2004 Ford Escape Review

Name: 2004 Ford Escape Review
Brand: Ford
Price: 1426 USD
Rating: 4.6 (278 reviews)

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Ford Escape model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Ford Escape XLS Value Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$197/mo

$184/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Ford Escape.

5 (69%)

4 (23%)

3 (6%)

2 (2%)

1 (0%)

4.6

278 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 278 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Good to go

David M Decker, 02/24/2015

2004 Ford Escape XLS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

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 …

2004 Escape keeps on keeping on!

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 …

Good value for the money

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 …

Love to drive/hate to repair

R. Sutphin, 08/13/2010

2004 Ford Escape XLT 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A)

It is a fun vehicle on trips. I average 21-25 mpg on long trips. However at 92,000 the transmission went out. Quite an expense for a fairly new SUV. In early 2009 the torque converter and wheel bearings had to be replaced. The check engine light remains on (no one can find a problem). After less than an hour of driving the overdrive light starts flashing and the transmission starts …

See all 278 reviews of the Ford Escape

Write a vehicle review

2004 Escape Highlights

Trim:

XLS

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$18,710
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$197/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.1 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Escape include:

Alarm

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Marginal
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Poor
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2004 Ford Escape Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Ford Escape XLS Value Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Ford Escape.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Good to go

2004 Escape keeps on keeping on!

Good value for the money

Love to drive/hate to repair

2004 Escape Highlights

Safety

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2004 Ford Escape Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Ford Escape XLS Value Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Good to go

2004 Escape keeps on keeping on!

Good value for the money

Love to drive/hate to repair

2004 Escape Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2004 Ford Escape info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Ford

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Ford Escape XLS Value Fwd 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}