Overview & Reviews
The 2004 Ford Escape remains largely unchanged although the price has been lowered on the plush Limited model and certain appearance packages are now available on lower trim levels which, in effect, reduce the final price. Also, Chrome Yellow is no longer a color choice. To eliminate confusion, trim levels and option packages have been consolidated.
- Powerful V6, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, carlike handling.
- Weak standard four-cylinder engine, bland interior design, small gas tank size limits range.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 278.00-
Money Pit - 2004 Ford Escape
By David Downing - November 10 - 11:54 pmMy mom bought this SUV in October 2012 (Ive daily driven it since September 2014) with 113,000 miles, with almost all the maintenence reports, and the vehicle was very well maintained. First year of ownership was great. It Handled very well, rode very nicely, had a lot of power, and got good gas mileage (25 MPG combined). About 13 months later it started having normal issues, like needing tie rods and tires and spark plugs. Then the vacuum leaks popped up. Then the exhaust falling off the car. Then needing a seal on the transfer case replaced. My car died in September 2014, and Ive been driving the Escape almost daily since. In that time, its needed struts as well as two new tires, which are normal things to wear on a car. The not so normal? Power steering pump failed twice, needed new brake lines, new front calipers, as well as a new master cylinder, more vacuum leaks, exhaust leaks, ball joints, and a wheel bearing. Fast forward to now, the car sits at 153,954 miles, and the car has an extremely rough idle, a plastic melting smell that will literally burn your eyes, and stalling. Im pretty sure its a vacuum link, my mom thinks the engine is blown. Either were not sinking any more money into it, as the transmission was on its way out as well.
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My review - 2004 Ford Escape
By Escape 04 - September 1 - 7:41 pm6 months after I bought my escape the transmission went out of it. There was no warranty on it and a new one was going to run me $3,000. I argued with the dealership and ended up only paying $500. But I shouldnt have had to pay anything! Since then it has been a great vehicle.
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Time for a Trade-In - 2004 Ford Escape
By K.Gibson - March 20 - 10:20 pmWhen I first got my Escape I loved it to death but now...I am ready for a trade in after only 2 1/2 years. When I got my car it was all good except for the emisssions/check engine light came on when it rained or it putt- putted every now and then. However, I got into an accident in July when someone T-boned me and and I reached 100000 miles it all wen to crap. After getting just about everything fixed up front ($5000) all three of my catalytic converters needed replaced (they didnt tell me to replace it before when I could have gotten the 80000 mi warrenty) and now my light still comes on and I need something else fixed. I just keep putting more money into it.
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Last Ford I will ever own! - 2004 Ford Escape
By Philip Miller - February 23 - 4:02 pmThis is the worst Ford Escape I had ever owned. This car had been a nightmare from day one. The transmission went out at 100,000 had to replace to tie rods, 3 wheel bearings, put new spark plugs in it because the car shook every time it got wet. Now after I fix everything the shocks or springs broke because the car is making a loud cracking noise. I would love to get rid of it but I had to refinance to fix my transmission and this Ford does not hold the value good at all.
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Another Escape with transmission problem - 2004 Ford Escape
By Ruth - August 5 - 6:11 pmI leased my 2004 Escape brand new from a dealer where I worked. All service work required on the SUV was performed. I like the fact I could get to work in bad weather and feel totally comfortable driving my Escape in the snow. At 60 years old, I take care of my cars, I dont off road, and I drive carefully. Had I known the transmissions in the Escape only last 50,000 miles, I would not have purchased my lease vehicle.
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It could be better for the money! - 2004 Ford Escape
By I Got Suckered! - June 16 - 11:23 amThis was my first brand new car I bought for myself. The excitement of it all jaded my common sense. This is a very loud ride! Even with new tires, a new alignment job, new brakes, and new rotors. $400 later at 30k its still loud and I have to blast my radio to hear it over the hummm. The interior is very cheap. My son sits on the seat and within the first month of owning it, the carpet where the seat and cushion meets was frayed and looked 4 yrs older. The sun/moon roof did not open & close properly from about 1 month in. The gas mileage is horrendous even with new airfilters and driving in overdrive! To top it off, I pay way more than I feel its worth.
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So Far So Good - 2004 Ford Escape
By Pam - May 27 - 3:31 pmIve put 56,000 miles on mine the 2.5 years Ive owned it, and have required only scheduled maintenance, new tires, and brake pad replacement. I think its a great for an all-around small utility, not luxury, SUV. I have front wheel drive model, does great in snow. For what I needed and could afford, a pretty good buy. Id prefer another Honda, but couldnt afford the used ones. I hope I get at least 200,000 miles out of it.
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Had problems - 2004 Ford Escape
By Rob - January 4 - 12:37 pmI leased my 2004 Escape LTD in Feb. 2004. Two years later, at 20,000 miles, the car had a "complete failure of the transmission" (the dealerships words). The whole transmission had to be replaced. I have also had problems with the sun roof not opening correctly. Also, sometimes when I start the car the treble on the radio comes on but not the bass, and I have to restart the car to get the radio to work correctly. Plus, in cold weather the driver window squeaks horribly when you roll it up/down. I owned a 2001 Escape for three years and loved it so much I went back for the 2004 LTD. The problems Ive had with it, especially with the transmission, have soured me to Fords.
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Dont buy this car - 2004 Ford Escape
By Teena - January 6 - 2:00 amIve had my Escape in the shop 6 times in the first two months that Ive owned it! Ive had problems with the starter on 3 occasions. The radio, after 6 service visits, loses channels. The service dept found the radio defective, the antennae defective and a loose wire in the starter. Fuel economy is horrible. Even with driving it conservatively, It only gets 15 mpg.
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Could be better - 2004 Ford Escape
By martilk - August 14 - 2:00 amSeems reliable and comfortable enough, but has a horrid turing radius and a puny gas tank. The leather seats seem like naughahyde.
