Used 2002 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
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lacks reliability and quality components
Rachel, 10/01/2009
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this 4 yrs ago, used. So far I have had to fix the AC/heater 3 times, fix the parking brake twice (soon to be 3 times as it's going out again) and replace both the transmission and the CD player. And now there's an electric problem that is causing my emergency brake light and emissions system warning lights to come on for no reason, as well as causing failures in my CD player, dashboard lights, and gas gauge.
Piece of crap
loulou, 08/14/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
An insightful warning to anyone considering purchasing this vechile..... don't do it. I bought brand new and have had to replace the engine, the steering column (twice) the door locks, repair the air conditioner, power outlets. The chip has been reprogrammed too many times to count....... and it still has problems. This thing is a death trap.
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Looks are not Everything
lair, 09/12/2009
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
The transmission died at 54k , replacement cost: 3k, The alternator died at 72k replacement cost: $600. The fifth door does not open on hot days. Either I bought a lemon or it's just a typical American built car, and that's all it is, mainly because it has the same transmission as the ford contour (why would ford use a car transmission in a 200hp SUV?). It looks great though, Just engineered stupidly. I trust my 1995 Toyota pick-up more than this piece of junk. Now, on the bright side, it truly is a nice ride and the interior, sound system and all the rest is great. [just beware it will break down on you].
A Real Trooper With Love
Jenny, 02/23/2010
2002 Ford Escape XLT Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
Had it since 2002. Yes, I've had some major repairs. The engine went at 96K miles, so it cost us $7k to fix that. It cost me $4k to fix all 3 converters, and yes I had to pay to fix 3 of six coils. They said driving of fast accelerating and sudden stops could contributed to it, and we also drove it in England for 3 years, so that didn't help either. But it's always been there for us through the worse of times. Blizzards are no problem for me. I have better traction than most newer SUV's and trucks, including your MB's and Lexus. It does make squeaky sounds in the interior, but it's older. Not much you can do. With all the accidents, it's always gotten lesser damage and held up the most!
Worst Ride I've Every Had
EX Owner, 08/23/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
My wife and I purchased a 2002 XLT Escape with leather seats in July of 02. We liked the body style of the vehicle and read all of the consumer reports on the vehicle; SUV of the Year, etc... This vehicle has to be the worst riding vehicle I have ever been in. The seats are very uncomfortable on long distance trips. Road noise is awful. Interior trim is cheaply designed. Fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired. Finally traded it this past weekend; OH HAPPY DAY!!!! At it's price, I honestly can not recommend this vehicle to anyone.
Not when it's broken
hanges, 01/27/2006
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This was the best performing vehicle that I have EVER owned; too bad it had to go into the shop for work over 12 times in one year (20,000 miles). Rotors, fuel lines, EGR valve, fuel tank gaskets, etc. I did get 30 mpg with it and with it fully loaded (floor to ceiling with slip 40/60 seats) set the cruise at 72 and never have it drop below 70, even then going through the Rocky Mountains.
This Little SUV is a Bull
Paul D., 08/01/2010
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
First of all I bought this Ford new. I have 50,000 miles on it. The repairs I've made, other than routine maintenance, are. Fuel pump and a tie rod end and that's it ( knock on wood). Power from this 200hp V-6 is more than ample and it's good to know you have that extra power when needed. The ride is a bit stiff but that is to be expected from an SUV. The seats are very comfortable so that makes the stiff ride more bearable. Very roomy. Highway road noise is above average. If your looking to improve on that a good set of passenger tire would help. A/T tires are not the way to go unless your looking for more traction. Fuel-ok at 20 mpg combined city/hwy for a V-6. Nice SUV.
Changes I would make
Jenifer, 07/15/2005
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The car locks should automatically lock when the vehicle is put into drive. There should be rear air conditioning for the back seat. The passenger seat should be automatic when needing to move back and forth. There have been two recalls to this vehicle. To spend $25,000+ you should get a car that has no recalls! Ford should compensate their customers on their recalls, especially when you spend that amount of money. Maybe replace the vehicles with a newer one or one with no imperfections.
Going back to Jeep
Rottmom, 04/22/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 97 Jeep Wrangler for this pile of cheap junk. Not even 11,000 miles and this car needs new tires badly. Everything is plastic and fiberglass. Gear shift position is downright dangerous if you're reaching for the radio. WORST is the 4-wheel drive which really doesn't exist. I can't wait to unload this mediocre dangerous vehicle. Don't forget the recall that just came out. Ford dealer doesn't have evening or weekend service hours.
Ignition problems
esmb, 02/07/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The key sticks in the igition. We have to wiggle it out. Took it back to the dealer 3 times. Even changed the igition. Did not help. We were told by someone there that the escape and some other brands are using a forign tumbler and that is causing the problems. So the problem can't be fixed unless they change back to American. If anyone has any ideas please email me. esmb@aol.com