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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 out of 5 stars

By far best vehicle! Very reliable!

James, Batavia, NY, 12/21/2016
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

My 2001 has 221,660 miles! Western New York weather causes rust and have replaced parts due to rust. No tranny problems like everyone has had. In the spring my engine intake gaskets went and the thing ran shitty. But I needed it for 4 days and it pulled through. It stalled at atop signs and would stall below 20 mph sometimes, city driving I'd have to pop it into neutral so I could keep going!!!! It made it the 4 days started every time and I replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets and it runs perfect. It sat over the summer and after 5 months I jumped in and she started right up!! But do not leave the emergency brake on because it locked up on me so I have to do new brakes and emergency brake cable but that's my fault. It drives great and gets me around town. My air condition never ever maintained and is still ICE COLD!!!! My heat defrosts the windshield asap in winter. It's been a great first car I need it for 11 months then buying a 2013+ Escape. Doesn't let down!!

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

217k and still going

JCR, Andrews, SC, 11/30/2015
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful

3.0 V6 XLT. Bought it new with leather and towing pkg. Has 3500 lbs towing capacity which was best in class then. Still getting 20 mpg city and 25-27 mpg hwy. Great suv even by today's standards. Heard some horror stories with the transmissions on this vehicles; I serviced my transmission every 50k no problem!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Have always wanted an Escape, but now I have one..

Ashley, Richmond, VA, 02/18/2016
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I have always wanted a Ford Escape! I wanted one because its the perfect size for me(I'm 5 feet tall and weigh 110 lb.) and it looks great. I got my 2001 Escape 7 months ago with 135k on it. I am the third owner. I have the V6 version with 4WD and I love the power it brings to vehicle! I am proud to own my Escape, but there are a few things I would like to mention. First we will start with the interior. The paneling on the front doors are both peeling of, and I have seen this in many other 2001 Escapes as well. Also, the interior is very cheap feeling on the dash. My Escape has leather interior and the leather is great, but the plastic just ins't. Another thing I am disappointed with is the backlight behind the odometer. The light blew out and its very labor intensive to replace. Moving to the exterior, the paint on the 01 models isn't very scratch resistant, but thats just a minor thing. Next lets talk about any mechanical problems I've had. My engine light came on and I had to replace a spark plug at 150k, but thats routine work for any car. When replacing the spark plugs, I also had to replace a coil pack. The mechanic said that two of the other coil packs had been replaced by the previous owner. When working on the coils packs, the mechanic also replaced something for the exhaust. Now I am currently having another problem. My oil light keeps flickering on when I'm idling or coasting. I have replaced the oil every 4k so I was unsure what it was. I've researched it and I found that many 01 Escapes' oil pressure sensor goes bad after years on the road. I'm scared to take it in though because I'm scared that it won't be the sensor. Despite these few problems I've had with this car, I am still in love with it! I think my favorite thing about this car is how it's 4WD preforms in the snow. This car is amazing in the snow. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is interested. I plan to upgrade to the 2013 SE Escape in the next year just for better quality and reliability reasons.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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3 out of 5 stars

Bad transmission

Mark, 12/03/2009
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

So, bought one of these gently used from a friend, despite negative reviews. He had only put 68k miles on it after buying it new, and it was well maintained and clean. 2 months later, replaced the o2 sensor, and the transmission just went out. My wife loves the Escape, but the stories about the transmission are absolutely true.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Lemon:Transition at 16,000 miles!

jj, 02/28/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

The first time my 2001 Ford Escape XLT broke down, it was a result of the Serpentine belt falling out of my car due to a loose belt. The second time my Escape left me stranded onthe highway, was due to the V6 transmission. At 16,000 miles my car needed a new transmission. Ford Motor Company promised me an extended 100,000m/ 6 yr. powertrain warranty at no cost. I have yet to recieve the paperwork from Ford I now laugh at their "Committment and Quality" commercials.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

If I had only known

transyamber, Phyllis, KY, 08/29/2011
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

I wish I had know that when I bought my 2001 Escape used in 2006 that the transmissions were so bad. I had to have the transmission rebuilt last year and am still paying for it. The bad part is it left me sitting beside the road last week. These are horrible transmissions to get worked on. Then they just break again. After $2000 and a complete rebuild the transmission died before there was 4000 miles on it! I do like it when it's working right.

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5 out of 5 stars

Corners like a sportcar

James, Atlanta, GA, 01/23/2019
updated 08/04/2021
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Pretty old to be buying a 2001 now (2019) but it was a great buy in 2001. We have kept up maintenance so no major problems with over 180,000 miles on it now. Still going strong. We test drove an Explorer and the 4wd XLT Escape before buying the Escape. Loved the way the Escape drove. The Explorer felt like it wanted to tip over. Plenty of power in the 6-cyl even still. We have made at least 2 long distance road trips fully loaded for years. Pulls a trailer fine too. Only bad thing I can say is the seats have always been too hard, not very comfortable. Don't really remember what we paid for it new. 07/23/2019 - Still going strong. We love it. Glad we got the XLT with the 6-cylinder motor. 01/26/2020 - Had to junk it. Trouble with the fuel delivery system was going to cost too much to fix. Other things showing signs of giving up too. We no longer own this vehicle (see above-01/26/2020). <<<<<<<<

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars

If I had known

DonnaKane, Lincolnton, NC, 05/26/2016
updated 12/04/2018
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Do not buy this car...replaced the transmission 3 times...Once was under warranty. 5/28/15 had some cable assembly fixed (dealing with the transmission) and now 5/25/16 the O/D light keeps flashing on and off. garage says the code reads Torque converter. I ask did he not change the torque converter when he rebuilt the transmission and I did not get a response. I was told to bring it back when the check engine light comes on! When i can afford to buy another car it WILL NOT be a Ford Escape! The motor has been great but the transmission is worthless..Just a way for Ford to keep bringing in $$.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Awesome little beast

Aim's, Muscle Shoals, AL, 01/26/2022
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have the 2001 XLT 3.0 liter v6 with 4 wheel drive, and it is a beast! Don't under estimate it by it's size. We purchased this car because I was in desperate need of a family vehicle with baby 2 on the way (and one with air conditioning) and we just came across this gem not knowing what we where really getting. She has 208k miles and is still going strong. Only thing I've replaced are the spark plugs, alternator and radiator which isn't a surprise considering the miles and that I live in the country. A lot of rocks can pop up and crack any radiator. I hope this thing last forever and my kids can drive it one day. From the reviews I've seen, it's very possible! I've always named my cars, and this one is "Lil' Beast" because she is. I've got plenty of room to haul my kids and my two 60lb dogs in the back, and pull a trailer. Only reason for 4 stars is the gas mileage. It's not the best, but what do you expect from something like this the year it was made? If you come across one, get it. you wont be dissapointed.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Been a good one.

Dale Thompson, Keswick, VA, 04/22/2020
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very reliable. New stereo and speakers. Drives good. New exhaust cat.back. Has a 3.0 liter with auto.transmission. Artical does give me option to list correct engine size.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Old and Still Running Great

PoppyG, 02/03/2010
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought my 2001, first year model, new in 2001. It has been the best car I've ever owned. It has done every hauling and snow driving work ever asked of it w/o a problem. With 140,000 miles I still feel good enough about it to send my son to school in snow country with it. Keep up with regular oil changes and service and it will last a very long time. I am buying a 2010 Escape to replace it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I love my Escape!

Hanni, 07/02/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My Escape is wonderful - it handles like a foreign car, looks cool, and fits all of my three golden retreivers inside with plenty of room to spare. It's comfortable on long trips, and the six-CD player is wonderful. I have a couple of small things to get fixed before my warranty expires (in 2,000 miles), but nothing even close to major repairs.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great SUV

jessibarn, 07/23/2009
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Just bought my Escape a week ago and I LOVE it! Luckily it was well taken care of so I've got no problems. Proz: Decent mpg for SUV, Looks sharp in/out, turns well, easy to manuever, and drives great. Cons: Sunroof slow to open now, set up of shifter, igniton, and windshield wipers is tricky. Needs rear air vents other than the floor. I moved from a Corolla and I feel safe and secure driving it. So far I am very happy.

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3 out of 5 stars

Seats are killling me!!

DBW727, 09/03/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Actually bought 2 of the above models, after first was stolen. Little did I realize the uncomfortable ride was not just the new leather. Escape is very capable in bad weather, peppy with V6, and handles well. The interior is where Ford has really gone wrong. Cheap plastic door panels (really hurt elbows), awkward seat height, and shifter location make everyday driving less than pleasurable. The ultimate downer are the rock-hard seats that have caused back pain in both my wife and myself. Ford cheaped out, but forgot that vehicles should at least be moderately comfortable. If you can stand the seats, the vehicle has a lot of good qualities

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4.13 out of 5 stars

30000 miles

gnomic, 02/23/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A solid, reliable SUV for those who want SUV features without poor gas milage.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

"Leather" seating wearing out/cracking

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

Love almost everything - agree w/many others that gearshifter is too long and gets in the way of the radio controls and the "tilt" could be better. My main problem has been with the seating surfaces. I've had it into the dealer 4 times because the "leather" is thread-bare in the seams or is cracking. We've never had problems with 4 other Ford vehicles with "leather" seats. Anyone else having this problem?

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2.75 out of 5 stars

1 year review

Taybjay, 01/18/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ok the gas mileage stinks. My buddies Ford Excursion Diesel gets better. The seats are rock bottom hard. (metal folding chair hard!) The wiper stalk always gets in the way when you shift gears in the automatic. And the throttle response is very rammy. But who's complaining! The steering tracks in a BMW fashion. There's room in this small ute. The 4x4 tracks well in snowy conditions.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

park bench seats

Dick Cahill, 05/31/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had it 11 months and the seats are a little more comfortable then a park bench. The dome light switch should be on the dash. The trans seams like it is going out at 42000 miles shifts out of overdrive everytime you let off the gas at highway speeds.Very small inside for what I do. I am in sales and travel 4 states. I would trade back for my GMC Safari van in a heartbeat. The short wheelbase beats you up after you drive 300-400 miles in a day. The gas millage is okay but the tank is so small you stop for gas 2 or 3 times a day. Overall I would not buy it again!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

All in All, Not bad

devlinz34, 10/15/2006
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This was my first brand new vehicle. Ordered it and waited 3 months to get it. Had a problem early on with an A\C vacuum line causing the A\C to kick in and out. Was fixed by dealer. Recently had a stalling issue and dealer never did fix the problem. Took it to an independent repair shop and they fixed it right. After 66k miles, the Escape has been very good and reliable. I hear there are some lemons out there, but I was lucky not to get one. Good power and great room for a small suv. However, looking at selling it for more room and larger towing capacity.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Reliable/versatile/exceeds expectations

Ray in Northern VA, 12/01/2007
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this a month after buying a BMW 330i, thinking I’d drive the Ford in the winter and on the beach near my parents’ home in MD. A year later, my wife dumper her unreliable VW and absconded with my Escape. She loves it. The reliability difference between the BMW and Ford is stark. The Ford, with 115k miles has required only one repair. We recently replaced the stabilizer bar links (2 at $12/each + $40 for labor). All other maintenance has been routine or wear- related (oil changes, fluid flushes, brakes, etc). We love the reliability. It handles extremely well in snow, and light off- road conditions. Most maintenance is relatively inexpensive.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

ESCAPE

DZIENIS, 08/07/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

FUN TO DRIVE, A LITTLE WIND NOISE, GOOD LOOKS,

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4.25 out of 5 stars

la review

James Moylan, 03/19/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Some power could be sacrificed for better gas mileage. Nice ride and interior layout.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

the winner

Aaron cis, 04/28/2005
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this cute SUV for my family needs and don't regret it at all. One of the best compact SUVs in the market with plenty of interior space. The reliability is outstanding despite the high mileage i got. Not a single complaint to make. Wife and kids love it. So why buy RAV4 or CR-V when you got the Escape?

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2.25 out of 5 stars

2001 Ford Escape 4x4

karenpatt, 04/23/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ford quality is unreliable. I have had transmission issues. All hardware seems to go at 40K mark, tires too. Multiple transmission issues. I feel like a Toyota would be a great alternative to this SUV. Looks great, drives horribly.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Ford Escape XLT 4WD

Tom C, 07/09/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

One of the cheapest built vehicles I've ever owned. The paint is so thin that even the slightest abrasion goes through to the primer. The leather seats with lumbar support are uncomfortable and awkward to adjust. You can change the feel from a fist in your back to a shoe in your back. No padding on door armrests. Floor mats are under-sized (look like they shrunk). Outside step bars are useless and just get your pant leg dirty. The factory trailer hitch requires that you get under the vehicle to make the electrical connection. My '89 Ford Explorer II XLT was much better. This will be my last Ford.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

2001 Escpe Power Steering Problems

jc of the north, 02/27/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Overall I have enjoyed this vehicle. It rides well and handles very well on snow and ice. Lots of power with the six and great passenger room. I don't like the amount of wind noise . I have also had some problems with the power steering system. Had a hose come off and covered the engine compartment with fluid. Was told this is a common problem with this model. Presently the vehicle is sitting in the shop waiting for a power steering pump. We are at two weeks and counting. Were told that the dealership has a couple more Escapes with the same problem sitting and waiting as well. This does not insire confidence in the maintainability of this vehicle.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Mini-SUV

jaimbe, 10/15/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my 01 Ford Escape. It is the best vehicle that I have invested in. No problems to report.

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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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4.13 out of 5 stars

Great in Snow!

rshoe, 02/07/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had the Escape for almost two years. Very few problems. No major problems. Great ride in good weather. Really does great in the snow. A few rattles in the front suspension. Tires had to be replaced at 35,000 miles. Nice CD player/stereo. Automatic transmission seems to switch into overdrive too soon. Interior pretty comfortable. Good power. Gas mileage about right for a compact SUV.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

2001XLT

aedtrs, 09/29/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fun to drive, poor on gas, wish there was a 5spd V6.

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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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4.13 out of 5 stars

could be better

Lawrence A, 07/27/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great power Nice white gauges.Trans shutters between gears about 45 mph.Rear binds up in 4WD.Headliner and door panel replaced.Ford is aware of trans and binding problem and will fix trans but I have to pay for flushing of trans $150 which is under warrenty.These cars cost to much to be taking back to the dealer to get fixed.

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3 out of 5 stars

Escape

Jenine, 07/07/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have this vehicle as a company car. It is great because I am always carrying parts in the back and I have enough room while the vehicle still remains car-like. The overall reliability has been ok, but the little annoyances make me want to go back to my Toyota.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Fun Drive

rk, 02/19/2006
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great SUV. Looked at Jeep liberty, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and the Nissan Xterra. At 6'2" I have enough room up front. Good MPG, V6 has good power, easy to drive around town. Road noise and small fuel tank is the only down side on road trips. I had zero problems with the Escape so far.

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1 out of 5 stars

A Lemon

John Radolinski, King George, VA, 06/17/2021
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

---5 factory recalls --- replaced transmission twice --- air conditioning high pressure valve malfunction ---- upper engine gasket deteriorated ---- radiator rreplaced ---- pintle valve EXPLODED ---- in the shop every 30 days ---- park brake adjustment procedure unnecessarily complicated ---- just TRY to change a turn signal lightbulb !!! ---- NOWHERE in the owners manual does it say the vehicle is FRONT wheel drive (until the rear wheels kick in seconds later) --- this critical piece of info determines how you deal with a skid --- for rear wheel drive (like most pick up trucks)--- you turn in the direction of the skid. For FRONT wheel drive, you DON'T steer, DO let off the gas, and possibly pip into neutral, until traction is recovered. --- to change the back 3 spark plugs & or coils on the 3 liter V-6, a complicated disassembly of the intake manifold is required. ---- it cost me almost $500 at the dealership to clean the drain tubes for the leaky sunroof. ---- good in snow. Excellent cargo space. Easy to get in and out of with a bad back. Lumbar support knob on driver's seat. Wonderful for the family dogs to travel in. ---- excellent placement of the oil filter - easiest oil changes on any vehicle I have done in 40 years. I have hauled a massive amount of garden goodies and firewood in this SUV. Rides better when loaded.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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3.25 out of 5 stars

Been pretty good so far

Josh, 05/25/2006
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the Escape XLT 4x4 right when it first came out. It has served me well, the only problem was the brakes went out at around 60,000 miles. Around 80,000 miles, the tranny started to make some strange noises and now at 86,000 miles, it is time to get it looked at. Otherwise, it has been a great car...got me out of a couple Wisconsin snow drifts, and now keeps me cool in south Florida. The AC could have a little more ooommmpphhhh. Oh, and the CD player runs really hot and sometimes refuses to eject CDs at times.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Not what I signed up for

SMIverson, 11/21/2008
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car recently because it looked good - inside and out - and thought it would make for a reliable second car. Not hardly, and I only have myself to blame, because I didn't have it inspected before handing over my money. The vehicle leaks oil and the transmission is definitely on its way out. The fog lights didn't work when I took delivery and all four tires leak like it's the middle of January! Truth be told, I probably just got a bad one because I did read good things about this vehicle prior to my purchase decision. It doesn't ease my trepidation, but suffice it to say I won't be keeping this car long; someone else can foot the bill to keep it running.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Escape

jmsamr, 07/13/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

20,000 miles into Escape experience and overall I would recommend the Escape. If you are looking for luxury dont buy the Escape. The seats are very uncomfortable and the ride is a bit loud. The Escape feels very big and holds a lot more than one would think. The V6 is a definite must. With moderate driving mainly highway some city (chicago) we have averaged 21 mpg.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Nice looking ride

Autumn, 10/01/2008
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this Escape and it currently has 170,000 miles. I bought it used. So far the only thing I have has to replace was spark plugs, but recently I have noticed that it has problems starting when it is cold? Also I have had troubles with the CD changer. And yes the back hatch only opens when it feels like it. Grr that is very frustrating! But I do love the looks, space, and the drive. I love it just want a brand new one. I think dependability all depends on how well they are maintained!

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive! But not exactly the best built

candybandy, Orem, UT, 04/03/2011
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love to drive our fun Escape! I love it sooo much! The problem is, it hasnt even reached 150K and it's already causing more problems more than it's worth. Around 70k one of the back door locks broke, and ever since then it's been a downhill of brakes, tires, lights going out, fan belts, you name it. Right now our transmission is going out and I'm very sad. It's parts act like it's well over 200k but it looks almost brand new! I love the smooth ride of this and the quick turns it does. It's a great small SUV. Since this is a first year, I think if you bought a later model you would be better because they probably would have all the kinks out.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

The Truck that Drives like a car

bdale, 06/04/2003
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Peppy V6. Drives like a car and not a truck, you feel the bumps a little more. Comfortable for long drives. Haven't had a recall or need for repair. Back seat roomy. Don't care for the steps on the side, only serve to dirty your pants.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Escape - Not a Ford

TWC, 07/25/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Things to consider berfore buying: 1.Re-sale - Carmax offered me $18,000 for a 2002 XLT 10,000 miles with every available option (list new was $26,000). Resale is affected by recent poor crash test results in which Hyundai Santa Fe fared better. 2.Mini-spare tire on an SUV is stupid. 3.Drum brakes on rear (it's not 4 wheel disc brakes) so braking is not one of its strengths. CR-V and Santa Fe have 4 wheel disc brakes and real spare tires. 4.Overall cheapness of the Escape. 5.Uncomfortable seats. 6.Thin paint Ford has become noted for. Obviously cost-engineered to the max by Ford. Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Nice SUV for the price, easy handling

B Mills, 10/20/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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We bought this vehicle used, and it had about 30,000 miles on it after 18 months of usage by the previous owner. So far we have been very pleased with the performance and handling. My 16 year old daughter is driving it, and she has great visibility, and can park it and manuever it easily. So far no quality problems, just a few minor rattles from the back door. The engine is quiet and has plenty of power.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Weird noises and smells

runnerboy, 06/05/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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At first the Escape was great. That only lasted about 2,000 miles. My wiper motor gave out on me coming down a mountain in a downpour, ended up a recall. Smelled gas with the air on, said the brand new air conditioning had bacteria and fungus growing in it, cleaned the cabin air filter, no smell, for a while. Noises in the front end, ended up being loose bolts in the steering, noise is back again. Low coolant light comes on, car out of warranty, Extended contract should cover, doesn't, waste of money, don't bother. Can't get road grime out of plastic underpinnings and the interior is looking really worn.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

no more escape for me

gestyl, 01/07/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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I have liked the escape until I started having problems with transmission and converter. Ford did treat me well on replacing it though for being out of warrenty, but transmission should be go out at 60,000. Probably won't buy another.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

one year and let the worring begin

m montes, 04/23/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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likes:The Escape xlt 4wd 3.0 v6 is comfortable and extremely fast. a very powerful engine for off road riding. very spacious with the back seats down.. have use it for carring construction supplies. dislikes:after six months my first bad experience was the srs light turning on. the dealership fix it but a month later it was on again. now the srs lights turn on and off and if i take it to the dealer they take a day or two. lately i have been hearing a thumping noise in the front of the car on both sides of the tires. my fear is that the joints are damaged

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4 out of 5 stars

A good little SUV

Holms, 09/26/2002
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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I've had my escape for a little over a year (1 yr 4 months) and it still alot of fun to drive. It has alot of pep and is a smooth ride. There is alot of wind noise, but not unbearable. There is plenty of room in the back for passengers. Some downsides are: 1.) it seems to really wear on tires. 2.) My sunroof switch seems to have a short in it, 3.) the cargo cover broke within the 1st 6 months.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Don't spend your money

escapefromtheescape, 02/14/2004
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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This is a nice looking car that performs well. The quality is persistently poor. The car has had a leaky roof, broken rear gate latch, malfunctioning rear storage cover, broken cigarette lighter, extremely rough running, herky jerky engine, broken spark plug coil, a recall for seatbelt tensioners that did not work, and the seats stain easily even after Scotchguard. I will never buy another Ford again.

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4 out of 5 stars

Not too shabby

Jeff, 08/15/2007
Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
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Overall pretty happy with our V6 XLT 4x4 at 83,350 now. Handled tough Colorado 4x4 trails well even without low range (as well as slippery roads). Only a few problems: idle air control valve and blower motor died. ~22 mpg HWY, ~18 city.

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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)
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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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