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 21 through 30 of 182.00

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  XLT 4WD Premium - 2002 Ford Escape
  By TRC - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 3000 miles on the XLT Premium I bought a month ago, and am very satisified with it. The V6 has plenty of power & a solid feel. Only downside is that Im averaging just over 20 mpg at 70 mph highway speeds. The ABS brakes are very smooth. It took a few tries to get the drivers seat adjusted right, but now its comfortable even on long drives. Plenty of cargo space with the seat folded, and flipping the seats is easy. Only problem so far was with the 6-disc CD changer. I loaded a disc but it wouldnt play or eject. A stereo tech replaced it in 5 minutes and the new one works great.

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  Good American Car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jane Johnson - June 22 - 11:51 am

  I first saw the Escape when it first arrived on the scene. I told my husband then that I wanted that car when I was ready to get another car. In 2002 I bought my first Escape. I have never had a sorry day. I love this car. It has 105000 miles on it now and its never been in the shop for more than the usual oil changes. I am older and therefore have a problem climbing out of most cars. With my Escape I can climb up and hop down. That is the main reason I wanted a small SUV. I also have a horse so this great car can carry all my horse equipment with no problem. I think American cars get a bum rap. I get 21 miles to the gallon highway (I drive 30 miles to work each way). luv it

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  Escape (or not) - 2002 Ford Escape
  By marco - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Great little SUV (crossover?). No repairs on XLT w/V6. Leather seats not that comfortable. A tad noisy inside. 20MPG (H/C). Good cargo capacity. Ignition switch is tough to find in the dark. Great CD/stereo. Great in the snow with upgraded "cross terrains"

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  1st time suv owner - 2002 Ford Escape
  By lc - December 7 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. I think they could have made the drivers seat a little more comfortable. It doesnt matter if I put the seat up higher, lower, forward, back, straight up, angled back Im still not to comfortable !! The rear windshield wiper doesnt touch the glass. Ive taken it in once for an oil change & told them that the rear wiper wasnt working properly. They said they fixed it & I got it back working worse than when I brought it in. Oh well, I never had a rear wiper before, so no big deal. runs smooth, handles great & looks cool !! I doubt that I will ever go back to a car again !!!

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  Great Kid Car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By MIKEH - October 14 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a fully loaded all Black XLT as my daughters first car. The car had 60K miles, and had one owner who obviously took good care of it. My daughter loves her first car and I feel secure that she has some size around her. While the gas mileage isnt great it is far from awful (about 18mpg). We havent had any issues with the car. Bottom line, no complaints from either of us.

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  02 Ford Escape 4 cyl/standard - 2002 Ford Escape
  By smokey2 - September 30 - 8:38 pm

  I bought this vehicle about a year ago as my first car after much thought, and I must say I made the right choice. I chose it for gas mileage and looks, and was able to get a great deal off craigslist. The required maintenence was pricy ($1000 for a new timing belt), but expected. The vehicle is spacious inside, while being able to fit in almost any parking spot and turning around in places other cars cant. The standard transmission is the way to go given the 4 cyls engine power.

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  excellent - 2002 Ford Escape
  By cafafd - September 7 - 10:00 am

  The Escape has been perfect. No problems. Its fast, comfortable, and very fun to drive, especially for a SUV.

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  Love my Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By LJ - June 30 - 8:43 pm

  I have had very few problems with my Escape other than the recall issues. Its in the shop now for a new alternator but that after six years and 219,000 miles of driving. Thumbs up!

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  To pull a Dodge out the ditch! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By nizzlejr - June 13 - 7:22 pm

  All I have to say is wow! Ford hit it pretty good with a cheap 4x4 to get around in the winters and summer in Canada. I have to say that the only real problems Ive had is changing a motor under warranty. Other then that my Escape has treated me well. Off road in this and youll be very surprised. Ive had the chance to go with Jeeps and such with no problems geting through the muck. Ford has put metal parts on this "truck" where you would see plastic, ie end links. Very strong SUV. Fuel economy is something to get used to but then what would you expect to get in a near 4000 pound vehicle? Tows great. Transmission is good. I plan to enjoy this "truck" for another few years yet.

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  Average - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Carol - June 11 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my Escape new. Ive had it 7 1/2 years & 75,000 miles+. The acceleration isnt too great. Handles well in snow and bad conditions. The last year or so, its needed a lot of repairs. The struts have been changed and it still has suspension issues (rattles). Recently both the clutch and the clutch master cylinder went out at the same time. A very costly repair (At 72, 000 miles). Two teenagers did learn to drive on it. But I expected it to go longer before needing costly repairs. It has been reliable getting me where I need to go. Doesnt like steep hills too much. And CIncinnati has those. I dont think Id buy another one though. Too many repairs needed too soon.