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 81 through 90 of 182.00

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  A worthy choice - 2002 Ford Escape
  By jb - April 3 - 4:22 pm

  Our 02 Escape has been pretty good to us. We have had to bring it in for service multiple times on some recurring problems/nuisances that didnt affect the way the car handles (loose air bag light wires, driver visor mirror, jammed CD changer). Overall this SUV is perfect for our family of 4 (2 adults, two young boys). In hindsight, should have bought leather seats since the cloth gets too dirty with the kids. Plenty of cargo room for large stroller, luggage, etc. V6 engine is a must. V4 (tested, not purchased) was way weak.

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  Hard to find manual transmission SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Midwesterner - March 31 - 10:00 am

  We looked long and hard for an SUV with a manual transmission. The 2002 Escape has met our expectations and then some. Easy and fun to drive.

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  much better than expected - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tekawiz - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed better than expected in all areas, especially in fuel efficiency. I get about 26 mpg. Engine performs well and is smooth for 4 cylinder. I can go over 400 miles on a full tank of gas. Plenty of power to get up exteneded hill climbs and performes well on winding roads. Turning radius is excellent, an unexpected surprise.

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  this car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By matt - March 7 - 6:01 pm

  This is quit possibly the worst truck Ive ever driven. The brakes are horrible. We had to replace the rotors at 32,000 miles. It handles like a barn on wheels. The CD changer went out and had to be replaced. The drivers window makes a horrible screaching sound going up and down. There are so many noises the dealership couldnt even figure it out for 3 months! The transaxle damper went out and it took Ford 4 months to get a part. Road noise is terrible and it eats tires. But its cute! I hate to say it but Ford could learn something from our foreign compitors. Oh yah DONT buy one!

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  Engine trashed at 2400 miles - 2002 Ford Escape
  By airbearma - February 15 - 2:00 am

  One of the biggest points on me buying the Escape was the "supposed" reliability of the Duratec 3.0 V6. I had this engine in my 96 Taurus for 175,000 trouble free miles. At 1400 miles, I changed oil and checked all fluids personally. At 2450 miles, I had an 1/8 inch oil slick in my antifreeze reservoir. Dealer is replacing the motor with a new one.

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  Bad Engine - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Ed Monk - January 2 - 11:28 am

  I was a fan of this vehicle until the engine self-destructed at 47,000 miles, by throwing a rod and tearing apart the engine. And this after buying it new and changing the oil every 3,000 miles, like clockwork. When I pay over $20k for a new car, I expect over 50,000 miles and 3 years out of the car.

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  Cant wait to trade this in! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Momof1 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I cant wait to trade this in and get rid of it for a Honda Accord. I purchased this in July. The interior is just plain cheap. If you are looking for luxury forget it here. The seats are so cheap I feel like my back is killing me when I get to my destination. I dont feel safe with my child in the back. The back doors seem to be really thin. I have had this stall several times on me. I just dont feel safe in this car it doesnt seem hefty and it is so cheap! The only good thing about it is the basic size and the CD player. Good gas milage but I would trade that for a little more heft in the doors that are feather light.

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  Glad I bought the extended warranty - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Mike Zac - November 13 - 1:32 am

  Ok, its a great little SUV. Quick and peppy. But I am putting my $1500 extended warranty to use! In the last year I have replaced the master cylinder, the torque converter, the oil oan and gasket, a burned up exhaust valve, front brakes and rotors (twice!) and have it in now to replace the timing belt cover. It is dripping oil on the exhaust manifold and I am afraid I will be roadside BBQ soon. My warranty company has shelled about $5000 on the fixes so far!

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  Not bad .. not great - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Labmutt - November 8 - 10:17 am

  Nice styling handles well in bad weather A LOT of wind and road noise front brakes are terrible, rotors are throw-aways CD4E transmission has its share of troubles one recall so far, plus a sensor under the hood went bad.

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  HELP - 2002 Ford Escape
  By STANMONT9919 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  BROUGHT BACK SEVERAL TIMES TO GET ORDOR OUT OF VENTILATION SYSTEM, NO LUCK TO DATE. SMELLS (MOLDY) LIKE "STINKY FEET" OR "ROTTEN EGG", HORRIBLE. ALSO WHEN COMING TO COMPLETE STOP, FRONT END (BRAKES) MAKE A CLUNKING SOUND. FORD ENGINEER STATES THAT COMMON TO ESCAPES??