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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  A get around town car. Not one for a long journey. - 2001 Ford Escape
  By ilovedodge - October 7 - 7:03 pm

  The Ford Escape is a great car for getting around town its not great for going over 50 miles in one way. Maybe if your under 6 foot tall this car would be more comfortable, but for me, its not. Seat are kind of hard and dont provide much support. The front wheel drive makes it hard to handle. And its a bitch to control on windy days. The body is too narrow in comparison with its height.

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  If I had only known - 2001 Ford Escape
  By transyamber - August 29 - 1:33 pm

  I wish I had know that when I bought my 2001 Escape used in 2006 that the transmissions were so bad. I had to have the transmission rebuilt last year and am still paying for it. The bad part is it left me sitting beside the road last week. These are horrible transmissions to get worked on. Then they just break again. After $2000 and a complete rebuild the transmission died before there was 4000 miles on it! I do like it when its working right.

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  Fun to drive! But not exactly the best built - 2001 Ford Escape
  By candybandy - April 3 - 3:36 pm

  I love to drive our fun Escape! I love it sooo much! The problem is, it hasnt even reached 150K and its already causing more problems more than its worth. Around 70k one of the back door locks broke, and ever since then its been a downhill of brakes, tires, lights going out, fan belts, you name it. Right now our transmission is going out and Im very sad. Its parts act like its well over 200k but it looks almost brand new! I love the smooth ride of this and the quick turns it does. Its a great small SUV. Since this is a first year, I think if you bought a later model you would be better because they probably would have all the kinks out.

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  Good only under warranty - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Rick - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my fully loaded Escape new in January 2001 and though well maintained I have had nothing but problems since the warranty expired. Repairs: washer fluid sensor, stereo display, master cylinder, cv boots, cruise control, rear hatch lock, air conditioner. Interior trim pieces fall off faster than the mechanic can put them back on. The leather trim on the door panels is peeling off. Air conditioning sprang a leak at 38K miles and is leaking again for the third time. Various problems cause check engine light to come on intermittently. By far the WORST vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Good for a few years - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Matt - December 15 - 12:25 am

  I bought this car the first year it was introduced and really enjoyed it for the first 85,000 miles. Eventually several small things started happening radio sounds fine but the display hasnt worked in 18 months. Interior front door fabric material has come unglued on driver and passengers side. Factory installed tinting on drivers side window has bubbled. Have spent a couple hundred dollars 2-3 times in the last 6 months for engine related issues, and still the engine light comes on intermittently. In general Ive enjoyed the car, but its not built to last - at least the first year editions not.

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  Bad transmission - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Mark - December 3 - 2:23 pm

  So, bought one of these gently used from a friend, despite negative reviews. He had only put 68k miles on it after buying it new, and it was well maintained and clean. 2 months later, replaced the o2 sensor, and the transmission just went out. My wife loves the Escape, but the stories about the transmission are absolutely true.

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  Not worth payments on vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jileik - August 28 - 9:45 pm

  I got this vehicle in 08/06 and fell in love with it i was trading in a Subaru Legacy AWD and wanted to keep the 4 Wheel drive without spending alot of money. I should have kept the subaru. From the time i got it things were happening, the front end was clunking, back end is severely cracked, transmission is gone, sealant around the doors comes off, doors are impossible to open, and only 2 out of the 6 cylinders work. While the interior is nice it is not worth the payments i am making, i am taking my chances on a FWD Toyota which is more reliable. I would not recommend this car unless you know a ford mechanic.

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  Ford Escape XLT 4WD - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tom C - December 1 - 10:00 am

  One of the cheapest built vehicles Ive ever owned. The paint is so thin that even the slightest abrasion goes through to the primer. The leather seats with lumbar support are uncomfortable and awkward to adjust. You can change the feel from a fist in your back to a shoe in your back. No padding on door armrests. Floor mats are under-sized (look like they shrunk). Outside step bars are useless and just get your pant leg dirty. The factory trailer hitch requires that you get under the vehicle to make the electrical connection. My 89 Ford Explorer II XLT was much better. This will be my last Ford.

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  Not what I signed up for - 2001 Ford Escape
  By SMIverson - November 20 - 8:31 pm

  I bought this car recently because it looked good - inside and out - and thought it would make for a reliable second car. Not hardly, and I only have myself to blame, because I didnt have it inspected before handing over my money. The vehicle leaks oil and the transmission is definitely on its way out. The fog lights didnt work when I took delivery and all four tires leak like its the middle of January! Truth be told, I probably just got a bad one because I did read good things about this vehicle prior to my purchase decision. It doesnt ease my trepidation, but suffice it to say I wont be keeping this car long someone else can foot the bill to keep it running.

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  Great SUV..Needs better Quality - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Faz - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Love the ride and look of the Escape and for the price it is hard to beat. Had some small bugs with the low coolant light and the radio. The biggest problem was that the transmission went at 10,000 miles. Since then things have been fine. But not sure I am keeping this car after the warranty expires.