Used 2002 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
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ford escape fun to drive
gsegna, 04/24/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I decided to purchase the 6 cylinder 2002 ford escape after one trial ride. It is comfortable, has quick aceleration, a smooth ride, and handled very well in a couple of scary situations. I like my vehicles to have all the accessories.The price I paid ffor this vehicle would have cost me hungreds of dollars more in the Honda crv and the Rav4, the only other suv's I was interested in.
20 inches on my midnight package
Chris Atterberry, 02/01/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the midnight packege esape. Which is the black on black w/leather. FORD has crazy rates and rebates so affording this bad boy was easy. 0% for 60 months. Anyways I love the room size and fuel economy!! When i have 100k on it with the great market on the ecsape im looking to sell it for 8k! So look me u!
2002 Ford Escape for sale near you
Showing 3 of 32 listings
- XLT Sport 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,39034 mi away
- XLT ChoiceMSRP: $3,250207 mi away
- XLT Midnight 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,995212 mi away
See all 32 listings
Tale For The Tall People
BumperCar, 02/04/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Can you say Headroom?!?! Being on the tall side the headroom is a key feature and the Escape has it..I had to go without the moon roof..I love the Escape XLT V6 being a first time SUV owner. I can't wait for the hybrid..It would be great to get 40 miles per gallon instead of 18-20..
Love my
gravesa94, 06/26/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle lives up to every promise Ford makes. The handling is excellant, power is more than sufficient, options are wonderful. Never had a problem with it. the construction is very solid, as when a gentleman opened up his VERY large oldsmobile door on the right side of the vehicle, my passengers and I did not even feel a bump. I went all out with the options and extras, and am very glad I did. It is a very fun truck to drive, but doesn't feel at all like you are driving a truck...handles just like a car.
Great little SUV!!
TJ#1, 02/05/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have just under 10,000 miles on the '02 XLT Choice Escape and just love this little thing. It tows better than expected and gets amazing gas mileage. It has almost as much cargo space as an explorer, but has a much smoother ride and much better mileage. My ONLY complaint is the 4 wheel drive is a joke when you are realy stuck. Whatever tire is free will be the only one spinning.....
My first SUV
George's SUV, 02/13/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great for long distance as well as for commuting. Cargo space fits all the camping gear my partner and I need for an entire week of backpacking! Great sound system and a 6 disc in dash changer! A lot of neat options are available.
GET YOUR BRAKES CHECKED!!!
Peter C., 07/15/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just took my Escape to the dealer for the 30k checkup - they told me that the ROTORS were shot (WHAT!! after 30k?)...will be following up with Henry Ford on this one....so get your brakes checked often..apparently the Escape eats them up. Other then this little $500 blow-up the Escape has been good to me.
47 thou and no problems
cosob, 07/09/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is a ton of fun to drive; the 5-speed makes it hard to believe that you are driving an economical 4-cylinder. It rides smooth and handles like a car. You can park anywhere, and there is more room inside(for both people and cargo) than you would think. Gas milage has been higher than expected as well. A year and a half after purchase, I am very satisfied.
2002 Midnight Edition
Suzanne1976, 07/29/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't think of any complaints I have with my Escape. I love the way it drives and handles the road. Wonderful car!
Escape1
jim g, 08/15/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drive a vehicle very hard and this Escape has handled the stress quite well. It has a great turning radius and the engine power is very responsive in passing situations.
Rocker Arm & Lifters
TonyaSM, 08/22/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Escape has been a great purchase for my rural area. Goes great in the snow. A few minor problems, bad alternator, bad CD player & windshield makes a clogged draining sound after a rain. The popping sound in the front wheel was the rocker arm and ball joint. Its all been replaced under warranty and she drive like new again.
Best Small SUV Value Period
Tater, 07/13/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving several small SUV's and trying to find the best overall value, we decided on the Ford Escape. Our last Ford SUV, which was a Bronco II, was 14 years old, and still running great. However, we needed 4 doors instead of 2 for our family and the Escape filled the bill. We checked out all of the usual sources, and everyone gave it glowing reviews, except for Consumer Reports which favors Japaneese automakers in general. The Escape has as much interior room as the Ford Explorer Sport 2 door and has more space than the Toyota Rav4 and others. We hope to keep our Escape at least 10 years, maybe more.
Mostly Great Little Truck
geffiner, 08/20/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Escape for a little over a year now and there have been a few bumps in the road, but they have been fixed as quickly as possible. 4 months after I bought my car, the clutch Master Cylinder had to be replaced (that took 10 days), then 2 months later it was in the shop because it was leaking differential fluid, the dealership fixed that within a day. But then in June, 7 months later it was back in with problems with the differential and it turns out that had to be replaced too. Other than that no problems, and I love this vehicle besides.
Blown Engine 47K $4388 Quality is Job ?
mightyjoe, 08/28/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really enjoyed my vehicle until the day the engine broke down and the dealership told me I needed a new engine. The Ford dealership told me that the oil pump froze up causing the engine failure and it was an obvious defect. It's a shame that Ford does not stand behind their vehicles.
2002 Escape 4WD fun and feistiness
NoJunk, 08/28/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good looking, handles great on ice and in snow. I use it a lot for backraod access to hiking trailheads and it outperforms other vehicles I have driven in similar conditions (e.g. Land Rover). Lots of pep.
Hoping it lasts
shelloaz, 09/10/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the way my Escape drives and looks. I wish it didn't have so many little problems. This is my first time owning a Ford, I don't think I will be buying another one. I have had a problem with the check engine light coming on, fixed at dealer. A/C control knob broke, A/C is not very cold, having that checked in a couple of days, clunking sound coming from brakes when stopping. For a vehicle only 1 yr. old I didn't expect all these problems. My Toyota's always lasted 200,000 miles with very few problems, mostly towards the end. I just hope my ESCAPE makes it without bankruping us.
Know Your Escape
CWT, 08/06/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ordered 2002 Escape XLT 4x4 with every option. Dealer didn't have one in stock, so couldn't see one before ordering. Expected interior to be similar to my F-150 SuperCrew Lariat...bad assumption! It is extremely cheap, uncomforatable, and noisy. (see suggestions below). This is a highly cost-engineered vehicle that is a latent entry designed to compete with the highly-successful Honda CR-V. In looking around, I've discovered the Escape re-sale value is weak, and I would probably go with the Hyundai Santa Fe if I were to buy another mini-SUV.
Quality Ford SUV
brian olney, 09/22/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My back window blew out, defroster shorted out, but ford was great, gave me a taurus with 38 miles on it and had my car fixed in one day.
Was never on my radar Screen
RLDahle, 08/05/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had been researching, shopping and test driving for about three months to repalce a leased saturn. I drove everything from an Acura RSX to an VW Passat. Three weeks ago I was shamed into visiting a Ford dealer by my Brother-in-law who makes a living building the Explorer. I drove the escape and much to my suprise it was almost everything I was looking for. With 200hp it preformed very well It has more than enough room in the back seat for even my 6'3" frame (my sons will all be at least my size in the very near future). and it has an impressive supply of after-market accessories to make it stand out in a crowd.
Excellent Vehicle
shadow597, 09/27/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent Car with no problems. It has run great and fuel consumption has been less than expected for a SUV.
Fun and Capable
JaxMax, 11/03/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like my Escape. It moves well, handles well and is comfortable for my 6'1" frame. Visability is excellent and parks nimbly. At 31,000 miles my only problems have been a faulty CD player and some weird electical problems when it rains hard. I am concerned about reliability over time, especially the electronics. Overall, I enjoy it, use to carry lots of stuff and would recommend it to others.
Sweet Sorrow
rjc, 12/08/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Maybe isolated. I traded in my Escape before the 3 year/36000 mile warranty. Had multiple electronic issues. Dash lights would go out, stereo lights, brake lights.They were fairly minor but I wasn't about to keep after warranty expired.Would Still have car otherwise. It;s fun to drive, milege wasnt' too bad
Practical, Powerful, Plenty of Space
iowalee, 09/12/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a certified used auto with 31,000 miles. It has been reliable, handles well in a variety of road conditions, and a peppy V-6 engine. I had 3 minor problems covered free under the warrantee: Recall for engine stall. I never experienced this. The 6 CD player stopped working. The stuck discs were recovered and return. Inside AC/heat fan was noisy. No problem with Dealer
much better than expected
Tekawiz, 12/08/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car has performed better than expected in all areas, especially in fuel efficiency. I get about 26 mpg. Engine performs well and is smooth for 4 cylinder. I can go over 400 miles on a full tank of gas. Plenty of power to get up exteneded hill climbs and performes well on winding roads. Turning radius is excellent, an unexpected surprise.
Glad I bought the extended warranty
Mike Zac, 11/13/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ok, it's a great little SUV. Quick and peppy. But I am putting my $1500 extended warranty to use! In the last year I have replaced the master cylinder, the torque converter, the oil oan and gasket, a burned up exhaust valve, front brakes and rotors (twice!) and have it in now to replace the timing belt cover. It is dripping oil on the exhaust manifold and I am afraid I will be roadside BBQ soon. My warranty company has shelled about $5000 on the fixes so far!
2002 Ford Escape Overview
M.A.F., 12/23/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I REALLY AM FOND OF MY ESCAPE, HOWEVER, THE GAS MILAGE HAS BEEN A DISAPOINTMENT.THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE TRUCK IS GETING THE ADVERTISED GAS MILAGE.I AM ALSO SOMEWHAT DISAPOINTED IN THE PAINT FINISH. THE FINISH SEEMS TO SCRATCH QUITE EASILY.
One of the best SUV's for the money!
dbj, 08/10/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Despite some of the shorcomings such as: the gearshift on the console that interferes with radio/cd operation, and the quality of the front dash, I think it's a great SUV!
Best Entry-Level SUV On The Market
JohnnyH, 09/14/2005
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Escape for over two years and never had a problem. The engine is very responsive and doesn't do a bad job of pulling 2 Jet-Skis. The Escape is surprisingly sure footed in winter conditions for its size. The Mach sound system is great. I have been very happy with the car.
Clean Package of Power
ithndr, 01/03/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle, fun to drive. I've owned over 30 automobiles including 4 SUV's, but this car is the best value (looks, performance, quality. price) for the investment.
HELP
STANMONT9919, 08/13/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BROUGHT BACK SEVERAL TIMES TO GET ORDOR OUT OF VENTILATION SYSTEM, NO LUCK TO DATE. SMELLS (MOLDY) LIKE "STINKY FEET" OR "ROTTEN EGG", HORRIBLE. ALSO WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE STOP, FRONT END (BRAKES) MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND. FORD ENGINEER STATES THAT COMMON TO ESCAPES??
Good Compact SUV!
Scott80207, 01/09/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first truely "American" purchase (my previous car was a '00 Honda CRV), and other than a warranty- covered fuel sensor issue which caused the truck to stall at 40 mph, it has been a reliable, well-crafted, compact SUV. It has more than enough power and it's fairly comfortable for my 6'4" frame. The 16-17 city-MPG took a little getting used to, but the '05 Hybrid is right around the corner!
Transmission Problems Buyer Beware
Sis, 12/09/2005
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive when running. Not fun to pay for a new transmission. Was told that the Escape has a poor transmission and it reflected that when it died after the warranty had expired. Found out that others are having the same problem with their Ford Escapes via internet research. Buyer beware - transmission very poor.
Love it!!
cindyc97, 08/30/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am a first time SUV owner as well, and couldn't be more pleased with my purchase....awesome car!
Fun to Drive
Fred J, 01/04/2006
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very good seats; good support.
Mechanically Unsoud
Amy Ostrow, 02/02/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great ride when it is functioning.
2002 Escape
Stick shift fanatic, 09/11/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the 5 speed stick shift . It was great getting this with 4WD. Handles great in bad weather. Seating is comfortable especially with teenagers in the back seat. It is fun driving my sporty bright red Escape.
Nice car
Rick, 03/26/2006
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought the car without doing much research. It is fun to drive, has great acceleration, and is very good in snow. Has lots of storage, and is very comfortable for long drives. The ride is much better than the Explorer I owned prior to buying this car. I have had absolutely zero problems with the car.
VERY POSITIVE RECOMMENDATION
CARL ORLETTI, 03/28/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
MORE THAN PLEASED AND SURPRISED WITH THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE AND UTILITY OF THIS VEHICLE.
Great Vehicle
M. Goodwin, 01/22/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLS Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great vehicle for road trips. Three of us drove to Kansas from Virginia and back and all were very comfortable. It sits at just the right height and handling in general is very smooth and easy, especially when cornering.
2002 Ford Escape
Wannebo, 03/07/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. Great clearance, speed, maneuverability.
My 30 day review
gravydb, 09/14/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only been driving this vehicle for 30 days, so keep that in mind while reading. Overall, I am very happy with this SUV. Great acceleration with the V6. I test drove a Honda CRV and I thought the engine was going to burst while I was trying to merge onto a highway. No thanks. The Escape looks good, handles better than most cars I've driven, and has plenty of interior room for being a "mini" SUV. There are only a few minor things I think should be improved, but if I could only pick 1 it would be the seats. They need to be a bit more contoured and supportive.
Good deal for the $
Donald E. Potter, 03/09/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have found this SUV to be all you could want or expect for the size and money. Handles great, good power, comfortable, clean profile. Very good A/c and heat, CD player and radio ( sound sys leaves something to be desired with windows down). Not a luxery SUV, but has all you need and more. CONs: cheap tires (Generals, which I had found to be good prior to this?. As stated, for the money, a very fine SUV.
Escape
Pito Perez, 03/21/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car could be a lot better, and it could be sold for a lot less, and it could hold its values better. I've only owned it for 1.5 years and it's already lost 47% of its original purchase price!!!
Overall OK, lots of little problems tho
Brvncrzy13, 04/12/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for almost a year and a half. I have had it in the shop for probably 20-30 days for all sorts of problems. It cut off on me while I was driving down the road .. a problem that has been experienced by at least two others I know with their own Escapes. My 6-CD changer had to be replaced. The runners/steps had to be replaced b/c the vibrate so loud it disrupts the ride .. altho the new ones still vibrate .. obviously a defect in construction. Not sure why, but I had to have my brake oil reservoir repaired due to leakage. Those are the things I can think of off the top of my head!
Happy with the Escape
99Aggie, 04/07/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this so that we would have a vehicle where we could carry our son and groceries at the same time. We also bought it for added safety as compared to our other car. We are very happy with it. It can really take off, the power is great. Only problems have been the stock tires, which we just replaced, and a repair needed on the throttle control. Of course this was not under the warranty and the dealer had it for 3 days for a simple fix. Overall we love our bright yellow Escape.
Best option out there
Randy in Omaha, 10/31/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just completed 6 months and 7500 miles with my Escape, and I still think its the best of the small SUVs. The ride is firm but not "truck-like" and the acceleration and handling are superb. I have found no defects and needed no repairs. I had an Explorer a few years back that turned out to be pretty crappy, so I was a bit concerned with buying another Ford. So far, I have been very pleased with the decision.
Great experience
dwarren, 04/09/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this used. The biggest surprise was the power the V-6 provides. Loved the sporty look. It also has a sporty feel. First time I took off the G's pulled my head back with barely a foot on the accelerator. I also was pleasently surprised with the sound system. It is the "Audiophile." The leather is in great condition and the seats are exceptionally firm. The quality is obvious throughout. Very happy.
Ford Escape XLT
pj2300, 04/19/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great vehicle! We are so glad making this purchase. Powerful V-6, handles like a car, great hauling capability. Will more than likely be a repeat buyer.
Great car overall!
weezielynn, 08/08/2006
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my Escape since May 2002 and overall it has been a wonderful car for me. It is very fun to drive and really moves quick and easy. The only big problem I had was when the transmission went out at under 10,000 miles. Major upset for me! It was fixed under warranty but for a long time I was still pretty annoyed. Based on some of the other comments apparently this is a problem with the Escape. Otherwise I am very happy with my SUV.
Pam's Ford Escape
Pam B, 04/24/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am surprised how much fun the Escape is to drive. It handles well. It feels solid when you are driving it. The interior is very roomy. It has plenty of room in the back seat for 2 car seats.