2001 Ford Escape XLS 3.0L petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Be warned: Escape the Escape!!

Faults:

New torque converter installed.

Both head seals replaced.

Rear diff seal replaced.

Power steering leaks.

Transmission fluid leaks.

Engine stalls - intermittently.

Windows rattle when half down.

Air conditioner stopped conditioning!

Left hand drive shaft needed replacing.

Transmission shifts erratically.

General Comments:

The Escape looks like it has the goods, but unfortunately it's all show and no go. Under the facade of its great looks and macho image is a car that offers very little value for money. Its transmission and engine are exceedingly noisy and the quality of the interior is woeful. The transmission is just plain BAD and the engine very thirsty. I made a mistake buying the Escape now I want to ESCAPE the ESCAPE!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th July, 2003

26th Aug 2003, 14:09

I also have a Ford Escape (Manual Transmission XLS) and I have also been disappointed about the purchase.

I have the following problems:

1) Excessive Brake Dust

2) Truck shakes when it's in first or second gear

3) Clutch plate has been replaced twice

4) Stick Shift has problems, some times I cannot put the car in gear.

This has been my first brand new car purchase and it has been a bad experience.

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2001 Ford Escape XLT Leather 3.0L V6 from North America

Summary:

Power and Options - Yay! Quality of Parts - Boo!

Faults:

Excessive front brake dust on wheels. The rear brakes were not working properly causing the front brakes to be applying all stopping force. This was reinforced by the dealer inspection. At about 38000km the front rotors and pads needed to be replaced, in which the dealer at which I got the Escape quoted me $700 parts and labor to fix (not under warranty they told me). Front brake pads at 2 millimeters thickness | Rear Brake shoes at 4.2 millimeters thickness. When pads and shoes are new they are at 4.5 millimeters in thickness. Luckily, at a different (and much farther away) dealership who inspected it and determined I could have the work done including the rear brakes repaired under warranty for $140 (price of front pads only).

Front driver side wheel bearing needed to be replaced (under warranty).

Experienced stalling problems at low speed and Rpm while turning. Fuel system problem dealer replaced parts and is under further investigation.

Poor fuel economy: 17 liters per 100km or 13 miles per gallon. I'm getting 300 kilometers per 50 liter tank of gas.

Rear Door Weather stripping loose.

General Comments:

This Escape is quick. There is a lot of power under the hood. It handles like a car. Lots of power for passing even on the sea to sky highway. It's great compared to a Supercharged Xterra (requires premium gas) 210 horse power to the Escapes 200 horse power naturally aspirated on regular.

I could never find the right seating position in this truck since I got it. I could not say that I was very comfortable, but it's good. The 60/40 split rear seat reclines, and handles are handy too.

The sun roof is huge!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd May, 2003

9th Sep 2004, 08:12

I also have a 2001 Ford Escape. Now it's time for front brake pads (44,000 miles), rotors ane throw away. Dealer says they can't be turned, factory issue are one time use only. As for your stalling issue, Ford is doing a recall on them for this same reason. Dealer says fully covered and takes approx. one hour. I like the Escape for all the creature comforts, but, some thought needed to be put into the design of the braking system to eliminate some hidden cost. Overall I would give it a 7 on a scale of 1 - 10.

29th Apr 2008, 23:26

13 mpg? Are you kidding me? We live at 7800 ft and do mountain driving which involves a lot of stops/starts, up and down hills and slowing for curves. Our V6 still gets 17 to 20 mpg with my lead-footed teenager driving it. Are you sure someone isn't taking your gas?