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Used 2001 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
86 reviews

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4.5 out of 5 stars

My wife drove it instead of her Maxima

Well Pleased, 08/12/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We have thoroughly enjoyed our Escape. It is versatile, peppy, fun to drive, and comfortable to ride. My wife liked it so well that she traded her 2000 Maxima for a 2003 Tribute, which of course is a cousin built in the same St. Louis plant and uses the same chassis and drive train as the Escape. I like the looks of the Tribute better, but the seats are more comfortable in my Escape.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Fun Car

Pat Luegger, 07/07/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought the Escape to replace an aging TransSport because I needed 4WD & also wanted a smaller vehicle. It has been a fun car to drive but I have had a number of mechanical problems including the car stalling for no apparent reason, the coolant sign coming on for no apparent reason plus today, I had to have the vapor MGM valve replaced. (I only have 41000 miles on my car.)

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Best of Breed

Escapist, 08/16/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

There's not much that I don't like about my Escape. It has plenty of power for my (admittedly basic) needs, while providing an overall smooth and comfortable ride. It does great in the snow, hauls butt up Snoqualmie pass with four adults, boots, gear, and lunch in back and skis on top. I love the exterior look, 16 inch wheels are the best. Beats the snot out of the Jeep Liberty for way less $$; smaller than a Cherokee or Explorer and I like it that way. Has an annoying creak (not crack) in the rear window; haven't been able to find the source.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

No Problems

Mach72, 04/30/2006
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this SUV and was a little scared to by a car made in the USA, after all the horror stories you hear. PROS: I have not had one problem with this SUV. It's the perfect size for the city and has loads of space with the rear seats down to haul all kinds STUFF. It looks great after almost 5 years.No rust or fading paint. I have not taken it off road but have taken it on some pretty rough dirt roads in Maine and New Hampshire were it performed well. I have driven it to Florida twice. Good gas mileage. CONS: Road noise on the highway.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

A true winner

scape2, 03/16/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I own a 2001 black XLT V6 4wd and its been great! Use it for skiiing, fishing, biking. Not one problem. performance is excellent.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Vehicle

passand, 08/05/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

if you want an SUV with performance and a great ride...this is your ride. If you want an SUV that is pretty good on gass....then this your ride. I would also like to say that it is pretty good in the snow too.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

2 Years +40,000 Miles

Kevin Kalamazoo, 02/21/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

2001 XLT with everything, 2 yrs with plus 40,000 miles, mostly highway, but yes thats where it's most comfortable. Very strong highway performance with low RPM, great stabilty, V6 is strong & quick (not fast). Original equipment Firestone Tires not a concern or any problem. However, with new Michelin Cross Terain, wow what a difference, very, very comfortable soft & quiet ride. Living in West Michigan (Kalamazoo), 4x4 ability required 3-5 a season, very secure footing when needed the most.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Little SUV

Chris Easton, 01/02/2006
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This SUV is like the "Little Engine That Could." I wanted a small SUV that can tow and the Escape is the perfect choice. It has excellent handling, a nice ride and the V6 has plenty of power. It also gets decent gas mileage and performs well off road. Reliability has been excellent, I just change the oil every 3000 miles and that's it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great smaller SUV

Average Joe2, 07/14/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great SUV overall. Had no problems through 3+ years of ownership. Has great pickup speed and better fuel efficiency than many SUV's. Comfortable ride and fun/sporty to drive. 4x4 is just as good if not better than my previous full size SUV.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Truck!

Cheeseflyer, 03/13/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What I Love: Fun to drive, powerful, great in the snow, great payload for hauling cheese, rear seats fold down flat. What I Hate: I leave the lights on all the time - The truck "dings" for 30 seconds before turning off the lights - very annoying!, poor gas milage (17-18 in the city, 20-22 on the hwy, disapointing) Overall - I LOVE MY TRUCK!!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Excellent Escape 2001 AWD

matthew516, 03/15/2007
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have no complaints. My 01 Escape has almost 100k miles and everything is still in like new working order. Hardly any squeaks or rattles. The 4 wheel independent suspension and AWD make this SUV outstanding in all conditions. GOOD QUALITY!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

best all around small suv

tdr, 05/24/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Pulling power and handling are the tops with this small suv, in fact out performs alot of mid size suv's in this area. Surprising interior room. Have pulled 18' tandem axle trailer with 3 four wheelers; no problem even in the Arkansas Ozarks.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Fun, Reliable, Versatile, Great on Gas

Geoff, 12/02/2008
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Excellent sound system, huge sunroof, very versatile. Great on gas for an SUV with 4x4 and V6 engine. On a long trip with the A/C on I averaged 24-25MPG! With the A/C I got 28MPG! The engine is very powerful making passing or merging effortless. Handles great in the snow. Never have I felt out of control, all handling is predictable. Very fun to drive! You will not regret purchasing an Escape!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good SUV

Michelle M, 01/07/2009
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Escape in 2003 with 8,000 mi on it. It's now 2009 with only 70,000 mi on it. I keep up great maintaince on it. I have made several minor repairs on it until recently. The spring broke in the gear shift, so you have to mess with the gear shift when you put in park so you can get the key out. I had to replace the IAC motor, new spark plugs, stabilizer bar and link. Replace a lifter and cam shaft. This was very expensive. I still like it though. I'm thinking on buying a new one. I just hope they have improved.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Truck!

Cheesehauler, 07/12/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I Ordered my Escape from the factory so I could get exactly what I wanted. I drive my Escape everyday, mostly city driving. I get between 18 and 22 mpg. Average since purchase: 18.62mpg because of mostly city driving. I use my Escape on Hunting so I do quite a bit of off roading. I live in Wisconsin and it is great in snow. The ride is nice with the leather and the payload is great for hauling cheese! I did alot of research before ordering my Escape and, at the time, I believe it was the best truck in its class.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

love it!

Sylvia, 08/05/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

the 4-wheel drive option is excellent, handles like a car. Comfortable, roomy and must have.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

01 XLT

howiez5150, 12/22/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I owned an xlt 4X4 for 4 yrs and just turned it in on lease. It was my wife's car and it was the first car she has owned and like for over 2 years. We had it in shop a couple of times for minor issues, although it was making a weird transmission noise when we turned it in. Overall, very nice to drive and decent mpg considering it is a SUV. Definitely get the XLT version for a nicer interior design and stay away from 4 cylinder (it has no power). The v6 takes off and has lots of jump at any speed. We would highly recommend over other SUV in its class.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2001 Ford Escape XLT 4x4

Karen P., 09/06/2005
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent 4x4 by Ford. Very roomy, handles well, great off-road and on. Superior in snow. I test drove both Toyota RAV4 & Honda CR-V and this was by far my choice. Handles better and cost was definitely a winner. You should consider it.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I love this vehicle

Cindy, 03/16/2008
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased the vehicle used in 2001 with 7600 miles on it. I've owned it and used it every day since with not one regret. I now have 123000 miles on it and other than routine maintenance-oil change, tires, battery, etc I have had no problems. I just recently started noticing the missing on the sunroof switch and although the altenator tested ok, my light is on but doesn't seem to be draining the battery at all. I wish the interior of the new Escapes were as will designed in the center console area but will definately buy another. My only complaints are road noise and for being smaller, my gas mileage is no better than the Explorer (18- 19mpg). Handles great in MN winters.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Little SUV

eddie6505, 05/17/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have owned my XLT 4X4 for almost 1.5 years now and have been very impressed. No problems so far and I have 50,000kms. Have used it for some off roading and although it doesn't have a low range it still performed admirably. Would recomend to anyone!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Value

squeak, 07/06/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

At almost 15,000 miles my escape has performed wonderful. Love the v6 power and the handling. Great room and versatility also.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Escape Pause

Dorfman, 09/06/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This little Suv is super fun to drive. Goes anywhere in the snow with a very safe and secure feeling.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Pretty good little SUV!

craiginCT, 04/11/2005
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

VERY GLAD I got extended warranty: hydraulic clutch master cylinder went at 42,000 miles, tranny/shift cable got sloppy and replaced at 48,000, EGR valve at 50,000. BUT, those are the ONLY problems I've had on this little gem! Gas mileage: best = 29mpg on last long highway trip averaging 65mph; worst = 18mpg in 4WD in messy snow storm with the defroster blasting. I'm 6'1", 190lbs. Drivers seat and legroom very good for most trips. STILL very impressed with handling! 50k miles and never needed alignment. Could be a tad quieter on road, but can't complain given its overall utility. Good range on gears, though I keep wanting 6th gear; the 2.0L could have handled it on the highway and given even better gas mileage.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent Vehicle

cobra4414, 02/09/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best suv for the money. HP is under rated. This suv runs like a deer, handels very well in all weather conditions.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

ESCAPE

GREGORY, 03/16/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have no complaints with escape. The only problem was it shut off four times.Took back to dealer & after fourth time I think problem is solve. Over all I like escape very well & would buy again.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Escape

Nadine, 07/25/2006
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My husband and I were initially concerned about buying the Escape in its first year. Ours is now 6 years old and we still love it. We have had no problems with it, and hope to have it at least another 6 years. Drives like a dream. I get between 23 and 26 miles to the gallon, so no complaints there. It's the perfect size for us. We needed something that could carry cargo, be comfortable for our dogs and was easy to maneuver. The Escape fit the bill perfectly. When my husband's full size truck needs to be replaced, we will get another Escape. I can't even think about replacing my current Escape.

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5 out of 5 stars

2 Escapes - 2001, and now 2002

DLV1, 05/21/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is our 2nd Escape - we had a 2001 2WD 6cyl XLT, and now have a 2002 4WD with leather, moonroof, all the options. Not sure if they made significant improvements from 2001 to 2002, or if it's the 2WD to 4WD but this newer one is much tighter, more solid, more enjoyable. Seems quieter too. This has been a great vehicle for a multitude of purposes, from family vacations to business appointments to hauling.

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5 out of 5 stars

way underrated

Suvin, 06/17/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have owned this vehicle for almost 2 years.. flawless, real performer. New interior plastics/cloths would be nice but not entirely necessary

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5 out of 5 stars

Offroad-tastic

Offroad Lover, 07/29/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

quite simply fantastic piece of machinery.

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5 out of 5 stars

exelent

bootyshaker, 10/06/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i loved ever thing about it

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5 out of 5 stars

Escape has served well

C.Bral, 02/14/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love this SUV. I'm buying another one this year! This car has held a pretty good resale value as well.

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5 out of 5 stars

My car

IcePrincess, 03/18/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I think this vehicle is great. I have to drive 200 miles 2 days per week and since its mainly freeway, I can go the 200 miles on 1/2 tank of gas.

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5 out of 5 stars

My First SUV

EscapeKid, 10/23/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love it! It's so car-like and so versatile! It is also great in the snow and ice!

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2 out of 5 stars

2 transmissions in 114k miles

t collins, 04/21/2009
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Replaced transmission at 83k miles with rebuilt ford trans which went out at 114k miles. That was about 2 weeks ago and service writer says he is waiting to put it on a lift because they are all full. I have put approx. $15,000 into various repairs on this vehicle despite extended coverage nothing is ever under warranty.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Not worth payments on vehicle

jileik, 08/29/2009
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I got this vehicle in 08/06 and fell in love with it i was trading in a Subaru Legacy AWD and wanted to keep the 4 Wheel drive without spending alot of money. I should have kept the subaru. From the time i got it things were happening, the front end was clunking, back end is severely cracked, transmission is gone, sealant around the doors comes off, doors are impossible to open, and only 2 out of the 6 cylinders work. While the interior is nice it is not worth the payments i am making, i am taking my chances on a FWD Toyota which is more reliable. I would not recommend this car unless you know a ford mechanic.

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5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding SUV

brs, 07/10/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

We tested lots of the small SUV's and picked the Escape. Very glad we did. 30,000 miles so far and everything has been great. Highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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