Used 2009 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews
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8 years and going strong
Texas Chemist, 04/04/2016
updated 04/04/2018
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
101 of 105 people found this review helpful
I bought my Escape used in Sep 2010 to replace my 98 Grand Prix. These are the only two vehicles I've ever owned and I've been driving 15 years. The Escape is a challenge to rate for two main reasons: It is extremely reliable, has almost no mechanical issues, is smooth and fluid on the road and provides almost everything I need as far as cargo and transportation goes. On the other hand, it is uncomfortable to sit in. I mean, the seats are not good. In 6 years I've yet to get the seat/steering position perfect. My legs get cramped up or my back starts to hurt a little after only 20 minutes of driving. But this thing is so smooth and nice on the road, the road noise is low (compared to my wife's Civic which is ridiculously loud), and the steering is so soft and fluid you can control the the vehicle with a single finger. Other than some pretty stupid interior design (center stack mainly) and cheap materials, as well as an occasionally jerky transmission the vehicle is near perfect. Pros: - Extremely reliable - Drives very well - Easy to control - Excellent in snow/ice/rain - Great exterior styling Cons: - Jerky transmission when starting from a stop - Horrible interior stying/center stack design - Cheap plastic materials inside - Very uncomfortable seats - Lack of telescoping steering UPDATE: After 8 years of ownership my Escape is still performing really well. Non-routine maintenance is increasing in frequency, as would be expected, but the biggest expense to date was replacing some suspension components on the front end. No major mechanical issues have come up and the majority of expense is spent on routine maintenance, the most being spark plugs ($400), front brakes ($350) and a 100,000 mile tune up ($400). The biggest issue now is the rear passenger wheel well is rusting underneath and on the outside and there is rusting on the roof above the driver side where the windshield and roof meet. Other than that, this thing is doing really well with over 125,000 miles and I will likely drive it until it has close to 200,000.
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Awesome little SUV
tugboat95, 01/16/2015
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
45 of 46 people found this review helpful
I love this truck! I bought this with 33k miles to replace a Durango I could no longer afford to feed. It was an adjustment to go that small. I chose the Escape because it had the most interior room of the small SUV's. I'm 6'5 and I sit comfortably in it for an 8 hour drive twice a month. I have the XLT V-6. I get 28mpg round trip on that drive and I see 33 in certain spots where I behave with the throttle. It now has 75k miles on it and the only thing I have touched is the oil and transmission fluid and a new set of tires. Most dependable vehicle I've ever owned. And it pulls a 3050lbs RV and gets 12mpg doing it. I've been offroading in WV with it and even just 2wd, it holds its own.
2009 Ford Escape for sale near you
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Too many breakdowns!
nthernlgts, 03/31/2013
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
55 of 58 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle new in the summer of 2009. About a month later the Transmission failed. It took a month and a half to repair because of back ordered parts. After the rebuild, the shift pattern was messed up and had to go back for reprogramming. This was all within 15,000 miles and covered by warranty. After warranty, the a/c condenser failed. $900 there. Then the power steering unit failed. This isn't a standard power steering unit either. In other words, $1400 more. I've also had some sort of an mid shaft axle support bearing fail. $400 more. All in all, I have put nearly $3000 in repairs into a 3-1/2 year old vehicle. Way too many mechanical failures. I'm done with Escapes
My Escape is no acception to the reviews
catmandoo712, 08/31/2011
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
39 of 42 people found this review helpful
I read on the internet that the 2009 Ford Escape 6 speed trans has problems.I thought that this is not going to happen to the vehicle I purchase.Well much to my surprise I had to have trans work on my vehicle at 29000 miles.Very slow shifting from reverse to drive.Now I noticed that it has a ticking sound like a vehicle with bad lifters in an old car.The dealer does not seem to hear it ,I must be hullucinating.Loud exhaust and a growling sound when driving uphill.Got rid of a 11 yr old Chevy Tacker and it was a much quieter than this 2 yr old vehicle.
A good fit for me
michiganphil, 02/22/2014
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
I have owned two 2009 4 cyl FWD Limited Escapes, traded one at 41K miles, last month, and still own another with 43K miles. The only issues I have had with the vehicles is with the Fan motor, in which a resister went bad. Otherwise, I have had no issues with either vehicle. The vehicles offered me the features I wanted, with few I did not want. The acceleration, handling, braking were good enough for me. I was impressed with the gas mileages, I topped 32 MPG, door to door, with both vehicles on long trips, a number of times.
Been a great SUV
CO David, 08/26/2017
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this 2009 model used in late 2009 and have had only a couple of minor problems. Sure there is some nitpicky things that I wish was different but overall I have been very happy with owning for about 8 years. I now have only 79,000 miles on it and the only reason I am getting something different is I need something with a larger towing capacity.
Big truck feel in a small SUV
joe, 11/16/2008
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
As a loyal Honda owner, I never thought I would buy a Ford until I saw and drove the 2009 Escape. Lots of power, quiet smooth ride, lots of room, good gas mileage (if you don't gun it). Sync is awesome as I have my cell phone & iPod running through the stereo system. Not sure how I lived with out it before I bought this truck. Plenty of room! When I took it for a test drive, the salesman was 6'5" and had a lot of leg & head room while in the back seat. The 6 cylinder can tow 3500 pounds. Bet the CRV or RAV4 can't do that.
It drives forever
Elijah Meadows, 07/02/2016
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
32 of 36 people found this review helpful
My friend got a new car and let me use his 2009 ford escape until I could get a car of my own. It had about 199,000 miles on it when I took over. It wasn't too much longer until the power steering malfunctioned. There was a recall on them apparently but my VIN wasn't included when I called Ford. It made it hard to turn the wheel and especially hard to get in and out of parking spots at grocery stores and such. It's about $700+ to fix the problem. It's at 220,000k miles now and still runs great. Has an oil leak. Had to replace the wheel bearing, brakes and battery in the last year. Other than that it's a great car. Take care of it and keep the oil changed
Long Time Owner
Thom M., 08/05/2018
updated 08/07/2019
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
25 of 28 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in September 2008 on a custom order. The vehicle currently has 113,000 miles and has been virtually trouble-free. I have had one check engine light that turned out to be a simple fix for a reasonable cost. Recently the liftgate latch failed and I was able to buy a new electronic latch assembly through Amazon for a fraction the cost of the part from the dealership and it only took 15 minutes to swap out the part. It was an everyday commuter car and on the road for about 40 a day with regular trips once or twice a month or so of around 400 mile round trips. Several other trips of over 2000 miles round trip have also been enjoyed with the car. The performance and dependability have been flawless. The sound system and all electronics are top-notch for a vehicle this size and I have never experienced a failure...not even a blown fuse. The entire fit and finish remain in an almost new condition with the exception of expected wear on the driver's leather seat. The 4 banger engine offers good commuter power and is good for highway cruising. Initial acceleration tends to lag a bit until the engine figures out what you want from it and then the acceleration pulls pretty good for a 4 cylinder. We moved from the flatlands of Southern Maryland to the hill country of Northwest Georgia and the engine has never lacked in performance. I have never driven in real mountains so I am not sure how it would perform on steeper climbs. The seats are extremely comfortable, especially on longer trips. For the typical car that was sold 10 years ago, it is fairly quiet but may be lacking when measured by current standards. Even at 10 years old I would not hesitate to jump in it any day and do a round-robin trip around the USA. Final update: I finally traded the Escape last August after 10 years of blissful driving. In all those years I only had the check engine light come on once and that was for a minor and inexpensive problem. The rear wiper also stopped working but turned out to be an easy DIY fix. I was able to find a wiper motor online for much less than the Ford parts department wanted and it was still an OEM part. The repair only took about 30 minutes while closely following a YouTube tutorial. If you are looking for an excellent used car, this is one that should be at the top of your list. When it was traded, it looked new, performed like new, and rode like new. I just needed something a little bigger and desired a vehicle with more modern options (backup camera, adaptive cruise control, and the warning and driver-assist systems) that the Escape lacked. It just seemed like a good time to make the trade while the Escape was still in good shape and had a good value for trade.
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Best Suv I have ever had
Randy, 01/02/2017
updated 07/09/2018
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
This car/SUV is very good. I now have 167k on it, besides brakes, tires and battery (normal maintenance Stuff), I have only had to replace the intake gasket, like 10 bucks for parts, and RF wheel hub bearing. Also Stabilizer control arms, about 23 bucks a piece. I did have a serious rattle that drove me crazy, took months to find out what it was, It was the License Plate Bracket. My fault. I test drove a new 2015, great car, lower gas mileage because it was AWD, But I did not like the interior. Last month I had to replace the Key Cylinder, keep the car from starting. Had trouble with the A/C, last summer, As soon as hey hooked up the manifold to test it, it started working, been fie since only 40 bucks. So dependable I bought my wife a 2015 Escape and she loves it.
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So Disappointed!!
Oroville2, 10/25/2009
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
20 of 23 people found this review helpful
Loved my last 2 explorers, wanted better economy and all the tech stuff the Escape offered. It is back in the shop for the second time in one week for a problem with the transmission disengaging while driving on the freeway. Pulled over and would not go over 10 mph. Very scary!! Said it needed computer update, but did it again 6 days later.Not sure about Ford quality anymore.
Great Reliable Economical SUV
Diane Goodson, 07/16/2018
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
15 of 17 people found this review helpful
Our 2009 Ford Escape has been one of the best vehicles we have purchased. We bought the SUV used in 2012 when the vehicle was 3 years old. At the time, it had high mileage of 48K for its age. However that was not an issue for us and now six years later, the car has 136000 miles on it. Other than regular maintenance, we have only had to replace the AC condensing unit in six years of ownership. The car still runs like a top! My only complaint about this car is that I feel it should get better gas mileage. It gets about 18 MPG around town and 24 on the highway. We still love the car!
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One Year Later
seancav, 07/29/2010
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have now had my 09 Escape for one full year. I am happy to report that I very pleased with it. It has been very reliable and fun to drive. I have spent two months in the mountains with it and have found it to be one tough vehicle. I have to do some trail riding in the mountains and the traction control on the car has taken me to places that I could not have gone without it. I am surprised that some of the recent reviews have given this SUV such a low rating. I love this car. Before this purchase I had only bought cars from Japan. I wanted to spend my dollars in the US. I gave Ford a try and am glad that I did. Do not be afraid to buy this car. Its great!
Best for the money
Babydog, 06/16/2009
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have an 09 with the 2.5 and 5 speed manual. I wanted the lowest price and the 6 speed auto is new. I wanted proven reliability and the 5 speed manual shifts very smooth. Good performance and gas mileage combination with the modern 171 horsepower engine and manual transmission. Has an excellent ride and comfortable seats. Nice on the highway and a good handling city car, too. Fun to drive and fun to sit up high. Safer than earlier models. I have the red metallic. Looks great with legal color tinted windows side and rear. Lots of cargo room with the seats down. Has the updates of a Suv from Japan and feels just as good with a lower price.
Excellent
pete162, 04/09/2015
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful
Had since new, very reliable , cheap to maintain, fuel sipper with plenty of power with the I4 2.5 liter engine. Always hand washed and waxed,it looks almost as good as the day we drove it off the lot.
No more Ford products
cmrakers, 03/18/2016
updated 03/20/2017
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
17 of 20 people found this review helpful
Ok, I've been a Ford supporter for 40+ years, all the while enduring the Chevy, Toyota, Honda owners snide comments. As of todayI'll never buy another Ford. First, the 1998 F150 XLT airconditioning and electrical system began failing at 40k miles (I didn't keep track of how much those repairs cost) so at 80k I finally traded that in for the 2009 Escape. The first Escape under warrenty transmission was installed in 2012, and now at 77k miles I'm faced with another failed transmission. Included in the decision NOT TO BUY FORD is the fact that this Escape cost me about $900 in repairs every freaking year since hitting the 36k warranty mark (sometime in 2013), and I'm good to my vehicles--regular maintenance, don't drive like a maniac. The new tires will outlast the engine/transmission and that's freaking sad and not cost effective. I'm switching to Honda or Toyota. Ok, Edmunds wanted an update so March 2017 here it is: The Escape is on "break down maintenance" so when a major failure occurs it can be dragged off to the junk yard. I spent over $1200 last year (mostly to a Ford dealer repair shop) trying to keep up with failures e.g., engine light on, swing arm repairs (again). Last month the engine light came back on, the air blower only works on "high" or 4 (that was repaired 2 years ago), it needs another alignment, supposedly because the struts are failing, and on and on and on. I could put another $1500 in 1 repair bill. It has 83k miles now. It won't pass NY state inspection with the check engine light on. Really, I've had every code checked and all repairs made by 2 different garages. Also, two replacement parts failed. Fun for me to not have a vehicle for two days.
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Escape to this good car!
Bob, 11/18/2017
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
This escape has been great for everyday use! Bought new 9 years ago and has held up well from dogs. Comfy chairs.Nothing engine related has ever failed, the only two things that broke are the lift gate doesn't open anymore, we have to use the back window. The heating and cooling only has two working settings, full blast or hardly any. Other than that, nothing whatsoever! Plenty of space for 4-5. Ours has the sunroof and leather. Very easy to clean. Overall, a great car!
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Satisfied 1.5 Years Later
Ray, 10/14/2010
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in July 2009, drove 1000 miles to break-in before a trip from Pittsburgh to Oregon. Very comfortable ride for 2 people over a week and a half. Highway gas mileage was 28-32 mpg. Still average 25-30 mpg with my rural driving. Would have liked AWD with a manual tranny, but the one time I drove on an untreated, snow-covered road (~1") the FWD did fine with factory tires. Also glad I went with the stick once I heard stories about the 6-speed auto. No problems with my vehicle 17,000 miles, 1.5 years later. Rides well, though the body pitches up/down excessively when applying power or braking (making smooth uphill stops/starts difficult).
Worst Car I've Ever Owned
jolietjake, 03/30/2011
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
35 of 45 people found this review helpful
My 2009 Ford Escape has been plagued with transmission issues for a year and a half now. I experience shift flares, hard and harsh shifting, and even times when it can't shift out of first gear. It will also frequently slam into gear when going from P to D or R, causing the entire car to shack violently until banging into gear. After the TSB updates, i get much worse gas milage and the tranny issues have increased. Now i get hesitation in acceleration when coasting or yielding and pressing the accelerator. It's extremely dangerous when making a left hand turn and the car is unresponsive for a few seconds. I have almost had 5 accidents due to this. This car is extremely unsafe.
Old friend
Rose Sumners, 09/06/2018
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I was so sad to say goodbye to my old friend. It never caused one ounce of trouble. Only my feeling it would be good to have the new driver assistance applications available caused me to sell it. Whoever buys this SUV will find it gives the best service possible for one its age and younger. I kissed it goodbye.
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Beware -Think...Read before your buy
BEWARE, 09/21/2009
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have problem after problem with the SUV. Really thinking about public transportation. Clicking in the wheels, shifting is horrible, transmission seal leaked and this is in the first 3 months of me own the vehicle. The good reviews must be from the dealerships. Think and research before you make this purchase.
Escape
boaua, 10/16/2017
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
Have had this car since bought new in 2009. It's been great! We have an XLT AWD. Ours includes fog lights, sunroof, and leather seats. Ours also has running boards, and a roof rack. It's great for daily use! The second row had a fair amount of space, and the front has plenty. Some minor issues with the car are that the back door to the cargo area doesn't open, we have to either fold the 2nd row, or use the opening back window. But that's pretty much our only issue! The car is great, and is used daily!
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Great Car, Great value!
Stan, 09/03/2010
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My wife and I traded in our 1985 Jeep grand wagoneer for a 2009 Ford Escape XLT as part of the cash for clunkers program. We had researched this vehicle and it was definitely the best vehicle for the price. One year and 23,000 miles later, we are still happy with the Escape. It is a good looking, (flame red) good handling car. The 240 horsepower v-6 gives it sports car like performance. We've only been able to manage about 24 mpg out of it on the open road, but that is really good mileage for this type of vehicle. We've had the transmission computer reprogrammed and a sensor replaced at no charge to us. Neither of these things affected the drivability of the vehicle.
Great Investment So Far
pbnbcr, 05/13/2009
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My family spent about a month and a half trying to find the best vehicle to accomodate our needs and I believe we made a great choice. We needed something with more room for a family but also a vehicle that sipped gas. We knew with an SUV that we would have to sacrifice mileage. I figured it would average 24 mpg but I have been pleasantly suprised. After 3800 miles I have consistently improved mileage each tank, going from 26.7 up to 29.13. For a non-hybrid SUV, I consider this excellent. -Smooth shifting transmission, quiet engine, great cargo space (boxy design helps), good visibility, center console is HUGE, smooth ride, great leg room. For a base XLS with AUTO and SYNC, nice features.
The Best!
Escape777, 07/02/2009
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a new vehicle and did a lot of looking believe me! I compared rebates, safety, performance, etc., and Ford got my vote! This is my 7th Escape and WOW.. What a gem! A huge improvement over the others in years past! Yesterday I got 28.2 mpg! V6- 4wd. I purchased this baby LOADED... And it's definitely a Very Sweet Ride! I would highly recommend this vehicle. It's very well worth it! Black Pearl is the color and it changes colors in the sunlight. I get tons of comments on this one. Very tight SUV and have not had any problems with the brakes... NONE!
Has Been a Headache During Ownership
Alabama Driver, 01/04/2021
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Full disclaimer: I am the second or third owner of this vehicle and realize it's more than 10 years old at this point. Within the first year of purchasing this vehicle certified used from the dealership in 2016, I had to replace three TPMS sensors, replace the capless fuel funnel neck, and have the throttle body checked out. I had no idea there was an open extended warranty for the throttle body. This I blame on the dealership I purchased it from. I've had to replace the driver side rear signal light multiple times, replace the ABS control module, ignition switch module, replace the throttle body, rebuild the transmission within the 4.5 years I've had this vehicle...all under 100,000 miles. Not to mention routine maintenance like brakes, tires, etc. For this to be a 4-cylinder vehicle, its gas mileage pales in comparison to older vehicles and even a Tahoe. I compare this vehicle to my nearly 20-year-old Honda CRV that didn't cost nearly as much to own. I cannot and do not recommend the Ford Escape, especially the 2009 model year. It has been a money pit and a headache. I have plans to sell it as soon as I'm able to do so.
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Great Buy
Brenda Jolly, 06/11/2009
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this in April of '09 and waited to write this review, because I wanted to see if my delight in this car would hold--it has. So far, I've gotten 26 mpg's but it's still adjusting. I saw where Edmunds said getting the rear seat down was difficult -not so- lift a handle and down it folds. I'm loving the Siris radio that comes free for 6 months. I will subscribe when it runs out. The fit of the car is great. My husband loves it too. I bought this car because when I researched cars on Edmnds, the people who had bought this car gave it such high marks. They were right. No complaints at all.
Not Happy
Stephanie G, 01/10/2009
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
After driving a klunker for years, I was really looking forward to my brand new Escape. Unfortunately, thanks to the capless fuel system, my SES light has remained on most of the time I've owned the vehicle. Debris gets into the system (imagine that!), which causes the light to come on. I've taken it to a dealer twice. It comes back on a few days later. New vehicles are not supposed to have problems! It's been a disappointment for me.
Last forever
Debbie, 05/05/2023
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Bought my 2009 Ford Escape in 2011 (Used) love it. Still have it, still drive it. I have 420,00k on it..Yes, you read correctly 420,000K. My only complaint is a have a small oil leak that seems unfixable. It sadness me to know one day I am going to have to say goodbye to one of the best cars I have ever owned.
2.5 not 3.0
Mark, 09/04/2017
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
I tend to keep my vehicle a long time so ease of maintenance is a factor. I think the 6 speed trans issues would be greater with the 3.0. I have had none with my vehicle with the 2.5. Look at the cost of changing spark plugs, it is a 3 hour job on the 3.0. You have to disassemble the entire top end of the motor to do this. The Ford engineers must have been on crack when they designed this motor. The 2.5 takes about 30 minutes and that includes getting your tools out of the garage. I love the size and ride and it has plenty of interior room. My only complaint on the interior is the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel. The buttons are small so you have to take your eyes off of the road to use them. The audio controls on the right side are just as small but for some reason the design is a little bit better. The sunroof is making noises when you open and close but the vehicle is 10 years old. The paint on the front end is starting to peel but the headlights are still crystal clear. That is a great accomplishment for South Texas. 95% of the cars down here have clouded headlights. I have about 115k on the vehicle now and I am very satisfied with the car overall.
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2009 Escape Limited a problem
steve_r2, 04/17/2011
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
18 of 24 people found this review helpful
Since taking ownership of this vehicle and 50,000 miles later this Ford Escape has over 12,000 dollars of repairs and that includes labor. Three and a half transmission and a rebuild motor within the first 40,000 miles. Overall I like the vheicle but I've lost confidence in Ford motor company. I bought this vehicle to support the american auto industry and Ford because they refused Obama hand out. I continues to have problem on a mouthly basis. Who wants a lemon?
First 1000 miles vehicle is great
stephen minar, 08/20/2008
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
The first 1000 miles I have really enjoyed driving this truck. I have been leasing Escapes since 2001. So far this is best for ride and comfort.
Do yourself a favor, don't buy it.
Curt, 01/04/2016
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
11 of 15 people found this review helpful
If there was a lower rating for transmissions I would have given it. This car seems to have a ton of recalls, which the techs like to tell me that Ford is looking out for its customers. I like to view it as, a lot of poor design choices from a company who has been making cars to long. I get being new and innovative, but how about making a car that doesn't have the worst transmission in the world?!? Did they even test the damn thing before they threw it into cars? I realize that all cars have their issues, but this car seems to be the worst I have ever dealt with (don't believe me? just google it).
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Transmission Problem
smishra, 12/15/2011
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I was fine it till the transmission died at 36200 miles. Fortunately I had bought extended warranty. I fixed it at the dealer and it still giving me troubles. I still see sudden gear change at low speeds. Do not know how much time this fixing will last, but I am always scared to take my family on a drive on this one. So Pros: 1. Ample of cargo space 2. Feels sturdy 3. Nice seats 4. Very fule efficient 5. Love the SYNC, I hooked up an external hard drive to this. It recongnizes and plays all my music. Cons: 1. Unreliable transmission 2. Interior is not nice - pretty cheap plastic 3. Very noisy - I reckon being an I4 engine it will be noisy, but it is a litle too much.
Great SUV
June, 05/10/2010
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Love the Escape! Has great handling and is very comfy. Needed a vehicle that didn't drag bottom when I was on rough roads. This fits the bill. Very roomy inside for a small SUV. Gets great gas mileage. Would recommend it to a friend.
My Rolling Stones Escape purchase
dave524, 09/05/2009
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It's not exactly what I wanted, but the more I drive it the more I think it's what I need. I wanted a Ford Edge but the price wasn't right. So I test drove the Escape and looked at the mpg rating and figured it might be what I need. It's fun to drive, almost like a car. It's real nimble. The acceleration isn't that great but once the 6 speed auto transmission gets you up to 40 mph, it takes off. But the main thing for me is the fuel economy. My last truck was a gas guzzler, so it's nice to not have to pay frequent visits to the gas station. The true test will be seeing how it deals with Chicago winters.
Good solid suv
Tony, 11/11/2009
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The Ford Escape I own is fun to drive. I drive both city and highway and avg. 23.08 MPG. I found this SUV to have all the room I need. I can seat 5 people with comfort. Great sound system, good air, sun roof is easy to operate as well as all other systems and controls.
Buyer Beware
BADCHOICE, 07/21/2010
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
One month ago I purchased a 2009 Ford escape from a local dealer. Before the first payment was made, it was un- driveable. The vehicle started but there were no power locks/Windows/radio/cdplayer, and the emergency brake light was illuminated on the dash yet the brake was disengaged. The shifter would not move, it was locked in park. Apparently it's a faulty computer module that is a widespread problem with the 2009's. So widespread, in fact, that the part is on back-order from the mother-ship in the states, and they have no idea when it's going to be in. Could be 6hrs, 6days or6mons. The seal on the module leaked water and the components completely corroded inside. Good work Ford, I will never buy another!
Love it...sometimes
ttescape09, 02/02/2014
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used, and after owning it for 1 1/2 years I still love it. However it has had some pricey problems. I bought the car and I thought it needed a blend door motor on the passenger side (~$900) I replaced it and turns out it was a HVAC module (this was free after a letter to the owner of the Ford dealership because they misdiagnosed it the first time). I now have intermittent power steering (~$1500 to fix) This is my biggest issue because it appears to be a safety issue. So if you buy this car beware and have that money ready! Also paint is starting to chip off the top of the liftgate for no apparent reason (only 12 inches is covered by paint anymore)
Never buy this vehicle!!!!!!
Dave, 06/14/2019
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
My 2009 Ford Escape had many problems from the A/C, motor parts, and transmission failure within 18 months. The damage/fix cost was nearly the total of the vehile. The body & interior are great looking. HOWEVER the transmission is FLAWED and Ford knows it! I will NEVER buy Ford vehicles again! If you know what's good, RUN
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2009 Ford Escape, front wheel 2.5 l xls
Scott A, 02/05/2020
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Has been an awesome vehicle! Purchased new in Feb 2009 and has served me very well! Very Comfortable and roomy! At 160,000 miles (yep - 160.000) I had to replace my front brakes! At 190,000 the back brakes had to Be replaced as was the battery! Other then oil changes my cost of operation has been very low! Today the vehicle has 195,246 miles. Within the last 100 miles I noticed some clutch slippage and it appears that a new clutch will need to be installed! In calling around it sounds like a simple, reasonable cost repair! Has been a great car and I am looking forward to reaching 300,000 miles! Highly recommend the 2009 2.5 l xls Manual Ford Escape!
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Sweet ride
RON C., 12/11/2008
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Got a great deal then had them add running boards before I would sign. This is a very nice auto. The sage exterior and camel interior are excelent. Has every option but GPS and trailer hitch. Wife had to have heated seats, she is happy. Sirius radio and Sync are a lot of fun. Handles very well and enough power for me. From Ohio and looking forward to 4x4 feature.
Second vehicle for work
Randy, 11/19/2009
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I wanted something like a station wagon, that I did not have to step down into, and did not want all wheel drive. So far the vehicle has performed well, achieving 30 miles to the Cdn. gallon city, and 40 Cdn. Hwy. Five spd a little tricky at first,a taller 5th gear would be appreciated (2500 Rpm at 60 mph). Clutch is a tad heavy, black interior hard to keep clean. Growls during acceleration but quiets down. Some wind noise at hwy speeds or cross winds.I wish they would seal the seams on the body work like Toyota does to prevent salt accumulation. Wife loves it.
Rust prone and built cheap.
Jon Lannertone, 09/02/2022
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The frame is made like a toy car. Sheet metal is basically plastic and once the wheel wells and control arms start rusting, your shocks are useless and can perforate the way interior. Call a mechanic in your area now and ask them how often they see rust issues on these vehicles. Do some research. If you happen to get one that has no rust, the car drives extremely well and is more spacious than you’d expect.
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economical transportation
P.Cole, 01/19/2018
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Perfect for new driver..
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traded within three months
erb, 07/16/2009
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
A week after I drove it off the lot, I noted the steering wheel vibrated quite a bit while idling at red lights. Once it got hot and I started running the A/C, the vibration spread to the entire dash. My passengers could feel it. It was getting worse and the dealer said all the V4's did it, and they wouldn't do anything to fix it. "The car operates in the manner in which it was designed" was what the service reps and all the Ford reps said. Eventually the vibration got so bad that the antenna on the passenger side OUTSIDE the car would vibrate with the inside of the car. Ford said that was normal. I gave up and traded it in for a Mazda.
Best car ever
Gage, 02/26/2024
2009 Ford Escape XLS 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My 09 ford escape has 500,000 miles on it and never has had a issue whit anything at all!
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Had my Escape for 8 years and l have had no major
Treasure , 10/30/2022
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
l had my Escaper for eight years. No major problems so far. I love it.⚘⚘
Sweet little truck!
BarabooDad, 08/31/2008
2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Got my white suede loaded Limited I4 09 Escape. Great little truck! Seat feels good to drive in, and tons of buttons to play with, I mean use! Plenty of power to merge on to freeway or get in front of trouble, etc. My son likes riding in the back seat. Strong AC/fan and heater, too. The little touches like ambient lighting are cool, too. Didn't get the pretty but expensive Nav system. But the Voice Sync controls work great anyway. Linked my phone to Sync in less than 30 seconds, works great. Now I never even take my phone out of my pocket to make and receive calls. Love the Audiophile sound system, too!
Very impressed!
Carl, 10/26/2008
2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
As a previous owner of a 02 Escape, I can't believe how far Ford has come with this vehicle. The interior of this vehicle has a nice lay out. Ride is firm but at the same time absorbs the road like a luxury car. Sync system works well. Easy to set up. Very nice feel with the controls. Ford took every effort to make this vehicle quiet,with insulation under the hood,fire wall and wheel well. As for gas mileage, Am getting 23mph over all.The 6 speed transmission is smooth. Ford also put on radial tires with less off road tread for better gas mileage. Outstanding value for the money.