2002 Ford Escape Review





Get More For Your Trade-In
Edmunds' Expert Review
- Strong V6 engine, comfortable cabin, plenty of cargo space, car-like road manners.
- Lacks the off-road capability of a truck-based SUV, barely adequate base engine, shoddy build quality, unimpressive interior materials.
What’s new
Additional standard equipment makes the 2002 Ford Escape an even better value. XLS models get a dual-media cassette/CD stereo, while XLT adds a V6 engine, privacy glass, power driver seat and an in-dash six-CD changer. New Sport packages also debut. The XLS Sport includes 15-inch alloy wheels with larger tires, side-step bars, Sport-embroidered floor mats and dark tinted privacy glass. The XLT Sport, new for 2002, provides, in addition to XLS Sport equipment, a special No Boundaries roof rack system and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with meatier rubber. Four new colors are also available.
Edmunds says
A very capable small SUV thanks to its powerful V6 engine, spacious cabin, handsome looks and car-like handling. The 2002 Ford Escape is one of our favorites.
Vehicle overview
One of the benefits of coming late to the party is that when you do arrive, you can make a big splash. That's what Ford has done with the appealing Escape sport-utility.
Designed to battle the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty, Nissan Xterra, Toyota RAV4 and others of the small-SUV ilk, the five-passenger Escape's calling cards are a large, comfortable interior and a powerful available V6 engine. As an added bonus, it's also priced competitively. These factors position the Escape for tremendous success in a growing market. Developed in partnership with Mazda, which sells a version called the Tribute, Escape comes in XLS or XLT flavors with either two- or four-wheel drive.
Base models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 127 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. Burdened with people and gear, a four-cylinder Escape is bound to be rather weedy. Fortunately, there is an available 3.0-liter V6. With 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque, it is one of the most powerful engines in its class, and accelerates the four-wheel drive Escape to 60 mph in less than 9 seconds. Equipped with the V6 and the standard four-speed automatic transmission, the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines are LEV-compliant.
As opposed to Ford's larger SUVs, the 2WD Escape is front-wheel drive. The 4WD system can be set to either "4x4 automatic" or "4x4 lock" mode. In automatic mode, power is applied to the rear wheels only when a loss of traction occurs. In the locked mode, the Escape applies power to all four wheels at all times. The Escape does not have a low-range transfer case, however.
Ford hopes that with its sporting, rugged good looks, the Escape will appeal to young families and people with active lifestyles. Don't let the outside fool you, though. Underneath, the Escape is more car than truck. The unibody chassis is equipped with rack-and-pinion steering, a four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel ABS through a front disc/rear drum arrangement.
Inside, the Escape offers a big allotment of space for passengers and cargo. This is truly a five-passenger SUV. With the rear seats removed, the Escape offers 64.8 cubic feet of cargo. Cabin highlights include air conditioning, an available six-disc in-dash CD changer matched to an optional 300-watt sound system and optional side airbags.
Ford claims affordability and durability were top priorities during the engineering and design phase of the Escape. Mazda's input should have been of help here, but a rash of well-publicized first-year recalls sullies the image of this otherwise fine SUV. Regardless, Ford's Escape should be on your list when shopping for small sport-utes.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Ford Escape.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
- Side Impact TestPoor
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestMarginal
People who viewed this also viewed
4.888889 average Rating out of 36 reviews. |
Starting at $26,800 |
See Inventory |
4.857143 average Rating out of 7 reviews. |
Starting at $37,145 |
See Inventory |
4.7272725 average Rating out of 11 reviews. |
Starting at $26,975 |
See Inventory |
Used 2002 Ford Escape Overview
The Used 2002 Ford Escape is offered in the following submodels: Escape SUV. Available styles include XLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLT Midnight 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLT Midnight 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLT Choice 2 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLT Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M), XLS Value 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M), XLS Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLS Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLT Premium 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLT Premium 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A), XLS Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M), and XLS Sport 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M). Pre-owned Ford Escape models are available with a 3.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 201 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2002 Ford Escape comes with four wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 4-speed automatic. The Used 2002 Ford Escape comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. roadside warranty, and a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2002 Ford Escape?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2002 Ford Escapes are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2002 Ford Escape for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2002 Ford Escape.
Can't find a used 2002 Ford Escapes you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Ford Escape for sale.
Find a used Ford for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Ford Escape for sale.
Find a used certified pre-owned Ford for sale.
Should I lease or buy a 2002 Ford Escape?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Ford lease specials
Check out Ford Escape lease specials
Related Used 2002 Ford Escape info
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Lincoln MKZ 2009
- Used Ford Expedition EL 2004
- Used Maserati GranTurismo 2015
- Used Buick Cascada 2016
- Used Dodge Journey 2011
- Used Cadillac ATS Coupe 2018
- Used MINI Hardtop 4 Door 2018
- Used Ram 2500 1999
- Used Cadillac Escalade ESV 2014
- Used Mitsubishi Lancer 2015
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Dodge Challenger 2021
- 2021 Ram 2500
- 2023 Kia Seltos News
- Lexus RC 350 2021
- 2021 Sprinter
- 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV News
- MINI Countryman 2022
- 2021 Porsche Cayenne
- 2023 Porsche Cayenne News
- 2021 BMW X6 M
Other models to consider
- 2022 Ford F-350 Super Duty
- 2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van
- 2022 Ford Transit Connect Passenger Wagon
- 2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty
- 2021 Transit Crew Van
- Ford F-250 Super Duty 2021
- Ford F-250 Super Duty 2021
- Ford F-350 Super Duty 2022
- Ford F-450 Super Duty 2021
- 2022 Bronco
Research similar vehicles
- 2022 Kia Niro EV
- 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ
- 2022 XT5
- 2022 Wrangler 4xe
- Toyota RAV4 2021
- 2021 Jeep Renegade
- Cadillac Escalade ESV 2022
- GMC Acadia 2021
- 2022 Discovery
- Lexus RX 350 2021
Recommended
- Lexus CT 200H 2011 Review
- Lexus Es 300H 2016 Review
- Nissan Altima 2015 Consumer Review
- Buick Verano 2013 Review
- Buick Regal Sportback 2011 Pictures
Other models
- New Mercedes-Benz Glb-Class for Sale in Citrus Heights, CA
- New Lexus Lc-500-Convertible for Sale in Herriman, UT
- New Jeep Grand-Cherokee for Sale in Pflugerville, TX
- New Toyota Gr-Supra for Sale in Winter Haven, FL
- New Nissan Maxima for Sale in Morgan Hill, CA
- New Mercedes-Benz Gle-Class-Coupe for Sale in Ames, IA
- New Toyota Avalon-Hybrid for Sale in Fullerton, CA
- New Audi SQ8 for Sale in San Leandro, CA
- New Chevrolet Bolt-Euv for Sale in Duluth, MN
- New Volkswagen Tiguan for Sale in Dearborn Heights, MI
- New Hyundai Tucson-Plug-In-Hybrid for Sale in Kalamazoo, MI
- New Volkswagen Atlas for Sale in West Haven, CT
- New Lexus NX-350H for Sale in Beverly, MA
- New Toyota Avalon for Sale in Livonia, MI
- New Land-Rover Range-Rover-Sport for Sale in Bozeman, MT
- New Toyota Sequoia for Sale in Encinitas, CA
- New Mitsubishi Eclipse-Cross for Sale in Smyrna, GA
- New Jeep Cherokee for Sale in Pomona, CA
- New Nissan Titan for Sale in La Crosse, WI
- New Ford Transit-Crew-Van for Sale in College Station, TX
- New Cadillac Escalade for Sale in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- New Chevrolet Silverado-3500Hd for Sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL
- New Jaguar XF for Sale in Boulder, CO
- New Kia Forte for Sale in Warner Robins, GA
- New Audi Q5 for Sale in Anderson, IN
- New Ford Escape-Plug-In-Hybrid for Sale in Alhambra, CA
- New BMW Alpina-B8-Gran-Coupe for Sale in Covina, CA
- New Toyota Sienna for Sale in Pocatello, ID
- New Cadillac XT5 for Sale in Rancho Cordova, CA
- New Volvo XC40 for Sale in Fall River, MA