Overview & Reviews

The Escape is Ford's new SUV. Smaller in size than the Explorer (and dwarfed by an Excursion), the 2001 Ford Escape competes in the same class as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Its main calling cards are an optional V6 engine and a large interior.

• Strong V6 engine, plenty of interior space, car-like road manners.

• Lacks the off-road capability of a truck-based SUV, barely adequate base engine, unknown reliability.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 161.00

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  2 transmissions in 114k miles - 2001 Ford Escape
  By t collins - April 21 - 12:49 pm

  Replaced transmission at 83k miles with rebuilt ford trans which went out at 114k miles. That was about 2 weeks ago and service writer says he is waiting to put it on a lift because they are all full. I have put approx. $15,000 into various repairs on this vehicle despite extended coverage nothing is ever under warranty.

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  A Big Black Eye - 2001 Ford Escape
  By acaboo - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This was our first new car and very excited to order it just as we wanted it. Loaded! At 13,800 we now need a new transmission. Our dealer has not even called us and the Escape has been in their shop for two weeks today. I called and inquired why no one had bothered to update us and was told the salesman "must have forgot". The transmission problem has left me on the side of the road for the second time and if I have my way.....it will be the last chance it and any Ford dealership will get. Not Happy!!!

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  2001 Ford Escape 4x4 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By karenpatt - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ford quality is unreliable. I have had transmission issues. All hardware seems to go at 40K mark, tires too. Multiple transmission issues. I feel like a Toyota would be a great alternative to this SUV. Looks great, drives horribly.

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  Weird noises and smells - 2001 Ford Escape
  By runnerboy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  At first the Escape was great. That only lasted about 2,000 miles. My wiper motor gave out on me coming down a mountain in a downpour, ended up a recall. Smelled gas with the air on, said the brand new air conditioning had bacteria and fungus growing in it, cleaned the cabin air filter, no smell, for a while. Noises in the front end, ended up being loose bolts in the steering, noise is back again. Low coolant light comes on, car out of warranty, Extended contract should cover, doesnt, waste of money, dont bother. Cant get road grime out of plastic underpinnings and the interior is looking really worn.

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  Never buy the first model of a car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Brandy - July 28 - 7:10 pm

  I made the mistake of buying an Escape a few months after it came out. I loved it until it stalled on the interstate after only 25,000 miles. Now that it has 115,000 miles, I have replaced 7 sensors, the alternator, the radiator overflow cup, an engine valve, two sets of brakes, and two sets of tires. Not to mention it was recalled three different times as well. I had it tuned up three out of the four years I have had it, but it didnt help. I also hate the gear shifter being in the way of the radio since I have knocked it into neutral on several occassions while trying to change the station. Since this car has been so "reliable", I am switching to a Honda or Toyota soon.

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  Many problems - 2001 Ford Escape
  By kfeels - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Transmission broke down at 42,000 miles. Had to take to various dealers until finally the dealer we bought it from agreed to pay for half the repair cost for a new transmission. Very disappointed with the attitude I received from some dealers. I was told that the reason the transmission broke was that the fluid was not changed at 30,000. I find that hard to believe since other Escape owners also were having transmission problems. We are shopping for a safer car and will not consider a Ford.