Overview:
This weeks test car is the 2001 Ford Escape. It was developed with Mazda who sells the Tribute based on the same platform and power trains. Both SUV’s roll off the same assembly plant in Missouri. Ford owns part of Mazda.
I always complain about how difficult it is to get in and out of the typical full size SUV, but that isn’t true of this Escape. I think you’re going to like this version as much as I did. It’s the best in a long time. Nice going Ford.
Handling & Performance:
The 70.1 inch wide beam makes for good handling characteristics. Put up the jib mate and head into the wind, we’re going places. And we’ll burn less gas than most SUV’s, primarily because it’s a two-wheel drive. Contrary to what you’d expect, a 4X4 won’t get better mileage while in two-wheel drive, compared to a true 2-wheel drive vehicle like this front-wheel-drive Escape. However, if you just have to have a 4X4, it is available with Ford\’s Control Trac II 4-wheel-drive system.
Styling:
If it walks like a duck and quacks like one it probably is a duck. This looks like most other SUV’s even if it is only a 2-wheel drive, and it will be an effective SUV 95% of the time. It has nice lines but I don’t care for the side step bars. I couldn’t find a use for them. In effect they are only facades to give it that macho off road look.
Fit and Finish:
This Escape is put together very well and I tend to like it over the quality of the other competitors.
Conveniences:
You can opt for a tow package that will tow up to 3,500 pounds, contrasted with the CR-V, for example, with a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 pounds, and the RAV4 up to 1,500 pounds.
Cost:
Well priced because you get an SUV, granted on a smaller scale, but with lots of standard equipment and your operating costs will be less if you opt for the 4X2 drive train.
Consumer Recommendation:
There have been several manufacturers’ recalls, which are not only embarrassing, consumers will surely question the quality of this new model. I wouldn’t worry too much about the recalls, however, because they are minor issues. I tested the Jeep Cherokee and while I liked it a lot I got a better feeling driving this Escape. For the dough and all things being equal, this is the best of the competition.
The Competition:
Chevrolet Tracker $15,435-21,430, Honda CR-V $18,750-22,800, Jeep Cherokee $17,910-23,480, Kia Sportage $14,645-19,345, Mazda Tribute $17,210-23,430, Mitsubishi Montero Sport $22,747-32,777, Nissan Xterra $17,999-25,099, Subaru Forester $20,295-22,895, Suzuki Grand Vitara $18,399-22,999, Toyota RAV4 $16,365-17,765.
Good News:
Well priced, car-like ride, comfortable and spacious, powerful 200 hp V6 or a more fuel efficient 130 hp 4 cylinder option, good handling and attractive styling.
Bad News:
Poorly placed ignition, early production Escapes had five safety-related recalls in five early months of sales, including wipers that could stop working, steering wheels could come loose, possible fuel line leakage and vehicle fires.
Standard Equipment:
Standard Equipment: 3.0 liter 200 hp V6 engine mated to a 4-speed auto trans front wheel drive (optionally a 4X4 is available and a 4-cylinder engine), power windows, door locks and mirrors, roof rack, rear window wiper/washer, cloth bucket front seats, 60/40 split rear seat, cruise control and tilt leather wrapped steering wheel, stereo with cassette and CD, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, 4-wheel ABS brakes, dual front and side air bags, power 6-way driver seat.
Gas Stats:
18 City and 24 Highway MPG.
Pricing:
MSRP $23,305.
