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-
238,000 miles and going strong - 2001 Ford Escape
By Steven - September 3 - 3:27 amMy parents gave me this vehicle for free when they got a new lincoln mxX, ive had zero issues with it other than A/C and a rear door lock, other than that no engine troubles whatsoever theyre was an accident with someone standing still and me hitting them 10-15 mph and the bumper bar saved the radiator, otherwise zero damage other than bumper cover, this car is 11-12 years old of constant transportation whether its a 2 hour trip or to work everyday, i love this car and am gonna use it till it rots.
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Buy A Later Model If You Can... - 2001 Ford Escape
By TheBraveOutside - February 9 - 9:11 pmReally fun to drive. As it gets up in age, it shows that isnt ready for a long-term commitment. Difficulty keeping exterior free of rust. Nearly failed state inspection for it. Had it repaired 12/09, by 2/10 it shows signs of returning. Auto transmission isnt shot, but occasionally is prone to strange outbursts or improper shifting. Has been having brake issues... as it stands, I just went out to drive it and the brakes are non-existent and the "Brake" light is on. Master cylinder? Brake line (had one replaced in 7/09)? Time to call the mechanic -- just had a ball joint replaced 3 days ago. 158K on the odometer.
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Old and Still Running Great - 2001 Ford Escape
By PoppyG - February 3 - 12:17 pmI bought my 2001, first year model, new in 2001. It has been the best car Ive ever owned. It has done every hauling and snow driving work ever asked of it w/o a problem. With 140,000 miles I still feel good enough about it to send my son to school in snow country with it. Keep up with regular oil changes and service and it will last a very long time. I am buying a 2010 Escape to replace it.
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Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
By jmsamr - November 14 - 10:00 am20,000 miles into Escape experience and overall I would recommend the Escape. If you are looking for luxury dont buy the Escape. The seats are very uncomfortable and the ride is a bit loud. The Escape feels very big and holds a lot more than one would think. The V6 is a definite must. With moderate driving mainly highway some city (chicago) we have averaged 21 mpg.
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Fun and Faithful - 2001 Ford Escape
By Faithful and fun - September 6 - 5:13 pmI bought it 3 years old with 47k miles on it. It now has 206k miles (!!!) and is still going strong. I use it to commute, for beach runs, and to haul stuff around, and it runs great. Over the years Ive fixed the suspension and brakes a few times, and it ate a tranny at 90k, but otherwise its been very reliable. Its fun to drive as well. I paid $15k for it and Id say Ive gotten my moneys worth. Fuel economy isnt bad, by the way (23k highway). Front seats are more comfortable than in my wifes Mercedes (yes, believe it -- I have a bad back). Worst part of the experience was the selling dealer I will never return there except to buy a car under invoice.
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Would buy one again! - 2001 Ford Escape
By David - August 18 - 8:25 pmWe purchased the Escape new. It was our first Ford and we have had a terrific experience. For me, it rides a little rough but hey! its a SUV. We replaced the tires at 35,000 that seemed a little low for me. We have replaced the master cylinder, cruise control switch, ball joints, along with normal maintenance. It seems like normal stuff. We were rear-ended at 90,000 miles and, after $5000 in repairs it looked terrific again. No plans to replace. Definitely recommend the V6. great pick up.
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Nice SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
By Jim - July 3 - 12:51 pmBought mine with 60,000 miles a couple of years ago ... been a GREAT little SUV. Had a master cylinder replaced and new tires and thats it. Starts EVERY time and has been one of the most reliable vehicles Ive owned in the last 30 years. Good storage and rides pretty well for a smaller SUV. Id buy another in a heartbeat.
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Fun to Drive lots of small problems - 2001 Ford Escape
By PeteNc - April 21 - 9:09 pmI like the escape well designed easy to see good size good mpg. It is definitely noisy. My main complaint is numerous $300-$500 problems. The antitheft starter went out $500 plus took forever to figure it out, it would crank but not start then battery would die. Lock broke $300 and forever. Valves broke $600. A/c out $900 so definitely getting into repairs.
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Great Auto - 2001 Ford Escape
By Scottss80 - February 13 - 2:00 amComing from a 95 4runner with a 150hp to the Escape was quiet a nice surprise! The acceleration of the Escape is 2nd to none, in it class and price range, handles great, great brakes, and Im getting 21 mpg in the city.The Mach stereo is the best Ive ever had from a factory radio. The only complaints I had was when I purchase it (used), it had a lot of squeaks inside, especially the console top, back door, and some squeaks in the door panels. But I had fixed all of them myself in about 2 days, I guess the problem stems from all the hard plastics that Ford uses. Now that Ive taken care of those issues, Its one darn fun auto to drive!!!
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Nice looking ride - 2001 Ford Escape
By Autumn - October 1 - 5:50 pmI bought this Escape and it currently has 170,000 miles. I bought it used. So far the only thing I have has to replace was spark plugs, but recently I have noticed that it has problems starting when it is cold? Also I have had troubles with the CD changer. And yes the back hatch only opens when it feels like it. Grr that is very frustrating! But I do love the looks, space, and the drive. I love it just want a brand new one. I think dependability all depends on how well they are maintained!
