.

    I guess we just have to decide if the Accord's negatives are enough to overpower it's benefits and the fact that we will lose money trading it so soon.

    Also we would have to see whether my husband could drive the Escape with the car seat behind him. In the Accord the back of the driver's seat is up against the car seat when he drives (he is 6'6). We put it behind the driver's side so when he drives the passenger could still relax and if he is in the passenger seat he would be unable to recline his seat with it behind him. It won't be an issue once we can turn the seat to forward-facing though.
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    you can put the seat in the middle on the rear seat in the escape, I asked at a local carseat checkpoint and they said the 2 latch points on either side work to hold in the middle. Whie our seat was in the rear position we kept it in the middle because we could keep the front seats all the way back and reclined a bit too. but when we turned seat to forward facing we placed on passenger side for 2 reasons. (1) We can use the fold down seat for more room or better comfort for rear pass., (2) can still have front seat all the way back and bit reclined.

    Odie

    P.S. - I myself am 6'3" 300, and Julie is 5'6" undisclosed
  • anonymouspostsanonymousposts Member Posts: 3,802
    my dilemna is over. While on Edmunds yesterday morning around 11 AM I saw that Honda had a 24 month/12k per year lease deal on the Ody for $259 per month with $1533 due at signing. By 8 P.M. we were driving home in our new 2004 Ody EX with factory DVD system. It should serve our needs quite well. It will be used for long trips and Home Depot runs. We are going to keep the 04 Accord as we couldn't bear to part with it.
  • brian211brian211 Member Posts: 69
    Was all set to buy full size suv, probably a durango, really like the new one. However with gas in new york city 219 a gallon, have done an about face. The new 05 escape looks nice. Does anyone want to offer any advice on this vehicle? Looked at the jeeps and endeavors as well. Problems, complaints, any advice? I like the 4runner but price is rediculous.
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    If you like the new Durango, you probably won't like the Escape.

    For starters, the Escape is a Unibody vehicle with independent front and rear supensions... This is more car like in ride and handling.

    The Escape uses a thoroughly modern dohc v-6 which will give you great performance in the highway.

    The Escape is Front wheel driver when not in All wheel drive mode. and All Wheel Drive is activated completely automatically.

    Mark
  • brian211brian211 Member Posts: 69
    I've driven the durango, explorer and envoy. Durango the best. However, as I stated, with the rise in gas prices, I've decided to go with a smaller vehicle. The escape, jeep liberty and cherokee and 4 runner seem to be the best of the lot. Am I wrong? Those of you here who have purchased the escape or tribute, do you still recommend the vehicle. Do you recommend waiting for the 05? Btw, if a tow is needed, is a flatbed necessary, to protect 4x4?
  • jws48jws48 Member Posts: 8
    Great small SUV. Considered Liberty. Big difference is Escape is primarily front drive, Liberty primarily rear drive. If you are concerned about MPG - the Escape is certainly the better choice. Have slightly less than 700 miles on my 05 Escape Ltd - with a current 20.3 MPG average. Spouse loves it - and has put 450 of the miles on it.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The Escape Hybrid is generating a lot of good press for Ford. Some examples:

    Forbes First Drive: The First American Hybrid

    Escape Hybrid Helps Fix Bill Ford's Green Gaffes (Bloomberg)

    Lots more links and talk over in Ford Escape Hybrid in Future Vehicles.

    Steve, Host
  • mf15mf15 Member Posts: 158
    This car is for my wife. What makes me nervous is that Ford has no extended power train warranty, on the Escape. A car with AWD is very complex and something expensive is bound to go wrong. She has leased 3 Accords since 1995 and of course there were no issues with them. I on the other hand lost two transmissions on a 1990 Taurus, which I owned,Ford repaired the 1st one under something like a secret warranty. So I am a little bit reluctant to buy another Ford. Any thoughts on the long term reliability of the Escape, I have read most of the active messages and it seems they have most of the bugs worked out now. Thanks Mike
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,784
    sounds like you turned the acords over every 3 years. how many miles on them? how many miles on the taurus when the tranny was replaced? did you do the recommended maintenance? i'm just trying to get the reality of the situation.
    you can buy ford extended warrantys much cheaper than you would be offered at the time of sale.
    i didn't do my homework on the warranty, an escape btw, until after the sale. could have saved about 300 bucks.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • mf15mf15 Member Posts: 158
    Yes turn the accords over every 3 years 36000 or so on them, but my daughter is still driving our 1995 accord, she bought it. The first trans went at about 40000 and the second at about 85000 in the Taurus.
    How do you get a Ford warranty cheaper after the sale.
    Oh by the way the first escape we looked at the rear rotors seemed to be warped. Took the salesman for a ride in it and he said this goes into the shop Monday morning, it had 25 miles on it. The other two we drove were ok. This does not inspire conficence. I will probably still buy since I have Xplan and ford sent me an extra 1000 cash dollars plus the normal 1000 rebate. Thanks Mike
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,784
    i am able to get xplan too. you can do much better on your own. if you are looking for a warranty, just do a search. there are ford dealers that sell warrantees over the web.
    good luck, whatever you decide.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • escapeowner2escapeowner2 Member Posts: 12
    I have a 2005 Escape *without* the Mach stereo system, only the 80 watt number with the in dash 6 CD changer. Ain't getting it.

    What would you people recommend as a replacement and how much coin am I going to be layin' down?

    Thanks.
  • jps1966jps1966 Member Posts: 2
    My 2005 Ford Escape XLT did not come with a trailer hitch (company car) and I would like to put one on. I'm not having any luck with the Ford dealers....comments such as the hitch will not be available until July/August or the wiring harness is not available. I would like to pull a small boat this summer. Anybody from Ford or an aftermarket place have any ideas vs. waiting until the end of summer.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 20,784
    our '04 doesn't have hitch, either. am interested in getting one. would like any info, too.
    2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • mf15mf15 Member Posts: 158
    You can try a U-Haul truck center they put hitches on, but the car is so new perhaps like Ford they do not have after market parts yet. Mike F
  • scape2scape2 Member Posts: 4,123
    with the trailer hitch add on for the Escape/Tribute. I have the "Tow package" on my 01 Escape and it came with an additional cooler.
    By the way. Just bought an 04 Tribute SE V6 for the wife... Couldn't pass up the $3,500 cash back, along with an extra 1K discount from dealer. Found a loan on the net for %3.85 and was in and out in about 2 hours!.. Traded the wifes 00 Accord in. The salesperson showed me 4 Accords on his lot ranging from 00 to an 04! For some reason he said people are trading them in, doesn't know why....
    So, now I have an 01 Escape XLT V6 4WD and an 04 Tribute ESV6...
    My Escape will be paid for in about 9 months.. Ford is bombarding me with extra cash. So far I have about an extra $750, not including the advertised rebates....
  • jps1966jps1966 Member Posts: 2
    I traded in my 2003 with 63K miles and had an aftermarket hitch....I was told the 2001 thru 2004 Escapes will accept the same hitches, but the 2005 has the spare tire under the car. Anyway, was pleased to find a few positives with the 2005 such as reduced road noise over the 2003. The suspension seems looser....so it rides better over bumps...but I prefer the tighter suspension....Overall, I think they improved the ride.
  • corynatcorynat Member Posts: 52
    I am not a car stereo expert, but I just swapped out the head unit for a Sony that plays MP3 CDs and has an aux input for my Ipod. The stock speakers actually sound surprisingly good. Cost me $188 for the unit and $16 for a kit that gives you an extra (albeit thin) cubby under the stereo. Harness worked with the factory one. Pretty simple install. You need the Ford removal tools or a properly bent hanger to get the factory radio out.
  • hampsterdamhampsterdam Member Posts: 18
    Okay, my question is same as # 2042 of this forum. Is there any difference in the quality of the leather used in the standard "Limited" seats and that used in the optional "leather comfort package"? The package is $1095 MSRP and there is little there that interests me if there is no difference in the leather.

    thanks!
  • rhouser2rhouser2 Member Posts: 114
    i have read that the 2001-2004 escapes suffered from "excessive" wind and road noise. for 2005 ford says they have addressed the problem with the addition of more sound deadening materials and new window seals. has anyone had any real world comparision to know if the 05 is really quieter than the 01-04?
  • mschmalmschmal Member Posts: 1,757
    The tow hitch that comes with the tow package "pokes" through a cut out in the bumper..I don't think you could there for put the "factory" hitch on a car without the tow package....

    Search for aftermarket..
  • brooster54brooster54 Member Posts: 25
    We turned in our '02 for an '05, and yes, I do believe it to be noticeably quieter in road, power train, and wind noise. One of the main reasons we traded was that I found the seats in the '02 dreadfully uncomfortable on long trips. Ford has made substantial improvements in the seating as well, and I am free of the aching back and squirming around that I faced before. I do wish that there was some type of adjustable lumbar support, but all in all, a major step forward.

    Having said that, perhaps someone out there can explain to me the logic behind Ford's Escape options packaging. It floors me that a $35K CAN. vehicle sold in Canada does not have heated rearview mirrors and available/optional heated seats. The only way to get these options is to up the ante to $37K CAN and spring for the Limited. Yet the "Canadian Winter Package" for the $20K CAN Focus gives you power adjustable, heated rearview mirrors and heated driver/passenger seats for only $275!!! Who in their right mind would not take that option!

    Why do we have to pay 2 grand more for what many consider basic needs for the "Great White North"? Only the marketing wizards know for sure, I'm guessing. The same guys that have done such a wonderful job bringing the Lincoln LS center stage... (I have an '04 and love it)!
  • odie6lodie6l Member Posts: 1,173
    The stereo in the Escape is a Double-DIN type stereo. When you go look at after market equip. there is a Single-DIN, DIN-1/2, and Double-DIN. plus there speakers in the escape are 5x8 but you can fit a 6x9 into the hole, just have to watch the depth. You can also fit a nice 500W amp under the passenger seat to boost your output (incase you want to add that rear seat dvd system in the back)
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