2004 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

Time for a Trade-In

Written by: K.Gibson on 03/20/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

When I first got my Escape I loved it to death but now...I am ready for a trade in after only 2 1/2 years. When I got my car it was all good except for the emisssions/check engine light came on when it rained or it putt- putted every now and then. However, I got into an accident in July when someone T-boned me and and I reached 100000 miles it all wen to crap. After getting just about everything fixed up front ($5000) all three of my catalytic converters needed replaced (they didn't tell me to replace it before when I could have gotten the 80000 mi warrenty) and now my light still comes on and I need something else fixed. I just keep putting more money into it.

Favorite Features

The ride is great and I like the height of the Escape. The gas milage is wonderful too.

Suggested Improvements

I got the value so I wish I had all of the extras. It should also have a longer warrenty on the catalytic converters. I think that it should also come in more colors. I personally think that it should have been recalled because of the catalytic converters.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Last Ford I will ever own!

Written by: Philip Miller on 02/23/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

This is the worst Ford Escape I had ever owned. This car had been a nightmare from day one. The transmission went out at 100,000 had to replace to tie rods, 3 wheel bearings, put new spark plugs in it because the car shook every time it got wet. Now after I fix everything the shocks or springs broke because the car is making a loud cracking noise. I would love to get rid of it but I had to refinance to fix my transmission and this Ford does not hold the value good at all.

Favorite Features

Leather, sound system, moon roof

Suggested Improvements

Make a car that lasts!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Making the switch

Written by: Mel on 01/22/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought the Escape brand new, 2 weeks later it broke down, 2 months after that the first of 2 recalls arrives. The transmission shifts hard and now the whole brake system needs serious work. Neither my husband nor I are hard on the Escape, as a matter of fact, after 4 years there is only 23,000 miles on it.

Favorite Features

The color (blue), big enough for tall people, interior easy to clean.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality of parts in the drivetrain as well as the brakes

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Excellant 4x4 in snow

Written by: audreyc on 11/19/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Our Escape is a great 4x4 in Maine winters. 92,000 miles and no problems. Tires can be noisy when you get over 50 mph. The handling of the Escape is great able to make tight turns when you are in the Wal-mart parking lot.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Would buy another one!

Written by: kwilliams on 10/22/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought my Escape for convenience. My kids getting their own cars I didn't need a van anymore. Wanted to down size my car. This Escape was a one owner and seldom driven. I have had only usual stuff done. I have never had it to fail in starting or going where I need to go, either on the highway or in a hay field! Dependable and good on gas! 24 hwy and alittle less city. Good buy for me! Sun roof does hesitate to open or close sometime.

Favorite Features

Roomy, outside looks small compared to the inside! Can haul a lot of stuff! Fun to drive. Sun roof and 6 cd player.

Suggested Improvements

Less noise inside and out. Button in front for hatch to open.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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My 2004 Ford Escape

Written by: Tracie on 10/02/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I have had virtually no problems with my Escape in the 4 years that I have owned it. It handles beautifully and has a powerful 4.0L V6 engine, just like new. Good brakes, fun to drive! My only complaint is the gas mileage I get 15 city 18 hwy, much less then what the sticker showed. My husband's 5.3L V8 gets 17 hwy, sad. The only problem I have had is that the airbag light came on just 3 days ago and it has been on since. If it doesn't go off soon I will take it in to the dealership to see what's going on. I love my Escape and plan to drive it for many years to come, might even buy another one some day. It has changed my outlook on Fords.

Favorite Features

Powerful engine, handles great, sharp looking exterior, love the interior, especially the seats, mine are two- toned black and grey. Large cargo area for hauling things, performs well in all types of terrain.

Suggested Improvements

Hydroplanes a little in wet weather, poor gas mileage!

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Ford Escape

Written by: J. Jolly on 09/20/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased my Escape used in June 2007 with just over 44 K miles on it. I have put 20,000 problem free miles on it since then. It has just required regular maintance. I'm impressed with the overall quailty and versatility of this SUV. Powerful engine, carlike handling and brakes are selling points. Handles great in bad weather (snow, ice,and rain). I feel safe in this automobile. Mine is equipped with side airbags. I would highly recommend the Escape to anyone looking for a small SUV.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, leather seats, and 6-disc CD changer.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage, I get around 18 MPG in town and maybe 25 MPG highway. Stereo buttons on steering wheel would be a nice touch.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Another Escape with transmission problem

Written by: Ruth on 08/05/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I leased my 2004 Escape brand new from a dealer where I worked. All service work required on the SUV was performed. I like the fact I could get to work in bad weather and feel totally comfortable driving my Escape in the snow. At 60 years old, I take care of my cars, I don't off road, and I drive carefully. Had I known the transmissions in the Escape only last 50,000 miles, I would not have purchased my lease vehicle.

Favorite Features

Handling in snow. Interior space.

Suggested Improvements

Build the Escape with more reliable parts. When you compare the sell price of the Escape to its durability, you are not getting your moneys worth. My next vehilce will have a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, or I'll buy a Korean throw away car!

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Escape XLS 2.0 in TX

Written by: Dave on 07/20/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Pros: Surprisingly good grip around curves, nice interior design, reliable, cruise control function and nice exterior visual appeal. Cons: The clutch is grippie cold and improves at warmup; doors speakers buzz; too much road noise, and stiff clutch action.

Favorite Features

Road handling, interior design and layout, attractive exterior, and sits up higher than cars.

Suggested Improvements

An improvement in road noise, mpg, clutch performance and door speakers are needed.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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It could be better for the money!

Written by: I Got Suckered! on 06/16/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This was my first brand new car I bought for myself. The excitement of it all jaded my common sense. This is a very loud ride! Even with new tires, a new alignment job, new brakes, and new rotors. $400 later at 30k it's still loud and I have to blast my radio to hear it over the hummm. The interior is very cheap. My son sits on the seat and within the first month of owning it, the carpet where the seat and cushion meets was frayed and looked 4 yrs older. The sun/moon roof did not open & close properly from about 1 month in. The gas mileage is horrendous even with new airfilters and driving in overdrive! To top it off, I pay way more than I feel it's worth.

Favorite Features

Sun/Moon roof, six CD changer

Suggested Improvements

Enable MP3's, and Ipods to be played, fix the extermely loud wheel noise, improve the quality in the the interior fabric, and carpet (make it withstand a family!), make the ac have a recirculate option- having ac with skunk smell from outside stinks and the ac doesn't cool feet either!

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