2004 Ford Escape Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the Ford Escape as a used buy. The Ford Escape is one of the last old-school small 4WDs. It was designed as a genuine SUV not a crossover, meaning it has upright styling and works pretty well in off-road conditions. It's the result of collaboration between Ford USA and Mazda Japan having been

SUVs like the Ford Escape have become firm family favourites having replaced the traditional station wagon and in many cases the regular family four-door.Launched in 2001 the Escape was Ford’s main weapon in the emerging SUV war before the Territory was launched. It’s now a second-string model to the bigger Territory, but is still a popular compact off-roader with families not wanting or needing the size of the Territory.MODEL WATCH The Escape was a close cousin of the Mazda Tribute. Apart from some minor styling changes and specification variations they were essentially the same vehicle. A mid-sized wagon, the Escape was reasonably roomy and would accommodate five in relative comfort. At the time of its launch the interior came in for quite a deal of criticism for its tacky plastics with a mish-mash of clashing tones and textures.Under the bonnet of all Escape models was a double overhead camshaft 60-degree 3.0-litre V6 engine that punched out peaks of 150 kW at 5900 revs and 266 Nm at 4700 revs. With that sort of punch on tap the Escape had plenty of get up and go when needed. When asked it would accelerate to 100 km/h in a little over 10 secs, and would sprint 400 metres in 17 secs. Backing up the V6 was a four-speed automatic transmission with a rather clunky column shift. For better control when needed it could be shifted manually and the gears could be held so they didn’t upshift at the wrong moment.Like most compact SUVs the Escape was essentially designed as a high riding front-wheel drive wagon, but with a viscous coupling that directed drive to the rear wheels as required. For more control in adverse conditions a diff-lock could be introduced that locked the coupling at the push of a button and distributed the drive equally between the front and the rear wheels.On the road the Escape handled all road conditions with poise, and its steering was well weighted and responsive if lacking feel around centre. The ride was comfortable with larger bumps swallowed up with ease and smaller ones dismissed with just a little feedback to those in the cabin.Ford offered the Escape in a choice of three well-equipped models. The XLS kicked off the range and boasted air, power windows, tilt column, remote central locking, and four-speaker CD sound. Next up line the XLT got cruise, cargo net, driver’s seat height adjustment, a vanity mirror, engine immobiliser, and alarm and fog lamps. Perched atop the range there was the Limited with leather trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and electric sunroof.IN THE SHOP Most Escapes are used for family transport and aren’t subjected to hard offroad use, but check anyway. Outside, check for damage to the paint and body from offroad use on bush tracks, while underneath look for evidence of heavier offroad driving. Look for flattened brackets, battered exhaust hangers, dents in the floorpan, a bashed oil pan and suspension damage. Mechanically there are few reports of trouble; the engine, gearbox and driveline all seem to be standing up well in service.IN A CRASH With a capable chassis, decent brakes, and four-wheel drive the Escape has a good active safety package. Early XLS models didn’t have ABS, but all models boasted the important safety system after the 2003 ZA update. All models had dual front airbags, while the Limited also had side airbags for added protection. The rear seat centre passenger had to make do with a lap belt only.AT THE PUMP The Escape is most often criticized for its fuel consumption; it’s something a potential buyer should be aware of as many find out only after laying down their hard-earned. Look for 13 L/100 km on average around town and 8-9 L/100 km on the highway, but don’t be surprised to find it doing 14-16 L/100 km in regular use.OWNERS SAY Steven Boyle and his wife bought a 2005 ZB Escape XLS with 14,000 km on the clock. They regularly tow a boat weighing around 1400 kg and while they say the fuel consumption rises and the performance drops when the boat is on the back, they say it handles the load well and there’s enough punch left for overtaking. In everyday use they say it is easy to drive, is comfortable, the control layout is good, and longer trips are no strain on either driver or passengers. They say the fit and finish is of a good quality and there are no annoying squeaks or rattles. Their only complaints are that the fuel consumption is high, there’s a slight wind noise from the front drivers side, the cruise control is not very refined, and the factory underbody treatment was not adequate and they had to have it done themselves. Overall they say it does all they ask of it and that it has been very reliable.Darren Greenwood has had his Escape XLT five years and has done 70,000 trouble free kilometres in it. He was looking for a small to mid-sized wagon when he bought it, but the Escape seemed to be well priced given the equipment it came with. He doesn’t agree with the criticism he’s heard of the column shift and the centre armrest, saying you get used to it and the centre armrest is quite large and useful for storage. The V6, he says, has plenty of punch and averages about 10 L/100 km. It’s done a bit of off roading and been to the snow a few times, although there’s been no serious bush bashing. The handling isn’t up to car standard, but if it’s not pushed too hard you don’t notice it. He says it’s roomy, he likes the high driving position with the visibility it gives, and getting the kids in and out is a breeze.LOOK FOR • Gutsy performer, but thirsty• Roomy inside• Rides and handles well• Effective four-wheel drive• High driving positionTHE BOTTOM LINE • Capable, roomy and gutsy performer, but can be very thirsty.RATING 70/100

They are essentially the same, but until now the Escape has only come with a V6, while the Tribute was available with either the six or a four-cylinder. Ford Australia officials said they weren't happy with the four on offer from Japan and decided to wait until a new 2.3-litre version arrived.Now it's here, and both the Tribute and Escape are available with the same V6 and four-cylinder engines.We chose the more rugged-looking Escape to test the new four-cylinder, but any potential customers should have a look at both cars before they sign on the dotted line.With a $31,990 starting price, the four-cylinder Escape offers a $2000 saving against the V6 model.The Escape makes use of an on-demand all-wheel-drive system – when the front wheels start losing traction, up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear.If the going gets stickier, there's a dash-mounted switch to lock the powertrain, turning the Escape into a 50:50 all-wheel-drive machine.This wagon is not for rough and tumble work, but it is not beyond a dash up the beach or climbing a muddy track for a better view.About 80 per cent of compact softroaders sold in Australia last year were four-cylinder machines, which suggests this version of the Escape could be popular, especially if petrol prices stay high.The advantages here over the V6 are the purchase price and savings on the fuel bill; the four should average about 10 litres per 100km (better than that on long cruises), while the V6 is closer to 13 litres per 100km.The 2.3-litre Escape four-cylinder is not a rocket-ship, with 108kW at 6000 revs and 201Nm at 4500 revs.It is linked to a four-speed automatic gearbox with a column shift.The 2004 Escape's suspension is much the same as when the Escape first appeared. But among a couple of revisions this year, the front damper valves are bigger and the stabiliser control links have been repositioned.ON THE ROADThe four-cylinder Escape is smart and cheerful. The price is right, and it has a decent amount of youthful charm, bright colours and lifestyle versatility.The four-cylinder engine is adequate, though it is a little noisy when pressed for that last bit of power and lacks the punch of the V6.The Escape is a light machine around town and on the highway. This is good and bad.It is agile in tighter spots but it is light on the open road where more road noise drifts into the cabin and the suspension is not quite as fluid.And that cabin, while quite workable, verges on the cheap side in the plastics. The stereo does not match some of its rivals.But the Escape does a good job for the money, important at this end of the market.There is ambivalence about that column shift, mounted on the left, for the four-speed auto. Not much space is saved because there's still a centre console and handbrake lever. So it's sort of cute but not always as convenient as a T-bar auto.The auto has some refinement, though it may start hunting if pushed around and changes can be abrupt under pressure, as when climbing with a load. It's best to let it find its own pace and switch the overdrive off. This is done with a button in the end of the gear lever.The drive system depends on the front wheels scrabbling for traction before the back pair lend a hand. On some starts, even on dry bitumen, there can be a little too much of this front-drive action before the back kicks in.Once the drive split is sorted, the Escape bowls along at a merry pace.As with most compact all-drivers, it can be fun on a dirt track. When the stuff gets too thick, it's best to slow down and lock in the four-wheel-drive equally to the four 16-inch wheels, shod here with 215/70 R16 rubber.The suspension changes improve the ride and the Escape also has more feel to the steering, which is always positive and direct.There's some body roll if the wagon is thrown too quickly or too hard into turns. Best to make it a slow, gentle approach into the corner, then power out. It is an accommodating wagon with comfortable space for four adults.The four-cylinder Escape, for all its versatility as a part-time all-wheel driver, is more a lifestyle runabout machine than a head-for-the-hills adventurer.THE BOTTOM LINEA tidy package for the money, best used by young singles or couples or as a second car. Would struggle with a family and all their gear aboard.

The popular mid-sized softroader is based on subsidiary Mazda's Tribute but until now Mazda has had four cylinder territory to itself (excuse the pun), because Ford decided initially that it didn't want the four – only the V6 thanks.That was then and back then it was a 2.0-litre four, but now the engine has grown to a larger, more powerful and much more appealing 2.3-litre unit.Ford has snapped up the engine which its says will give it "a vital weapon in the burgeoning compact 4WD market segment".It points out that 80 per cent of compact 4WDs sales last year were four cylinder powered vehicles.Ergo a four cylinder Escape means that it can go head to head with market leader Nissan X-Trail.There is not much difference mechanically between the four cylinder Escape and Tribute, but we reckon the Ford has a slight edge in the looks department.Brighter colours especially give the Escape a more sporty appearance.The Ford also seems to handle a little better, no doubt due to local suspension tuning.The 2.3-litre DOHC four-cylinder engine produces 108kW of power at 6000rpm and 201Nm of torque at 4500rpm.It uses a Variable Intertia-charging System (VIS) for better torque and fuel economy throughout the rev range.Both four cylinder and V6 engines are mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, although the tranny in the four employs slightly different ratios.Brakes are discs front and drums back and ABS with electronic brake force distribution is standard.On the road four cylinder Escape is surprisingly quick off the mark and the more you drive it the better it seems to get.The big plus is the price and of course lower fuel consumption which is rated at 10.3L/100km compared to 12.2L for the V6.Both vehicles share the same on "on-demand" all- wheel drive system.In normal driving, the system transfers up to 50 per cent of engine power to the rear ensuring maximum grip when wheel slip is detected.If the going gets really rough you can lock up the distribution of torque evenly between the front and back.A dash-mounted switch activates an electro- magnetic coupling.Even in wet conditions the vehicle remains very tidy and with generous ground clearance can handle rougher dirt tracks, but with no low range it is no rock hopper.Standard equipment is generous but we were a little disappointed to set no lap/sash seatbelt for the centre rear passenger.The Escape 2.3-litre XLS is priced from $31,990.

The impressive locally designed and built Territory is attracting rave reviews, well ahead of its official on-sale date of June 1.Its arrival comes hot on the heels of similar praise for German-built Ford Fiesta, which is amongst the best small cars under $20,000.In between these class-leading models, the blue oval has also weighed into the compact SUV market with a four-cylinder Escape.A close relative of the Mazda Tribute, Escape has mild styling, specification and pricing changes for the V6 models to breathe life into sales of the small soft roader.But its the new four-cylinder that will attract most customer attention especially because of its introductory price of $29,990 – $2000 off the official price.This and the four-cylinder engine pit Escape directly against smaller compact SUVs like CR-V, Forester and X-Trail. It's also thousands of dollars less than its twin from Mazda.Ford could have introduced a four-cylinder engine when Escape was launched three years ago, but they chose to reject the engine that was available at the time.It was an under-powered two litre variant and that decision has been justified by the lack of buyer interest shown in Tribute models carrying that unit.The new 2.3 four cylinder has good performance with commendable fuel economy.That is great news for Ford because four-cylinder engines account for about 80 per cent of sales in the compact SUV segment.As a result, Ford is expecting to boost Escape sales significantly with this new unit.Maximum power of 108kW is reached at 6000rpm while peak torque is a useful 201Nm at 4500rpm.Plant the foot on the accelerator pedal and the new engines variable intake system ensures it responds spiritedly all the way through the low and mid ranges.There is no need to push the rev counter beyond about 5000rpm and not much really happens up there anyway, except that the engine starts to sound a little harsh.It is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, with column-shift system. Ford does not offer a manual gearbox.Handling benefits from the lower weight of the new engine compared with the 3.0-litre V6. The 2.3-litre Escape is well balanced.Turn-in is sharp and there is a good on-centre feel.The Escape's on-demand all-wheel drive system is unchanged, but there are refinements to dampers and anti-roll bar links as the result of local testing.Four-cylinder Escape comes with a new mechanical brake-assist system, while the material used for brake pads across the range has been improved to reduce noise and wear.The Escape range now consists of the four-cylinder XLS, plus V6-powered XLS,XLT and Limited models.The interior package has been updated and all models now offer better value with equipment upgrades either with price reductions or, at worst, no additional charge.Early indications are that the public has responded to the introduction of the four-cylinder XLS Escape – a vehicle with a willing engine and tempting value for money.

If you just arrived on Planet Earth, let me inform you that the Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape are practically the same vehicles.This may amaze you, but equally, the fact that you're from another planet will guarantee to take my breath away.But back to 4WDs. Both are soft-roader wagons with similar mechanical bits and a mid-sized body that will seat four adults – but better for two or three kids – and some luggage.It is, in fact, the EH or HR Holden of the 1960s, but with seatbelts and airbags.You may add that the latest wagons also have 4WD so they go anywhere. Obviously you never met my father at the wheel of the HR wagon because he made that thing go everywhere.The Ford Escape picks up on the Mazda theme with a taut body and neatly structured looks, a pleasant and simple cabin and the versatility of folding rear seats.It adds the welcome feature of a flip-up rear glass window, independent of the lift-up hatch. This trick is also common to the Mazda Tribute and another of my favourites, the Kia Sorento.What we have now is a compact 4WD with handy ideas suited perfectly to its major buyer, the urban warrior who has duties at school, the shopping centre and the hell of early morning Mitchell Freeway commuting.Ford and Mazda have been keen to publicise their lusty V6 engine, but this time we're testing the four-cylinder version.Straight up, I'd buy the 2.3-litre four-cylinder over the V6.After three hours getting very dirty near York on a gravel off-road track and then coping with city traffic, the 2.3-litre with four-speed automatic gearbox took it all with ease.The engine – a derivative of that in the Mazda6 and Mazda3 SP23 – boasts strong low-end torque and a free-revving nature.It also got 9.8-litres/100km which was a lot better than the V6. Everything else in the Escape is similar to the V6 version.The drivetrain is front drive with a viscous coupling that connects the rear wheels.If the front wheels lose some grip, this coupling sends power to the rear. It'll do this up to a 50:50 split between front axle and rear axle.That's pretty much on par with the "soft roader" industry but the Ford Escape gets better by allowing the driver to lock in this 50:50 split merely by pressing a dashboard button. It allows the wagon to drive more confidently on gravel roads and spells some level of assurance in soft sand.This is one of the best soft-roader compact 4WDs in the sand but I'd temper that by saying that you shouldn't travel without backup. The tyres have to be deflated and the boot needs the addition of recovery gear.The Escape is appreciated because of its uncluttered simplicity.It is as easy as a Corolla to drive, has excellent visibility, is very comfortable and even feels sporty through the country road corners.