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:
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Buy this and your repair shop will know you by name! - 2002 Ford Escape
By dylywylly - July 27 - 5:06 pmI will start with the positives. It really is a fun car to drive, when it is not in the shop. The negatives, it is always in the shop. I bought this car two years ago and from day two it has had problems. It was first something in the 4x4 that was leaking that was a $400 fix. Then came the first oil leak (yes I have had three!) that was another $150 to repair. After that it was something in my front axle that was causing my car to pull like it was out of alignment. New front axle and $600 I though the car was good to go again. After that it was my break line that broke, it left me break-less in a ND winter. And many more! In short dont buy this car! It is yellow, like the lemon it is.
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60k miles and a repair nightmare - 2002 Ford Escape
By NoMoreFords - November 11 - 4:03 pmPurchased 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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lacks reliability and quality components - 2002 Ford Escape
By Rachel - October 1 - 7:51 amI 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 amThe 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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Average - 2002 Ford Escape
By Carol - June 11 - 1:52 pmI 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.
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No more Fords for me - 2002 Ford Escape
By kathy - April 26 - 11:23 pmI love driving my Escape. I am short and can see out of it better than anything Ive driven before. The electrical problems are driving me crazy. After many visits to the dealer, they finally found that caulk had come loose and I had a gallon of water on my fuse box. Supposedly resealed and replaced the fuse box. Two months later I had it back in for the same problems, radio going off and on by itself, even when car is off, horn going off, trouble lights on for no reason. Said they cant find any problems and gave it back to me unfixed. Have contacted Ford and they wont do anything to help, so am buying a Honda on Monday. Im sorry to say that Ford has lost another customer.
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Transmission Problems Buyer Beware - 2002 Ford Escape
By Sis - December 9 - 3:47 pmFun to drive when running. Not fun to pay for a new transmission. Was told that the Escape has a poor transmission and it reflected that when it died after the warranty had expired. Found out that others are having the same problem with their Ford Escapes via internet research. Buyer beware - transmission very poor.
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Know Your Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
By CWT - July 31 - 10:00 amOrdered 2002 Escape XLT 4x4 with every option. Dealer didnt have one in stock, so couldnt see one before ordering. Expected interior to be similar to my F-150 SuperCrew Lariat...bad assumption! It is extremely cheap, uncomforatable, and noisy. (see suggestions below). This is a highly cost-engineered vehicle that is a latent entry designed to compete with the highly-successful Honda CR-V. In looking around, Ive discovered the Escape re-sale value is weak, and I would probably go with the Hyundai Santa Fe if I were to buy another mini-SUV.
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Long List of Problems - 2002 Ford Escape
By Bad luck ford - May 2 - 10:00 amBought 2001 XLT loaded escape Dec. 2000. After 4000 km. Serpentine belt idler pulley fell off. 8000km smelt burnt oil inside cab. Dealer replaced complete engine! Neighbour bought same vehicle same problem. Replaced jammed seat carriage. Hgh spd vibration in front end. Rebushed something and balance tires(Pour PDI) Plastic kick plate mouldings were replaced (needs mud flaps from factory) CD player jammed, deck replaced. Very poor quality job done by Ford. Dealer did rebate some cash and provide adaquate service each and every time this vehicle was in the shop (way too much shop time) Needs new engine coolant level sensor...on and on. Gas milage poor.
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Cant wait to trade this in! - 2002 Ford Escape
By Momof1 - December 12 - 2:00 amI 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.
