Ford wasn't about to let Honda and Toyota have all the fun when the small SUV segment started going into full swing. The Escape launched in 2001, and was larger than the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4, not to mention decidedly more rugged and truck-like to look at. Though late to the mini-ute party, Escape turned out to be a success story.
Escape was a real-life SUV- intended for owners who wanted the capability and stance of a larger machine, but who didn't necessarily plan to tackle weekend mud-bogs or hill-climbs on a regular basis. As a result, Escape was available with all wheel drive, though it drove the front wheels by default. The all wheel drive system was of the automatic variety- engaging when needed to maximize traction and eliminating the worry of turning the system on and off manually.
The entire package rode a car-like unibody structure and four-wheel independent suspension, the end result being a reasonably comfortable and car-like ride in a type of machine that could often leave occupants jarred and shaken.
Selection is comprehensive, and if shopping for a used Escape, you'll find plenty of drivetrain options. Early base models got power from a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, which was changed for a 2.3 liter unit in 2005 amidst several other updates. Owners of four-cylinder powered models seem to enjoy very reasonable fuel mileage, especially in the front-wheel-drive configuration. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on four-cylinder powered models, with a four-speed automatic available.
A three-liter V6 was optional throughout the Escape's first generation, delivering 200 horsepower for more capable passing or towing. The V6 engine came standard with the automatic gearbox. Towing capacity was possible- up to about 3,500 lbs if equipped properly.
Escape also came in a hybrid-powered model, which boasted excellent fuel mileage and a place as the first-ever production hybrid SUV. The Hybrid was available in front or four wheel drive as well, though a CVT transmission was used for power delivery.
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| 2003 Ford Escape |
Escape was a real-life SUV- intended for owners who wanted the capability and stance of a larger machine, but who didn't necessarily plan to tackle weekend mud-bogs or hill-climbs on a regular basis. As a result, Escape was available with all wheel drive, though it drove the front wheels by default. The all wheel drive system was of the automatic variety- engaging when needed to maximize traction and eliminating the worry of turning the system on and off manually.
The entire package rode a car-like unibody structure and four-wheel independent suspension, the end result being a reasonably comfortable and car-like ride in a type of machine that could often leave occupants jarred and shaken.
Selection is comprehensive, and if shopping for a used Escape, you'll find plenty of drivetrain options. Early base models got power from a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine, which was changed for a 2.3 liter unit in 2005 amidst several other updates. Owners of four-cylinder powered models seem to enjoy very reasonable fuel mileage, especially in the front-wheel-drive configuration. A five-speed manual transmission was standard on four-cylinder powered models, with a four-speed automatic available.
A three-liter V6 was optional throughout the Escape's first generation, delivering 200 horsepower for more capable passing or towing. The V6 engine came standard with the automatic gearbox. Towing capacity was possible- up to about 3,500 lbs if equipped properly.
Escape also came in a hybrid-powered model, which boasted excellent fuel mileage and a place as the first-ever production hybrid SUV. The Hybrid was available in front or four wheel drive as well, though a CVT transmission was used for power delivery.
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| 2003 Ford Escape |