Powerful V6, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, carlike handling.
Cons
Weak standard four-cylinder engine, bland interior design, small gas tank size limits range.
What’s new
The 2004 Ford Escape remains largely unchanged although the price has been lowered on the plush Limited model and certain appearance packages are now available on lower trim levels which, in effect, reduce the final price. Also, Chrome Yellow is no longer a color choice. To eliminate confusion, trim levels and option packages have been consolidated.
Edmunds says
Still one of our favorites in the category, the 2004 Ford Escape is a very capable small SUV thanks to its powerful V6 engine, spacious cabin and carlike handling.
2004 Ford Escape XLT $2,999 + Taxes & Fees Up for grabs is a well-kept 2004 Ford Escape XLT equipped with the reliable 3.0L V6 engine and a smooth 4-...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (17 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1FMCU03154KB22753 Stock: B22753 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 07-30-2025
Bought this sweet heart with 120k and have put another 50K on in the last 2 years. 4x4 easy to handle and shift. We live in Alaska atop the hillside in Anchorage. and have some pretty icy roads and rough weather. I can leave town and trust my bride, daughter and her baby will be safe in our trusted little rig. Tracks and climbs like one of the big boys, pretty reasonable on the … fuel, though if your not towing anything and don't live at altitude you might consider the 4 cyl. The 6 is good but not needed most of the time. A delight to drive. Lost the Transmission and had to replace it, but found on out of a wreck, (crap shoot I know but 20K miles later it's doing fine.) Keep those fluids changed and topped off or you'll pay the same price, these rigs like to eat their trannys if you don't keep up the service. One of the most popular and trusted rigs in Alaska for family and general cross state travel.
2004 Escape keeps on keeping on!
5 out of 5 stars
James Crum, 11/12/2015
2004 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Bought this vehicle new in Oct. 2003. No trade in got a good deal from the dealership. Car has been one of the best we ever had for the money. 202,000 miles and still running strong. I change my own oil, every 5,000 miles w/Motorcraft oil and filter and the 3.0 V-6 never uses any oil, average 1/2 qt. in 5,000 miles. Very happy with the car. Went out and bought another new one hope it is … as good as the 2004 has been. Got 26MPG highway with Continental tires, went on the cheap with Cooper tires last set never again. Tires are loud, ride rough had them balanced twice, plus MPG DROPPED 2 MPG stay away from Cooper tires.
Good value for the money
4.63 out of 5 stars
ohiodale, 04/11/2012
2004 Ford Escape XLT Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
I have a 2004 Escape with about 87,000 miles on it.
It has always been a good car for me and its going on 9 years.
I had to replace the front axil due to the gear that drives the anti lock brakes cracking.
This repair was $350 which was not bad in my eyes.
I do routine oil changes and have had all the other fluids changed once, including the brake fluid.
I am a firm believer that if you … want a car to last you need to put some money into them.
I expect I will need to replace the spark plugs and serpentine belts in about a year.
I drain the transimission fluid from the drian plag every couple of years and so far so good with the tranny.
Not bad but not great
4 out of 5 stars
johnny127, 12/08/2014
2004 Ford Escape XLS Fwd 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)
Only have about 98K, but the body is starting to rust out. I've seen Escapes much newer than mine with similar corrosion problems. Engine has been reliable (aside from several coil packs requiring replacement), but it gulps fuel. Transmission has been reliable and shifts well. If we drove longer distances, we would add a separate transmission cooler due to problems others have reported. … Car is peppy and feels sporty. Well weighted steering. Upholstery shows stains like there's no tomorrow. The 4 wheel drive is not the best, even when the part time 4x4 mode is selected.
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