10th Nov 2006, 21:21
Very Cool SUV.
I bought a 2003 Escape XLS, 4cyl, 5-speed. It was "used" with 24000 miles. It now has 64000 miles on it. To date, knock on wood, I've had no issues. I really like this car and use it as my primary transportation and even as a make-shift camper. With the rear seats folded, the cargo space is huge and is more than comfortable for two people to sleep comfortably.
I regularly drive this car long distances. I also use it to tow a trailer carrying a motorcycle. Even though it only has a four cylinder, my Escape pulled over a thousand pounds through the hills of PA and New Jersey, with no issues.
I try to do my own maintenance. I change the oil and filter every 5-7 thousand miles. I now run synthetic.
In the winter, I run monster snow tires (not Blizzaks, think cheap chunky snow tire holdovers from the 70's mounted on the stock steel wheels). In foot deep snow, my Escape tears through the white stuff with no issues. It will also tear through deep mud with these tires.
The only issue I have with my Escape, is with the clutch feel. I have trouble driving my Escape smoothly. If not done correctly (lift the clutch, wait for the engine to engage, then give the gas) the car will shudder. Takes some skill and attention. Other than that... I love the Escape.
I plan on paying the Escape off within the next year, and then buying another car. But the Escape will stay with me.
I'm sorry the rest of you have had such bad luck. I just wanted to provide the other side of Escape ownership.
I LOVE my Ford!
26th Jun 2007, 12:15
I own a 2001 Ford Escape, V6, with 75,000 miles on it. It runs great--most of the time, but it has a miss when it is hot outside. If it is cold out (I'm in Minnesota, it gets COLD), it runs great, but above about 70 degrees F, once the engine gets warm, it begins to have a slight miss. If it is hotter out, the miss is more pronounced. Computer code says COP 1 bad, but I have replaced the COP's, plugs, injectors, computer and IAC valve. I see that other people have had the same (or at least similar) problem, but I have never seen a fix. Is it a wire somewhere? I am suspecting a bad connection in a wiring harness somewhere, or some such thing. Anyone have any similar situations? If so, could you tell me what your fix was? Any information would be great.
Siskhouse1@comcast.net.
5th Aug 2008, 15:53
I have a 2004 Ford Escape, 36,000 miles and apart from exessive brake dust it has been a pretty good car. My latest issue is that it will start great, I will go down the street to get gas and the car will not start back up at the gas station. Today I was driving to work and all was well until I was a block away from my building... stopped at a stop sign and I lost all power, pushed gas and nothing. It eventually died.. restarted without a problem, but then it slowly lost acceleration again. Anyone else having this issue? The mechanic said he couldn't do anything unless it was acting up while he tested it.
7th Aug 2008, 23:24
I bought a 2001 Ford Escape brand spankin new. There were problems I had with the vehicle at first, I forgot what it was, but was covered under the warranty. Right after the warranty expired my transmission went out. It would have cost me $2,000 - $3,000... but was able to get an after market warranty. Now I'm at 84,000 miles and ignition coil #2 needs to be replaced. Car went completely dead @ the dough-nut shop... "on my way to the dealership" to get it checked because check engine light kept coming on and off (vehicle was sputtering / missing) Oh... and also my shifter cable "BROKE" had to have car towed to dealership, now its going to cost me about $1,000.00 to get everything fixed. I just wanted to vent... looking to trade it in.. long overdue.
1st Jan 2009, 22:04
2001 Ford Escape XLS - 165,000 miles.
At 64,000 miles the trans went, but had the extended warranty. Lucky?
IAC valve went next. Trouble starting and stalling while idle.
Air bag sensor comes on, but fixed by tweaking under seat wire.
Driver side door mechanism and rear hatch mechanism replaced.
Have gone through two sets of Firestone Destination tires.
Replaced front rotor brakes twice.
Cruise went dead long ago.
AC is weak, but is better with an annual charge.
And the last ailment... is:
Radiator coolant light comes on but goes out going uphill?
No more Fords for me! No more new cars either...
21st Jun 2009, 23:33
My mother bought this car off the show room floor. 2001 Ford Escape XLT fully loaded with every option available at the time. Sun/moon roof. Running boards, towing package, leather seats, tilt steering, 16 inch wheels, 4X4.
There have been minor issues with the SUV, mainly little things. Such as the rubber hose on the back of the intake seems to crush easy. Fixed with radiator hose (was stiffer than vacuum hose) lost the solenoid in the tranny @ 125K. Expensive to fix.
I now own the car, and it's a blessing to me and my family to have this car. I know when I hit the key the motor starts. It's smooth, and makes no noise.
All of you who bought bad Escapes, I'm very sorry for your loss, as this is the best car I have ever owned. We take it to the mountains, get it dirty, it's in 4x4 mode almost as much as it's in 4x2 and it's performed flawlessly.
Truly Ford did too good a job with this car and broke the mold. If you get a chance to purchase a 2001 DO IT. As it would seem the later ones are garbage.
Thank you Ford for the 2001 Ford Escape.
8th Sep 2009, 10:42
We have a 2003 Escape with 145,000 miles. No problems except the 4W/D will not shift to 4wd drive; the light comes on but no 4/wd. Any idea why?
22nd Dec 2009, 17:16
Bought my Escape 2003 brand new 7 years ago, 127,900 miles put on this auto, and beside a scheduled 4,000 miles oil change, haven't any problem yet.
I'm still running the original transmission fluid, and the transmission is working like new. Is a 3.0 V6 a greater car, I bought a 2008 and it's working excellent also.
8th May 2010, 11:44
I bought my 2001 Ford Escape 5 years ago. It is awesome and I love it. I bought it with 44k; now it has 102k, but I have a problem with the air sensors. I know that I have to change one of them, but I don't know which one. The check engine light is on and the machine says that it's the gas cap. I changed it for a new one, but still not working... I don't know what to do now; does anyone know???
9th Oct 2006, 23:01
I own a 2001 Ford Escape XLT with over 120,000 miles on it. I replaced the transmission during the first month of ownership (covered by warranty) and have not had a single problem with it since. Love the car.