2003 Ford Escape Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

A very capable small SUV thanks to its powerful V6 engine, spacious cabin, handsome looks and car-like handling. The 2003 Ford Escape is one of our favorites.

Pros

Powerful V6, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, car-like handling.

Cons

Weak standard four-cylinder engine, small gas tank size limits range.

What's New for 2003

Need more luxury when you Escape? For 2003, Ford will offer a new Limited edition that includes body-color trim, polished aluminum wheels, a reverse sensing system, a Mach audio system with six-disc CD changer, heated front seats and sideview mirrors, premium leather seats, front side airbags and an autodimming rearview mirror. The XLT can also be upgraded this year with an appearance package that includes special wheels, side step bars and body-color exterior trim. For all 2003 Ford Escapes, there are upgraded interior materials and fabrics, an available two-tone cabin color scheme, illuminated power window and lock switches and three new colors. Finally, the XLS 4WD with a four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission is dropped for 2003.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

problem ford

Written by: jennifer amerson on 09/19/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	1	Fun-to-Drive:	1	Build Quality:	5
Comfort:	5	Interior Design:	5	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	5

Vehicle

2003 Ford Escape XLT Popular Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have had this car fixed 5 times. It still will not start. I keep a journal and I have to crank it up to 12 times to get it to start in the middle of the month every month, and 6 times every time on the first week of each month. I think this is an electrical problem. I have had the idle valve replaced and it still will not start. Also has had 3 recalls done on it and I just had the power steering hose replaced on it last week. I do not know what to do just keep begging Ford to fix it so that I will not be late for work anymore. Cranking problem started 2 years ago and I have been told that this car can not be fixed. It only has 30,000 miles on it.

Favorite Features

I like the car and want it fixed.

Suggested Improvements

Ford needs to fix my car. I would like to continue driving it because it is paid for.

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Nothing but trouble with this car

Written by: Never again on 07/25/2009


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	5	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	4	Interior Design:	4	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	6

I acquired this vehicle with the idea of great quality. Big Mistake! 1 week after purchasing it, the engine light came on, the fuel door open light came on, the battery light came on, etc... Took it into dealership where I was told that the lights were on from a short in the wiring. 1 week later while slowing down to make a turn during rush hour traffic, the car completely shuts off. This happened about 15 times with the dealership telling me they could find anything wrong with it. Come to find out there was a recall. The trans. started slipping not more than 3 months after that. Brand new rear tire was bald in less than 3 months from rubbing. Smelled burning oil always. radio buttons broke

Gas mileage is pretty awesome.

Not sure if the workers were just asleep during the making of MY car, but the quality, durability, and comfort needs a lot of improvement.

My honeymoon with Ford is over!

Written by: Zack on 06/06/2009


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	3
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	3
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

2003 Ford Escape XLT Popular 2 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

I bought this car from a dealership with about 40,000 miles. I drive less than 10,000 miles a year but the repair costs on this car have ended my honeymoon with Ford -I cant wait to pay it off and never, ever tough a Ford! I had a Mazda before and then decided to try American but this was a big mistake. Unless Ford works on its quality, they will definitely collapse. I just got a Honda for my wife! The catalyst convertor, peeling paint, the engine light never halts!

None

Ford should build tough!

Best Car I Ever Owned

Written by: ThePhantom on 05/22/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

I went to buy a replacement Windstar in the fall of '03 and drove home in a red 2WD Escape. My wife and I fell in love with it immediately. Since then we have changed he oil and filter every 2500 miles and replaced filters and belts. The factory tires were horrible and screamed and moaned. I replaced them with Michelins and turned the Escape into a whole new, quiet, smooth-riding vehicle. Other than that the car has not been in the shop. It has required ZERO repairs in 65K miles. None. Zilch. Nada. This is far and away the best, most dependable automobile I have ever owned.

We get 22 MPG on the highway, which is the same as my '63 Volkswagen Beetle. The front seats are comfortable. The car has NO squeaks or rattles. None. The sound system is wonderful. The ride height and visibility are great. The best feature is the utter dependability.

It needed a right side arm rest. The console lid makes a popping noise when you lean on it. Getting in and out takes a little manoeuvering for a sexagenarian driver with arthritis, but this is a very minor complaint. The ride is "sporty" and you feel some road bumps. Pretty minor stuff, no?

Great SUV, fun to drive!

Written by: Mattysmom on 05/07/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	10

After only driving cars, I wanted something bigger, especially since I have a child now. I researched alot of vehicles and liked the reviews on this one. With 5 star crash test ratings, and its reasonable price, you can't go wrong. I feel safe driving, and it's alot of fun. The only drawbacks are the noisy ride, and the crappy CD player (it ate 2 of my CDs!). Other than that, great little SUV!

Interior room

Better accessories (darn CD player!)

2003 Ford Escape Consumer Ratings & Reviews