Used 2011 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

She gets better with age

I own the 4Dr SUV Limited, 6cyl AWD. The drop down menu didn’t show my correct model, so mentioning first. I call her my Silver Bullet...we both like to go fast and make our target. It’s been a fantastic commute car as well as SUV. I added a Class 3, 2” hitch to pull my 13’ Fiberglass Camp Trailer. The Escape goes from 22mpg to 19mpg when towing. It’s a negligible difference for the ability to trek into landscapes and set up camp where few think to travel. I purchased the vehicle in 2012, as a lease return. It had 21K miles and I paid $15K. Today she’s clicked in 172K miles and is performing very well. I did have to replace the catalytic converter, the #1and 2 crankshaft sensors at 140K miles. After purchasing, I tried out my local Ford Store for maintenance and found their techs to be more parts changers than actual troubleshooting technicians. This is a shame but says more about the dealers commitment to excellent customer service and inability to manage a union workforce...no easy feat in the day and age but as a union member for 40+ years, again speaks to managements ability to manage within their constraints. I found the San Leandro Ford Store lacking and found AAA approved auto shops to handle my scheduled maintenance, even still. Issues arose with my Ford that happen regardless. It’s a mechanical vehicle programmed to operate within regulatory limits using electronic sensors to maintain efficiency. Since my purchase, I still have the original brakes and pads, on my third set of tires and switched from the factory recommended Michelin’s to this last set of Bridgestone Alenza’s. The ride is much smoother and quieter now with Bridgestone. One feature I use frequently especially here in Northern California is the transmission “downhill” switch. It serves like a jake brake and gears the tranny down when going down hills. I believe this feature has saved me hundreds and why I still am using the original brakes. The interior is pretty basic. I’m not a fan of black interior but that’s what it came with. I’m 63 years old now and finding things quickly against a black interior is frustrating, but if you’re a slob and dislike weekly cleaning, this could be a plus. The seals on the doors and sun roof have held up well the past decade. I’ve no leaks from the elements. The upholstery is what they call leather, idk why. It’s vinyl or pleather but definitely Not leather. It’s easy to clean but also easily looks dirty. I have neoprene seat covers that do the job of keeping my legs from sticking to upholstery in summer or being cold and hard in winter. Temps here do fluctuate. As a single woman, this vehicle has served my needs to haul camping equipment, dogs, groceries and even Home Depot supply runs. Plenty of power with the V6 and fairly easy to work on, I’ve been doing my own basic maintenance like Oil, filter and wiper changes. Recently replaced the passenger front fender and running board. Parts were easy to secure online. The cabin is small, so is the console and glove box. I have enjoyed owning the vehicle and think I’ve gotten my money’s worth owning her. That said there are two recalls, check the NTSB site that I’ve not had repaired or have had imminent problems with. I plan to do that before this summer’s travels. Ford tends to drag their @$$ on recalls it seems, esp in providing dealer with parts. That’s dealers story and they’re sticking to it. Again no pressing issues but it should be fixed. That’s my story that I’m sticking to.

Great escape

4 CYL FWD seems good so far

Purchased one last week from the Dayton, Ohio area. Drove back to Columbus and already like the car so far. Front seats are comfy and plenty of room. 4 CYL is pretty small for it so don't expect a lot of power but the 6-speed auto will make up for it. Cargo space is pretty good. I packed in a golf bag (Staff bag) with fire gear and still had room. And was able to use the cargo cover still Sync system kinda hard to use, and turn by turn directions calls a phone number to use. Thats odd.

Nice little machine

Gas mileage is lower that expected

Apprehensive

I have the 2011 Escape XLT with the 3.0L, 6 cyl. It says 4 WD. 6 speed AT. Purchased Dec 2010. I love the "boxyness" and visibility. I did not want a cushy car or AWD. It rides hard but I do not mind. I wanted a small 4 wheel drive vehicle. I am concerned about the transmission and 4 wheel drive capability. The transmission broke 2 days after purchasing the vehicle new. 75 miles. Ford said it was a simple fix but took 10 days to fix. It still whines and has a vibration. Ford says that it is normal. I wanted the 4 WD to go on the beach but I am worried. This is replacing a 4WD 1 ton pick up so I am not use to the new vehicles. Can I use the Escape on the beach?