2001 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

Fun to Drive lots of small problems

Written by: PeteNc on 04/21/2009

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I like the escape well designed easy to see good size good mpg. It is definitely noisy. My main complaint is numerous $300-$500 problems. The antitheft starter went out $500 plus took forever to figure it out, it would crank but not start then battery would die. Lock broke $300 and forever. Valves broke $600. A/c out $900 so definitely getting into repairs.

Favorite Features

Very nice to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Reliablity I don't have these problems with honda or Toyota.

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2 transmissions in 114k miles

Written by: t collins on 04/21/2009

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Replaced transmission at 83k miles with rebuilt ford trans which went out at 114k miles. That was about 2 weeks ago and service writer says he is waiting to put it on a lift because they are all full. I have put approx. $15,000 into various repairs on this vehicle despite extended coverage nothing is ever under warranty.

Favorite Features

none

Suggested Improvements

Improve quality and better service!

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Awesome

Written by: Ben Prosser on 01/13/2009

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Have owned this since the beginning, and it is awesome. Had to replace the clutch cable 3 times, but thats it. It now has 203,000 miles on it and still runs fine. I4 with 5 speed seems to be running good and strong. 4x4 works well, and it handles fine in the snow. This is the best car I have ever driven, and I hope that it keeps on going.

Favorite Features

4x4, overall quality, handling and driving

Suggested Improvements

Higher quality of plastic bumpers

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good SUV

Written by: Michelle M on 01/06/2009

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my Escape in 2003 with 8,000 mi on it. It's now 2009 with only 70,000 mi on it. I keep up great maintaince on it. I have made several minor repairs on it until recently. The spring broke in the gear shift, so you have to mess with the gear shift when you put in park so you can get the key out. I had to replace the IAC motor, new spark plugs, stabilizer bar and link. Replace a lifter and cam shaft. This was very expensive. I still like it though. I'm thinking on buying a new one. I just hope they have improved.

Favorite Features

I like the exterior shape of it. The 4wd is great it St. Louis and Illinois snow. Very roomy backseat and trunk area. Gas mileage is'nt so bad. It's a great vehicle for me. I also like all the added features including the running boards and luggage rack. It's white, which looks sharp!

Suggested Improvements

Manufacture better brake rotors. Sunroof sometimes doesn't open or close. Alot of driving noise. Would like to see AC for feet only and more comfortable seats. I wouldn't recommend leather seats. Very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Fun, Reliable, Versatile, Great on Gas

Written by: Geoff on 12/02/2008

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Excellent sound system, huge sunroof, very versatile. Great on gas for an SUV with 4x4 and V6 engine. On a long trip with the A/C on I averaged 24-25MPG! With the A/C I got 28MPG! The engine is very powerful making passing or merging effortless. Handles great in the snow. Never have I felt out of control, all handling is predictable. Very fun to drive! You will not regret purchasing an Escape!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

More powerful heating and cooling for climate control system. Adjustable headrests, I am 6' 2" and the seat only comes up to my neck. This issue was resolved in newer models.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Not what I signed up for

Written by: SMIverson on 11/20/2008

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car recently because it looked good - inside and out - and thought it would make for a reliable second car. Not hardly, and I only have myself to blame, because I didn't have it inspected before handing over my money. The vehicle leaks oil and the transmission is definitely on its way out. The fog lights didn't work when I took delivery and all four tires leak like it's the middle of January! Truth be told, I probably just got a bad one because I did read good things about this vehicle prior to my purchase decision. It doesn't ease my trepidation, but suffice it to say I won't be keeping this car long; someone else can foot the bill to keep it running.

Favorite Features

Ride quality. That's it. Oh, it's a a decent looking vehicle, too.

Suggested Improvements

Build a better engine and transmission, Ford! Fuel economy is horrible, too, considering it is such a small SUV. I'm averaging only 16 mpg.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Nice looking ride

Written by: Autumn on 10/01/2008

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this Escape and it currently has 170,000 miles. I bought it used. So far the only thing I have has to replace was spark plugs, but recently I have noticed that it has problems starting when it is cold? Also I have had troubles with the CD changer. And yes the back hatch only opens when it feels like it. Grr that is very frustrating! But I do love the looks, space, and the drive. I love it just want a brand new one. I think dependability all depends on how well they are maintained!

Favorite Features

I love my leather seats, the sound system, and I love the look of the dash. I love the seats folding down. It has a lot of room.

Suggested Improvements

Diffrent tires. More trusty struts, and not such cheap luggage rack or step runner.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Bought used, but still great.

Written by: Kevin on 07/30/2008

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLT 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Bought used with 116K miles. Vehicle is now seven years old now and looks and drives great. The interior is still in perfect condition. Leather seats are barely worn. Went up from sedan to this due to having a child. Great room and car seats are a breeze now.

Favorite Features

Six disc in-dash CD changer, lots of cargo room. V6 has lots of power, good gas mileage (22-26 highway)

Suggested Improvements

Leather seats are hard, long shifts, small rear view mirror.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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OK, but

Written by: Ron on 06/14/2008

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLS 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

My Escape has been very reliable. With over 120000 miles, it's also had its challenges. It's thrown two belt pulleys, and three belts. It goes everywhere and starts all the time. Have the xls, 5-speed. Mileage is not that great, 22-23. Last year, replaced the clutch, let my son learn to drive it, and shocks.

Favorite Features

Design, comfort, roominess, reliability. Just goes and goes. Maintenance is pretty easy.

Suggested Improvements

Have the cloth interior, very cheaply built. The driver seat is cracking on the vinyl trim, the cloth is still great.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I love this vehicle

Written by: Cindy on 03/16/2008

Vehicle

2001 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased the vehicle used in 2001 with 7600 miles on it. I've owned it and used it every day since with not one regret. I now have 123000 miles on it and other than routine maintenance-oil change, tires, battery, etc I have had no problems. I just recently started noticing the missing on the sunroof switch and although the altenator tested ok, my light is on but doesn't seem to be draining the battery at all. I wish the interior of the new Escapes were as will designed in the center console area but will definately buy another. My only complaints are road noise and for being smaller, my gas mileage is no better than the Explorer (18- 19mpg). Handles great in MN winters.

Favorite Features

6 CD player, handles like a car, comfortable & great room in the rear seats for passengers. Great interior room for large items.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage could be possible even without going hybrid. Better insulation for road noise.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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