Overview & Reviews

Additional standard equipment makes the 2002 Ford Escape an even better value. XLS models get a dual-media cassette/CD stereo, while XLT adds a V6 engine, privacy glass, power driver seat and an in-dash six-CD changer. New Sport packages also debut. The XLS Sport includes 15-inch alloy wheels with larger tires, side-step bars, Sport-embroidered floor mats and dark tinted privacy glass. The XLT Sport, new for 2002, provides, in addition to XLS Sport equipment, a special No Boundaries roof rack system and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with meatier rubber. Four new colors are also available.

• Strong V6 engine, comfortable cabin, plenty of cargo space, car-like road manners.

• Lacks the off-road capability of a truck-based SUV, barely adequate base engine, shoddy build quality, unimpressive interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 182.00

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  Outstanding - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Motcee - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a great looking truck both inside and out. It is as comfortable as a car, handles like one and boy does it have some get up and go. This is my third suv. The other two were broncos. They handled like trucks but being an suv person, I liked them anyway. I thought I would miss the room in the broncos but the escape is perfect. I find myself thinking up errands to run just to drive it. I am more than satisfied with it.

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  Lost a customer - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Annette S. - November 17 - 7:44 pm

  After purchasing my truck I had costly repairs the very first year. Over the next 3yrs the truck had been great until last friday Nov 13th, when my truck had an electrical fire! Please be careful Escape owners, the truck was off and I was not inside when it caught fire. Never again will I own another Ford vehicle due to Ford not taking onwership of the problems with their vehicles.

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  Best Small SUV Value Period - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tater - November 14 - 10:00 am

  After driving several small SUVs and trying to find the best overall value, we decided on the Ford Escape. Our last Ford SUV, which was a Bronco II, was 14 years old, and still running great. However, we needed 4 doors instead of 2 for our family and the Escape filled the bill. We checked out all of the usual sources, and everyone gave it glowing reviews, except for Consumer Reports which favors Japaneese automakers in general. The Escape has as much interior room as the Ford Explorer Sport 2 door and has more space than the Toyota Rav4 and others. We hope to keep our Escape at least 10 years, maybe more.

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  60k miles and a repair nightmare - 2002 Ford Escape
  By NoMoreFords - November 11 - 4:03 pm

  Purchased new and it ran great, then things started to happen. 10K - Lose molding on the roof. Rear wiper does not touch the window. 40K - 6-disc player stopped working. 50k - 3 coils out of 6 had to be replaced. Windows started squeaking when opening and closing. 65k - Replaced oil pan gasket due to leak, and then two month later the oil pan due to stripped plug. 70k Replaced all three catalytic converters (they were plugged up). 70k - Replaced leaky water pump. Replaced cracked alternator. I give up...

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  Great Escape! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By slowrunner - November 2 - 2:00 am

  About 3500 miles thus far and no problems. My 2002 Escape is a very good ride and handles the road and cornering very well. The car platform helps with quick maneuvering. The Escape is my first SUV and Im enjoying every ride, especially with the coming of winter.

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  ok - 2002 Ford Escape
  By salgama1021 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  its power is very good and handling

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  Ford Escape XLT - 2002 Ford Escape
  By tman7773 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with my Escape purchase. The Escape came along at the right time. Its an affordable alternative for someone who likes the idea of a full sized SUV, but cant yet easily afford one. The Escape is powerful, masculine, distinctive looking and priced just right. It handles like a car, but feels like a truck when your sitting in it.

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  lacks reliability and quality components - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Rachel - October 1 - 7:51 am

  I bought this 4 yrs ago, used. So far I have had to fix the AC/heater 3 times, fix the parking brake twice (soon to be 3 times as its going out again) and replace both the transmission and the CD player. And now theres an electric problem that is causing my emergency brake light and emissions system warning lights to come on for no reason, as well as causing failures in my CD player, dashboard lights, and gas gauge.

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  Looks are not Everything - 2002 Ford Escape
  By lair - September 12 - 1:03 am

  The transmission died at 54k , replacement cost: 3k, The alternator died at 72k replacement cost: $600. The fifth door does not open on hot days. Either I bought a lemon or its just a typical American built car, and thats all it is, mainly because it has the same transmission as the ford contour (why would ford use a car transmission in a 200hp SUV?). It looks great though, Just engineered stupidly. I trust my 1995 Toyota pick-up more than this piece of junk. Now, on the bright side, it truly is a nice ride and the interior, sound system and all the rest is great. [just beware it will break down on you].

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  Its a Keeper! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Kbirch - September 8 - 10:27 pm

  Bought the car used with 13,000 miles. It gets 17mpg city, 20 mixed and 24 highway. I hope to drive it to 200,000 miles if the NY winters dont get to body/hardware first. It still drives/shifts as smooth as the day I picked it up back in 03. REPAIRS: I have had to replace the rear wiper motor at 60K, both front end tie rods at 70K and drivers side wheel bearing at 72K. Overall, no complaints though. Its a very reliable, fun car to drive and strongly recommend it for those looking for an subcompact SUV