Anyone have a Ford Escape?

[RickM]

Last fall I was looking for a Honda CRV but nothing panned out. Additionally, the reviews are less than stellar for them, while they are excellent for the Escape.

I'm thinking of purchasing a used Escape "off Season" so I get a better deal. This will be an everyday commuter car.

Any owners her? Thoughts?

[Adam]

I don't "own" one, but I've had them as company cars from time to time. Basically, I haven't owned one with more than about 5k - 7k miles on it. Definitely, definitely go for the 3.0 V6! Don't get sucked into buying the 2.3 4-cylinder: it's a dog... with fleas!

Handling isn't too bad for it's size and with the V6, the power is good. Acceleration is impressive for a 3.0 and there's little torque steer. Fuel consumption isn't great, but if you drive it softly, you won't complain. The seats are comfortable, but there's no lumbar support (in Australian models). Rear brakes are drums (stupid idea). The "On-Demand" AWD is actually pretty good.

Before you pull the trigger on something like this, check out the Mazda equivalent. They're the same product, just differently packaged and slightly facelifted. I've never really had one long enough to experience any problems, but from what I hear, they're pretty bulletproof.

[RickM]

Thanks Adam.

How was gas mileage with the 6 cylinder?

Here the Mazda sister car is the Tribute. A friend of mine owns a Mazda dealership but I think I prefer to stay with the mainstream Ford product.

[Rot 911]

Rick, the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape roll off the same assembly line. Same engines just different body cladding, paint schemes and the Tribute, I believe, has a better looking interior.

[RickM]

OK, I'll have to seriously consider then. Just don't want to suffer on resale or with replacement parts.

[Adam]

Lemme try to do some conversions here.

I get around 13.5-14.0 litres/100kms in my Escape around town. I drive it kinda hard, too. I think that's around 5.3 US Gal / 62 miles. On a long trip, I'd get around 9-10 litres/100kms.

[edit] Wait, that's terrible. How many litres in a US Gallon? According to my figures, that's barely 12mpg. I'm sure it's much better than that!

[id10t]

About 3.8 l per gallon...

[project935]

My wife has a FWD V6 2003. Surprisingly quick (easily overpowers the tires) and handles well. Solidly built and OK NVH. Around town driving gets 18-19MPG. Highway cruising gets up to 21-22MPG (with the AC on!). Seems to get better fuel mileage in warmer weather though (recent MI-FL-MI trip). The 15 gallon tank makes fillups tolerable (unlike my Explorer).

Escapes actually have the most interior room of the small SUVs - we looked at just about everything (Saturn, Honda, Toyota, etc). You can also pack a lot of stuff in there (along w/2 kids).

We've had no major mechanical issues - hope I didn't just jinx us. Minor door fitment build quality issues. I just heard about a 325K Escape recall to fix an engine stalling problem that has caused some minor accidents, but we haven't had any issues.

[RickM]

Great info.
I heard of the decell stall as well. However, this car seems to be the best of the lot all things considered. I have an Explorer as well and love it.

[singpilot]

The recall is in today's papers.

[RickM]

Here's one I didn't hear of:

"December 10, 2003
Ford is recalling 132,243 Ford Escape SUVs to fix a seat belt buckle that could fail to latch.

Ford said the problem was caused by a plastic tab in the buckle designed to reduce noise. The tab can wear down over time and break off, preventing the buckle from holding the belt properly.

There's been one report of a minor injury resulting from the problem. Ford will begin sending notices to Escape owners about it next month.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had been investigating the problem, but the Ford recall was voluntary."


and a Ford Truck Forum. I'd been looking for an Explorer user group. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=36