2002 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

lacks reliability and quality components

Written by: Rachel on 10/01/2009

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this 4 yrs ago, used. So far I have had to fix the AC/heater 3 times, fix the parking brake twice (soon to be 3 times as it's going out again) and replace both the transmission and the CD player. And now there's an electric problem that is causing my emergency brake light and emissions system warning lights to come on for no reason, as well as causing failures in my CD player, dashboard lights, and gas gauge.

Favorite Features

It has a lot of horsepower, which is fun, and it handles really quite well. Good storage, for it's size.

Suggested Improvements

Inner workings are a nightmare. From what I've read a lot of people have had problems with their transmission, so I think Ford should issue a recall. Numerous electric problems, bad parking brake. needs better mpg.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Looks are not Everything

Written by: lair on 09/11/2009

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

The transmission died at 54k , replacement cost: 3k, The alternator died at 72k replacement cost: $600. The fifth door does not open on hot days. Either I bought a lemon or it's just a typical American built car, and that's all it is, mainly because it has the same transmission as the ford contour (why would ford use a car transmission in a 200hp SUV?). It looks great though, Just engineered stupidly. I trust my 1995 Toyota pick-up more than this piece of junk. Now, on the bright side, it truly is a nice ride and the interior, sound system and all the rest is great. [just beware it will break down on you].

Favorite Features

Looks, 200 HP, Great Sound System, Fun to Drive.

Suggested Improvements

Transmission, Alternator replacement requires front axle to be removed (very expensive labor cost).

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Its a Keeper!

Written by: Kbirch on 09/08/2009

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought the car used with 13,000 miles. It gets 17mpg city, 20 mixed and 24 highway. I hope to drive it to 200,000 miles if the NY winters don't get to body/hardware first. It still drives/shifts as smooth as the day I picked it up back in '03. REPAIRS: I have had to replace the rear wiper motor at 60K, both front end tie rods at 70K and drivers side wheel bearing at 72K. Overall, no complaints though. Its a very reliable, fun car to drive and strongly recommend it for those looking for an subcompact SUV

Favorite Features

Its a fun to drive car. Leg/headroom as I am 6'6" and have plenty of room all around. Great for hauling a trailer with my 4wheeler. Handles awesome in the snow, have driven it through 12" of snow with no problems.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Good American Car

Written by: Jane Johnson on 06/22/2009

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I first saw the Escape when it first arrived on the scene. I told my husband then that I wanted that car when I was ready to get another car. In 2002 I bought my first Escape. I have never had a sorry day. I love this car. It has 105000 miles on it now and it's never been in the shop for more than the usual oil changes. I am older and therefore have a problem climbing out of most cars. With my Escape I can climb up and hop down. That is the main reason I wanted a small SUV. I also have a horse so this great car can carry all my horse equipment with no problem. I think American cars get a bum rap. I get 21 miles to the gallon highway (I drive 30 miles to work each way). luv it

Favorite Features

Great visibility all around. Decent gas milage for an SUV. 6 cyclinder engine has great horsepower--what I wanted for merging on interstate

Suggested Improvements

I liked the 02 model. Don't like the new look--too much like a Jeep. Would like to see better gas milage, of course.

10 out 11 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great Kid Car

Written by: MIKEH on 10/14/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought a fully loaded all Black XLT as my daughter's first car. The car had 60K miles, and had one owner who obviously took good care of it. My daughter loves her first car and I feel secure that she has some size around her. While the gas mileage isn't great it is far from awful (about 18mpg). We haven't had any issues with the car. Bottom line, no complaints from either of us.

Favorite Features

All black, great wheels, and very comfortable.

Suggested Improvements

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

02 Ford Escape 4 cyl/standard

Written by: smokey2 on 09/30/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this vehicle about a year ago as my first car after much thought, and I must say I made the right choice. I chose it for gas mileage and looks, and was able to get a great deal off craigslist. The required maintenence was pricy ($1000 for a new timing belt), but expected. The vehicle is spacious inside, while being able to fit in almost any parking spot and turning around in places other cars can't. The standard transmission is the way to go given the 4 cyl's engine power.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage. I calculate the mileage after every fillup, and my last two calculations were 27 and 28 mpg. It does, though, vary greatly on driving habits. Also, This vehicle is very roomy and open inside for being relatively small.

Suggested Improvements

The road noise is terrible at highway speeds, and the engine runs at around 3000 rpm at 65 mph.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Love my Escape

Written by: LJ on 06/30/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have had very few problems with my Escape other than the recall issues. It's in the shop now for a new alternator but that after six years and 219,000 miles of driving. Thumbs up!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

To pull a Dodge out the ditch!

Written by: nizzlejr on 06/13/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

All I have to say is wow! Ford hit it pretty good with a cheap 4x4 to get around in the winters and summer in Canada. I have to say that the only real problems I've had is changing a motor under warranty. Other then that my Escape has treated me well. Off road in this and you'll be very surprised. I've had the chance to go with Jeeps and such with no problems geting through the muck. Ford has put metal parts on this "truck" where you would see plastic, ie; end links. Very strong SUV. Fuel economy is something to get used to but then what would you expect to get in a near 4000 pound vehicle? Tows great. Transmission is good. I plan to enjoy this "truck" for another few years yet.

Favorite Features

4x4, sunroof, white gauges, and the fact you can recline the rear seats back-fold the front seats completly level. Stiff ride is nice too.

Suggested Improvements

A 4-lo and locking or posi final drive and rear differential

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Average

Written by: Carol on 06/11/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my Escape new. I've had it 7 1/2 years & 75,000 miles+. The acceleration isn't too great. Handles well in snow and bad conditions. The last year or so, it's needed a lot of repairs. The struts have been changed and it still has suspension issues (rattles). Recently both the clutch and the clutch master cylinder went out at the same time. A very costly repair (At 72, 000 miles). Two teenagers did learn to drive on it. But I expected it to go longer before needing costly repairs. It has been reliable getting me where I need to go. Doesn't like steep hills too much. And CIncinnati has those. I don't think I'd buy another one though. Too many repairs needed too soon.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage around 20-24 mpg. It sits high up and visibility is good. Also has lots of cupholders. Radio that came standard is of good quality

Suggested Improvements

More power to get up hills needed.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

No more Fords for me

Written by: kathy on 04/26/2008

Vehicle

2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I love driving my Escape. I am short and can see out of it better than anything I've driven before. The electrical problems are driving me crazy. After many visits to the dealer, they finally found that caulk had come loose and I had a gallon of water on my fuse box. Supposedly resealed and replaced the fuse box. Two months later I had it back in for the same problems, radio going off and on by itself, even when car is off, horn going off, trouble lights on for no reason. Said they can't find any problems and gave it back to me unfixed. Have contacted Ford and they won't do anything to help, so am buying a Honda on Monday. I'm sorry to say that Ford has lost another customer.

Favorite Features

Good in the winter and fun to drive. Great visibility.

Suggested Improvements

Caulk should not come loose for no reason, and if it does, mechanics and body shop should be able to detect and fix, or Ford should stand behind it.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post