Used 2003 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
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Great Safe Vehicle
Great Safe Vehicle, 08/31/2008
2003 Ford Escape Limited Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Escape new & have loved it from day one. With over 108K miles, it still has a lot of power & handles very well. The vehicle is very roomy, but is not difficult to maneuver like larger SUVs. I was just involved in a serious accident while driving my Escape and I have to commend it from a safety perspective. I was sitting at a red light and was hit from behind by a utility truck traveling at a high rate of speed. I was then pushed into the full sized truck in front of me. Unfortunately the Escape is a total loss, but I "escaped" with only a broken toe and a few bruises. I am very impressed with the overall safety of this vehicle and would certainly recommend it for any family.
116,000 miles later
Dave, 04/01/2010
2003 Ford Escape XLT Popular Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
The driving experience is excellent, the handling, cornering, acceleration and braking are all above average or better. I was aware of several specific shortcomings of the vehicle, and all were solved by add-ons at purchase. For example: Several ford models are known to have transmissions issues at 100,000 miles+. This is solved by purchasing the TOWING package that adds a transmission cooling system & radiator to prevent trans damage. My transmission has never so much as slipped. The soft paint & rust issue is partly solved by a rubberized undercoating and wheel well sheathing. Overall the car is wonderful and would buy it again.
2003 Ford Escape for sale near you
Showing 3 of 18 listings
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,489633 mi away
- XLT Popular 2 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,699855 mi away
- XLT Popular 2 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,990968 mi away
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Love the Escape, but beware with higher miles...
John Holst, 10/31/2017
2003 Ford Escape XLS Popular 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in 2006, and have had it ever since (2017 now). It's been a trusty winter driving car, and does great with pulling a trailer. It's not the most comfortable of rides, but it's not bad for longer drives either. The gas mileage was disappointing from the start though, with it being much lower than I'd have thought for a small SUV. Be aware, when it gets to about 150k+ miles, repairs start to add up and get expensive. I've had to replace all 3 catalytic converters, the entire front brake system, both front axles, a rear frame repair due to rust through, and a slight engine overhaul of belts, gaskets, coils, etc. That said, it's sitting at over 190k miles now and is still trucking along nicely.
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Disappointed
Big White, 11/05/2004
2003 Ford Escape XLS Popular 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'm very disappointed. I Have 13000 miles and had to have my transmission replaced. Ford would not replace with a new one so on a 1yr old car I now have a rebuilt transmission. The service I received from the dealership was the worst experiance I've ever had. This is the second time I've had it in for stalling reasons. I will never buy another Ford car. I DO NOT feel confident driving this SUV.
Nothing but trouble with this car
Never again, 07/25/2009
2003 Ford Escape XLT Popular Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I acquired this vehicle with the idea of great quality. Big Mistake! 1 week after purchasing it, the engine light came on, the fuel door open light came on, the battery light came on, etc... Took it into dealership where I was told that the lights were on from a short in the wiring. 1 week later while slowing down to make a turn during rush hour traffic, the car completely shuts off. This happened about 15 times with the dealership telling me they could find anything wrong with it. Come to find out there was a recall. The trans. started slipping not more than 3 months after that. Brand new rear tire was bald in less than 3 months from rubbing. Smelled burning oil always. radio buttons broke