Used 2002 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
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A worthy choice
jb, 04/03/2005
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our '02 Escape has been pretty good to us. We have had to bring it in for service multiple times on some recurring problems/nuisances that didn't affect the way the car handles (loose air bag light wires, driver visor mirror, jammed CD changer). Overall this SUV is perfect for our family of 4 (2 adults, two young boys). In hindsight, should have bought leather seats since the cloth gets too dirty with the kids. Plenty of cargo room for large stroller, luggage, etc. V6 engine is a must. V4 (tested, not purchased) was way weak.
MY FAVORITE SUV
CAROLYN, 02/14/2006
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love to drive my new (used) Escape. It is sporty, sexy & fast! It fits into tight spots yet plenty of room for my 6'4" hubby. I went from a Lexus to my Escape and I just think it was the best choice for us since we spend 1/2 our year in the mountain snow and the other in the city. I chose this over a Lexus LX470 after reading many reports online, I chose to buy this and very happy I did.
Rate this Vehicle
martina, 08/11/2006
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I travel 50 plus miles a day in my Ford Escape. I find that it handles very well in very wet roads and in the winter I feel very secure in the manner in which it "hugs" the road, especially on curves. My V6 engine has great pick-up speed and right now I am averaging 28mpg. Since I am the main driver of this vehicle I have had very few opportunities to be a passenger, but I do remember driving to North Dakota from Iowa. I had the back seat. I found that being a passenger in the back seat was not the most joyful experience. There wasn't enough room for ones "tush." I had the feeling that I was always sliding down. I would definitely buy another ford Escape.
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.
Ford EscapeFun to Drive
Tigerman, 03/05/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just recently bought a 2002 Ford Escape. Fun to drive, comfortable, excellent looks. Rear seats extremely comfortable. Excellent 6 Disc CD Changer radio. Sound quality awesome.
My First Ford
catwoman, 03/05/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first FORD. Lot of car for the money - very happy with the car, fun to drive - to much wind noise. Overall, very happy.
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!
Extremely happy with this terrific SUV
Jason ESi-T, 03/06/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far, I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle. The car always gets stares from people, and keeps me looking back at it when I walk away. It's the first SUV I've bought, and so far, it's everything I've expected. We've just had a bad week of ice/snow, and the SUV has again proved its worth. The poor gas mileage was expected, but the sheer delight of owning this fabulous automobile was definitely a pleasant surprise.
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.
Good ride!
Paul Sander, 03/08/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded my explorer for the Escape. I couldn't be more satisfied. Better mileage, more reliable and fun to drive. V6 is a must. Front wheel drive makes the 4x4 a luxury. Has as much interior room as the explorer. You do lose soom space in the back cargo area. Very good value.
Escape (or not)
marco, 01/15/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Premium 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little SUV (crossover?). No repairs on XLT w/V6. Leather seats not that comfortable. A tad noisy inside. 20MPG (H/C). Good cargo capacity. Ignition switch is tough to find in the dark. Great CD/stereo. Great in the snow with upgraded "cross terrains"
Great
Jack Handy, 03/08/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Vehicle
Escape
fox, 03/09/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car drives great. Only complaints are the sound system with the cd and tape are not that great and the shifter is annoying. I could also use a light besides the dome light in the middle of the car. Acceleration, breaking, mileage are all very good at this price.
My Escape
hutsonb, 03/10/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought an Escape after owning a 1992 and a 2000 Explorer. Since Explorer increased it's size, I didn't need anything that big so I settled for the Escape. I did not know if I would like the front wheel drive but it was easy to get used to. As far as the ride, Interior size and comfort, and the engine performance, I am very satisfied.
Love my Esacpe
Gary Strickland, 03/11/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have 7000 miles on our 2002 Escape, and have enjoyed putting every mile on it. Love the height of the seats, and the firmness.
ford escape
alissakay, 06/01/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good car. Ride is a little bumpy at times and can be a little noisy, but otherwise great.
Ford Escape XLT 2WD Premium
antarctic_traveler, 06/07/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a relative trouble-free vehicle to own/maintain and drive. Very minor adjustments needed. Handled by dealer painlessly. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in this size SUV
Starting Problems
jewff, 03/12/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love our Escape. Great V6 power. Plenty of room inside. A joy to drive. With 2235 miles ours failed to start. After 20 minutes it starts right up. Technician was on road test and it stalled on him-started right back up. Brought it back to dealer to check computer - no codes and wouldnt restart. Fords Technical Department told them to install new fuel pump. No problems since. It runs stronger than ever now. We still love our Escape but we now wonder!
fun, fun, fun
paulawala, 06/29/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. More interior room than I anticipated just by glancing at them in parking lots. The V-6 has nice pick up. A great looking SUV, not too small like some but not too big like others. Gas mileage is definately a plus.
Reliable, durable vehicle
waterseh, 03/18/2008
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this vehicle for 7 and a half years and have never had a problem with it. I have done all the regularly scheduled maintainance and the car now has 140,000 miles on it and still runs like we first bought it. We have towed trailers, hauled lumber and taken it on some fairly easy trails (it is not 4WD) and it has always performed admirably. It even survived a rear-ending on the interstate and the subsequent $7,500 worth of damage. The only thing I would change about it is better fuel economy (22 city, 25 interstate), and that isn't even too bad for a SUV. I highly recommend this vehicle and it has been a pleasure to own and drive.
Driven from Florida
Jim Bledsoe, 03/15/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Brand new car. Ran into a snowstorm all the way from Ky to Chicago. Saw at least 50 cars in ditches but not us. A great, stable car.
n/a
escapee, 03/15/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best of both worlds!!! I drive mostly in the city, congestion, tight parking, etc... The Escape drives, and handles well, performs well too! Gas milage only about 18 (CITY) I did get 24 (HIGHWAY) ONE time! This vehicle has never been back for service, other than oil change, It is even better than the 2001, that I had, that was wrecked with 16K on it! My only complaints are small... I would like to see a lighted ignition switch, (It's hard to find at night) and I would like a little better ride, like the NEW Explorer! Definately the MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK SUV (in my opinion)
A Good Vechicle
rebel204, 03/17/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent performance, good handling, decent ride.
Ford Escape
Jim Steinhilber, 03/17/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 11th car. I am more satisfied with this car than any other I have ever had. Enough said?
Lacks Comfort
walk_texas, 03/22/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle does not have the comfort level to go with its price. A four hour drive in this vehicle amounts to tortore.
Better than my previous Jeep Cherokee
cincinnati, 03/26/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Escape is fun, designed well, quiet, comfortable and handles very well. I was a solid Jeep person for 30 years until I drove the Escape. Better gas mileage, more for your money with a corresponding lower price. I paid more for my last Jeep Cherokee four years ago than I paid for my Escape and the options on both are about the same. I got the 4X4 XLT model which comes standard with a lot of options. The only real option that was on the Escape was the Mach stereo system which has 300 watts, seven speakers, and a 6 CD changer. This thing rocks! And the way the weather has been lately, I may still get to try it in the snow!
2002 Ford Escape XLS
C L B, 04/10/2008
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this vehicle used (end of lease). Excellent condition. Ran into problems with manual transmission, idler bearing self-destructed. 3 weeks to replace, but local dealership was extremely accomodating. This sort of failure should simply not happen with a manual transmission.
Ford Escape XLT
tman7773, 03/29/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I couldn't be happier with my Escape purchase. The Escape came along at the right time. It's an affordable alternative for someone who likes the idea of a full sized SUV, but can't yet easily afford one. The Escape is powerful, masculine, distinctive looking and priced just right. It handles like a car, but feels like a truck when your sitting in it.
ok
salgama1021, 03/29/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its power is very good and handling
Best Small SUV
RYAN2525, 03/30/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After test driving many small to medium suv's I was compelled to purchase the Ford Escape. Everything from the styling to the ride was above par and beat out the competition. As a college student the escape makes the perfect vehicle to transport friends and luggage.
Great, fun car!
dude27, 03/30/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an overall great. Nice standard features, exterior and interior styling, and performance make this a great SUV. Very peppy engine. It's also a real head-turner
No more Fords for me
kathy, 04/27/2008
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love driving my Escape. I am short and can see out of it better than anything I've driven before. The electrical problems are driving me crazy. After many visits to the dealer, they finally found that caulk had come loose and I had a gallon of water on my fuse box. Supposedly resealed and replaced the fuse box. Two months later I had it back in for the same problems, radio going off and on by itself, even when car is off, horn going off, trouble lights on for no reason. Said they can't find any problems and gave it back to me unfixed. Have contacted Ford and they won't do anything to help, so am buying a Honda on Monday. I'm sorry to say that Ford has lost another customer.
Fantastic Vehicle!!
Fred Kidd, 04/25/2021
2002 Ford Escape XLS Sport 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Escape XLS brand new. Here is is 2021 and its still running in top condition. Only thing I have had to replace is a battery, clutch and headlight. Have oil changed (4 cylinder) every three thousand miles. As of right now, it has 183,000 miles on it. My husband owns a 2005 Escape (V6) and he has had the sane service on his which has 240,000 miles. If either truck killed over right now I would without say that we more than got our moneys worth. My mom has just purchased a brand new Escape after seeing the service and reliability ours have given us.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
19 years old with under 60,000
Russell , 04/28/2021
2002 Ford Escape XLT Premium 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2007 when it had 40,000 miles on it for my wife who drove it to the gym and grocery store, since then I've retired and she doesn't drive anymore so the car hasn't seen 2,000 miles in the past four years. It handle great and with the 3.0 litre engine has plenty of power. I'm considering selling it but since I've owned it for 14 years I'm hesitating.
Love my Escape
Katlvrkas, 04/11/2005
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Escape brand new and love it! I have had 2 recalls, but they were fixed with no problem. The only other problem I've had is that the power windows squeal in cold weather. Dealer has always lubed and once had to replace. Overall, I've been extremely satisfied with the Escape.
This SUV is a piece of junk.
Tunes06, 06/14/2005
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is junk. The rear door seal fell off. The CD player refuses to give back CD's. The rear wiper motor quit. The sun roof sticks. It has been recalled twice. And now the transmission has totally failed at 61,000 miles. Ford refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem but checking the NHTSA site reveals I am not the only one with this problem. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.
its my problem
Itsmyproblem, 05/02/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Driver side window replaced and back driver side window replaced. The front driver side light cover still needs replacement.Purchased 2 new tires before 25000 miles they were splitting and next to bare. Hood latch was replaced. Brakes have been replaced 3 times and rotors twice less than 65000 miles on the vehicle back breaks are continuous coming out of allignment. Alternator went out with under 65000 miles on it. I love all the space. # road trips since I've owned it. Twice with a child and her toys and once with four adults. We all fit comfortably.I also find it to be very comfortable for sleeping.
What can go wrong next?
Emac, 06/18/2004
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
At 64,000 miles, I had to replace tie rod ends and my transmission. Don't know if I should sell and cut my losses or just keep replacing parts!
escape xlt 4wd
fl wh, 05/20/2003
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
had a few kinks when new. power mirror(drivers side) window squeeked after half year and rear window wiper needed more tention to wipe. dealer fixed all promptly.
Engine trashed at 2400 miles
airbearma, 03/20/2002
2002 Ford Escape XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
One of the biggest points on me buying the Escape was the "supposed" reliability of the Duratec 3.0 V6. I had this engine in my 96 Taurus for 175,000 trouble free miles. At 1400 miles, I changed oil and checked all fluids personally. At 2450 miles, I had an 1/8 inch oil slick in my antifreeze reservoir. Dealer is replacing the motor with a new one.
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