Faults:

Serviced the AC, and while filling, it blew up :S $300.

Fuel sensor, $500.

During a tow for a stripped lug nut, the ABS sensor broke. We received horrible Ford service, as they sent me away with 3 babies and all the warning lights flashing, and the 4X4 kicking on and off. They said they forgot to service that after their test drive, but go home and we will address that in the AM (I only live 2 hours with a ferry ride away). 1000 dollars, no courtesy car, no rental deals; left me frustrated! Luckily I don't have to see them often!

The tranny just went at 167000kms. We had it towed to Ford, and before even talking to us, they had a bill for 160 dollars... I was actually not shocked, but refused to pay that. Their quote for a new tranny was upwards of 3800, + upwards of 1000 to put it in, + anything else they encounter + tax!

At this point we shopped around and found a great place that went above and beyond, and had it towed to them free of charge. They rented us a vehicle, and yes they did encounter more transmission related problems and took care of it all, and the total with a 5 year warranty and tax was 3500; not too bad compared to Ford's pricing and service!

Cosmetically I am disappointed in the leather boot on the sharp e-brake, but I think they fixed that in newer models, and also on the back of the seats, you can feel 2 points that stick out; feels like it could poke through with enough pressure, so be careful.

The gas cap hangs on the plastic attachment, and scratches the paint while you fill. Also remedied on newer versions with the gas and go no cap feature.

The next to do on this are the brakes and rotors.

General Comments:

This SUV is nice and tight, and great on gas. We tow a dune buggy in a 6X12 trailer, and you can't even feel it back there!

It is spacious! We fit 3 Eddie Bauer car seats in the back seat, and the cargo area is huge! There are not many vehicles I can fit my double chariot stroller in, but this one it fits perfect! I love the window access as well; it's the full tailgate access, because sometimes on the ferry we can't open the gate.

In general most of the things that have happened to us could have been prevented; service your transmission once a year! Even if they tell you it's good to go in whatever you drive.

Faults:

Occasional long starts (always had Hondas and I knew what it would do).

Cold weather makes the gas station pumps confused, because the nozzle clicks and clicks and clicks... Warmer weather no prob...

A coil pack failed in the truck, causing the truck to buck and shutter, was repaired and no return..

That's the worst I have to report really.

There are some minor things that have nothing to do with the truck's reliability, like seats wearing (I can see the seat frame through the seat fabric) and mouldings around the door frames have to be tucked back into place every so often.

General Comments:

Seriously, I love it. The 3L Duratec is peppy, but it comes at a price.. It will be thirsty if you are aggressive, but that 6cyl will do more excitement than a 4 cyl comparable of its class. I am sure that a CR-V or a RAV-4 is a better choice when it comes to durability and fit and finish, however I do enjoy merging without embarrassment.

I think the Escape is the right size. I bought it used, so therefore the price was very attractive. The auto 4x4 works quite well, probably similar to the real time on the Honda, but the 6 is nice on the highway.

Another thing to get used to LOL, call me nuts. I have a Canadian one, so the speedo is in km/h. My tach is 0-2-4-6-8 and the speedo is 0-40-80-120-160...

Anyhow... The price was right, so was the equipment, yes I would buy it again..