2004 Ford Escape Review
2004 Ford Escape Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, carlike handling.
Cons
- Weak standard four-cylinder engine, bland interior design, small gas tank size limits range.
What’s new
The 2004 Ford Escape remains largely unchanged although the price has been lowered on the plush Limited model and certain appearance packages are now available on lower trim levels which, in effect, reduce the final price. Also, Chrome Yellow is no longer a color choice. To eliminate confusion, trim levels and option packages have been consolidated.
Edmunds says
Still one of our favorites in the category, the 2004 Ford Escape is a very capable small SUV thanks to its powerful V6 engine, spacious cabin and carlike handling.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Ford Escape XLS Value Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$189/mo for Escape XLS
Escape XLS
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Ford Escape.
5 star(69%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
278 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Good to go
David M Decker, 02/24/2015
2004 Ford Escape XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Bought this sweet heart with 120k and have put another 50K on in the last 2 years. 4x4 easy to handle and shift. We live in Alaska atop the hillside in Anchorage. and have some pretty icy roads and rough weather. I can leave town and trust my bride, daughter and her baby will be safe in our trusted little rig. Tracks and climbs like one of the big boys, pretty reasonable on the … fuel, though if your not towing anything and don't live at altitude you might consider the 4 cyl. The 6 is good but not needed most of the time. A delight to drive. Lost the Transmission and had to replace it, but found on out of a wreck, (crap shoot I know but 20K miles later it's doing fine.) Keep those fluids changed and topped off or you'll pay the same price, these rigs like to eat their trannys if you don't keep up the service. One of the most popular and trusted rigs in Alaska for family and general cross state travel.
5 out of 5 stars
2004 Escape keeps on keeping on!
James Crum, 11/12/2015
2004 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Bought this vehicle new in Oct. 2003. No trade in got a good deal from the dealership. Car has been one of the best we ever had for the money. 202,000 miles and still running strong. I change my own oil, every 5,000 miles w/Motorcraft oil and filter and the 3.0 V-6 never uses any oil, average 1/2 qt. in 5,000 miles. Very happy with the car. Went out and bought another new one hope it is … as good as the 2004 has been. Got 26MPG highway with Continental tires, went on the cheap with Cooper tires last set never again. Tires are loud, ride rough had them balanced twice, plus MPG DROPPED 2 MPG stay away from Cooper tires.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Good value for the money
ohiodale, 04/11/2012
2004 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I have a 2004 Escape with about 87,000 miles on it.
It has always been a good car for me and its going on 9 years.
I had to replace the front axil due to the gear that drives the anti lock brakes cracking.
This repair was $350 which was not bad in my eyes.
I do routine oil changes and have had all the other fluids changed once, including the brake fluid.
I am a firm believer that if you … want a car to last you need to put some money into them.
I expect I will need to replace the spark plugs and serpentine belts in about a year.
I drain the transimission fluid from the drian plag every couple of years and so far so good with the tranny.
4 out of 5 stars
Love to drive/hate to repair
R. Sutphin, 08/13/2010
2004 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
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.
2004 Escape Highlights
XLS
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,710 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $189/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 33.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Escape include:
- Alarm
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalMarginal
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalPoor
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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