2004 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

Used to love it

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

My 2004 Escape WAS a trooper even with 2WD and without ABS it drove well all through the year. The V6 powers the car well and the RPMs can really rev up to give you a big boost past 70mph for 2-lane and highway passing. 5 hour drives were no problem, AC/Heater worked well always. I paid $9000 for it in 2007 with 60K on the engine, I put on another 70K and began having engine issues. An airhose needed to be replaced but even after that was done the RPMs would drop to 500 and it would feel close to stalling out, sometimes it did. Even with normal maintenance the rod and bearings seized meaning I needed a new engine. This, after $700 for new front suspension (at 131K not bad).
Read the full review

---

One COOL ride!

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I waited till just the right time to buy my Escape, best deal I ever made. I am a college sports official and I use it to get around town and to drive to and from events. Space, comfort, ride and looks are just a few of the things that make this vehicle outstanding. I can take just about anything in the cargo and extended area with the back seats down. Plus, I can tow my motorcycle, boat of loaded trailer with no issue at all. I comment FORD for making such a GREAT little SUV.
Read the full review

---

Love to drive/hate to repair

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

It is a fun vehicle on trips. I average 21-25 mpg on long trips. However at 92,000 the transmission went out. Quite an expense for a fairly new SUV. In early 2009 the torque converter and wheel bearings had to be replaced. The check engine light remains on (no one can find a problem). After less than an hour of driving the overdrive light starts flashing and the transmission starts shifting very hard (again no one can find a problem). Airbag light stays on now (sensors have been replaced). I am putting a daughter through college right now, otherwise it would have been traded. I have always been a Ford customer, but this has not been a great experience.
Read the full review

---

Transmission problems too soon

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my Ford Escape new and enjoyed it for several years without a problem other then usual maintenance. Then at 84,000 miles the transmission went out and cost me $2400 to replace and one month later it died on the freeway, towed again, the pcv tube rotted $585. Not reliable after that. The car shakes unexpectedly and then goes away, sun roof locks up, noises underneath among other things. Should have gone more then 84,000 before replacing a transmission. Would not buy another one. Currently have 113,000 on it and looking to replace it before winter weather.
Read the full review

---

ESCAPE LOVER

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have had no maintenance problems in 6 years! Toyota put that in your pipe and smoke it!
Read the full review

---

Love it!

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased my Escape new in November of 2004. I love the looks - Exterior color is red with tan leather interior. Hot! The performance has been great. I have never had any trouble with it. I recently purchased a 16' tow behind trailer. The Escape tows it like a dream.
Read the full review

---

2004 Ford Escape XLS 4 cyl

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape XLS Value Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is a good all around vehicle with just a few warts.
Read the full review

---

231,000

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my Ford Escape used in 2005 at the time I purchased it, it had 150,000 miles. I have driven it everywhere , everyday , in all different types of conditions it has been fairly maintenance free until this year but at 231,000 miles that is to be expected. Motor is still great uses no oil and has been changed every 3,000 miles. The only things that I have replaced were the alternator, front wheel bearings, and 2 o2 sensors. All and all not bad. I would love to have another one that is this good.
Read the full review

---

Escape to LA

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

This car has been a joy to own: it looks great, the driving experience and handling give you confidence, is roomy, and is very reliable. It still runs like a charm after 50k miles.
Read the full review

---

116,000 and still going strong

Vehicle

2004 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We bought our Escape brand new in Feb '04. It has been a great little SUV - our first experience with an SUV. Only had cars or PUs before. I've read some of the problems other people have had and we have not had ANY. Only have replaced tires, brakes and battery (usual stuff). We have one problem with the sunroof sometimes sticking so we do not open it anymore. Have had all maintenance done at dealer & we think that makes a difference. Now at 116,000 - hope to go up to 200,000. We average 21-23mpg - best on trip was 26. I bought a '07 Civic to drive to work & have had more problems with it than this Ford! We use the Escape every weekend for shopping & around town.
Read the full review

---