Faults:

1) Front brake rotors would warp every 75-85k miles.

2) Front sway bar mounts needed replacing at 120k miles.

3) Alternator died at 175k miles.

4) Motor mount replaced at 195k miles.

5) A/C died at 210k miles.

General Comments:

I had been transferred from the deep south to upstate NY. My new boss suggested I get an SUV with 4WD. Found a 2005 Ford Escape XLT with 7,500 miles (belonged to the dealer's girlfriend). The 4WD system worked flawlessly in the snow and slush, never got stuck!! Plenty of room for 5 persons and camping gear strapped to the top, and would climb mountain dirt roads with no issues.

Gas mileage of 20-21 MPG due to 4WD, automatic, and the V6 engine. Very reliable. Please note issues 3 thru 5 are due to age and high mileage, not quality issues.

The only reason I sold the car was I retired and moved back south. To fix the A/C was more than the car was worth at 220,000 miles. Also, the tin worm (rust) was coming to the surface due to the heavy use of salt on NY roads.

So impressed with vehicle, I bought a 2012 Ford Escape with V6 as a replacement.

Faults:

As the Escape became older - I noticed the gas pedal would stick. Turns out it just needed a little spray of WD40 - good to go.

It came with a 6 CD system - that recently stopped working. But the radio part works.

The Escape has 191,000 miles and my transmission is slipping. I'm so sad because I seriously love this thing.

When it was about 4 years old, I noticed the headlamps have cracks in them - small cracks.

The interior - if I spill anything or it gets rained on - the seats leave water stains - impossible to get out for some reason.

General Comments:

My Escape has been the best vehicle I have ever had. I thought my Jetta was great - my Escape is my most favorite - I love it! It's fun to drive - yes the transmission has a slight slip in it now - but after 191,300 miles - I can't believe that's all that's she's having issues with. I just change the oil - keep good brakes and tires, and it's good to go.

With high mileage on it - I do not take her on trips. I drive 60 miles a day - 5 days a week to work - and that's about all I drive it.

I'm not ready to give it up. It actually makes me sad to think one day - it's going to break down and I won't have the money to fix it and I won't be able to drive it. Yeah I did name it... "my girl"!

Ford Escape true owner!

Norrie!

Faults:

A wheel bearing had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This is a great car!! I am very pleased with it so far! Quick pick up. Roomy for a small SUV.

Faults:

Valve cover gasket.

General Comments:

I bought this vehicle used with high kilometres for use as a second vehicle/beater. After doing some needed repairs like suspension and front end, I started using it for a daily driver. I find it very reliable and good on fuel to boot (about 35 mpg imperial).

For a vehicle with this many km's, it rides and handles great. The 2.3 litre 4 cylinder is a little lacking in power, but is acceptable when paired with the 5 speed manual trans.

Seating is comfortable, cargo space is great, especially with the fold flat rear seats. The ride is a bit truck like, but I prefer that anyway.

All in all, it is a reliable and convenient vehicle.