Anybody have a Ford Escape? We might buy one but wonder about reliability.?

Answer 1

Good little SUV.. You did not say if you were buying new or used.. I would try to go 2005 or newer. A common weak link that I know of is the CD4E automatic transmission behind the V6.. It was originally built for the 4 cyl Ford Probe and the early year model Escapes had lot's of torque converter problems.. (too much motor for the trans). If you are not planning to tow anything and are not heavy footed on the gas you should be OK with a newer model. They also had problems on the 2001 and early 02s with corrosion on the fuel tank connections.. That was corrected with a recall.. If you buy one that old be sure it has been repaired. The Escape is the same as a Mazda Tribute, and I would also look at the Mazda then buy which of the two you like best and can get the best deal on.. That said the Escape drives great and has a large following.. See the Escape Central forum for lot's of info..

Answer 2

I'm not sure what that AutoZone guy is talking about, those were all recall campaigns for the early 2001 (part of the reason I don't ever go there). But, I own a 2001 Escape (bought it used) and since December, I've put on 20,000 miles (The vehicle currently has 115,000 miles) and the only thing I've had to do that didn't relate to regular maintence was I had to change a universal joint because it started squeaking really bad.
I looked at the entire vehicle and everything is pretty much factory installed. Granted, with the mileage and the fact that I live on a dirt road, I'll probably have to change the tie rod ends (Typical dirt road wear and tear).
As for fuel mileage, I have the V6 engine, and the EPA says I'm supposed to get 18mpg, but I've been averaging about 23mpg.

I give the Escape five stars in quality and excellence.

Answer 3

I'm not sure what this autozone guy is talking about, it's probably one of the best small suvs out there. Maybe he inhales too many fumes unloading the autozone parts trucks!

Answer 4

i believe the escape is really a mazda. if u want to know about a car, go to library and read consumer reports auto edition. it will tell u all about how it has acted in the past based on the submissions by 1000's of owners. good luck.

Answer 5

Daughter has one. She and her husband have put about 80K miles on it and haven't had any problems what-so-ever. Maintenance has been performed at the dealership.

Answer 6

This will really help you out: http://autos.yahoo.com/ford_escape-reviews_user/

You can also check out the specs and pictures here: http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escape/

Answer 7

As an employee at Autozone, I MUST tell you to not even think about buying it!!!! We have ford dealers comming to us because their own parts division is seriously back ordered. Problem areas include, but are not limited to; premature failure of ball joints resulting in sudden loss of steering, Injector seals leaking resulting in under hood fire, premature front/rear main seal blow out resulting in fire, transmission failure caused by faulty/defective internal gear adjustment,electrical fire in dash caused by faulty wiring from factory, premature air bag deployments caused by hitting ruts in road, or durring snow plowing, front wheel studs snapping off due to use of incorrect torque used on lug nuts resulting in wheel falling off, stripped rear axle gearing caused by different spare tire diameter as opposed to the other four mounted factory rim sizes, causing damage to transfer cases on 4x4 models, and the list simply goes on and on and on. Please go to your local book store and purchase a copy of Consumer Reports Guide to new and Used Cars and Trucks. In this book, you will find all you need to know reguarding any vehicle you may be thinking about purchasing. It lists all factory trouble/safety issues, and the like. Good luck.