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 91 through 100 of 161.00

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  Great looks, value crummy reliability - 2001 Ford Escape
  By SoCal commuter - March 31 - 12:21 am

  Bought new 29,000 miles now. Have replaced SINCE WARRANTY ran out at 27,900: 2 power steering pumps, steering column, brakes at 26k, tensioner unit, tires, power brake assist motor, power steering hose, air filter unit, and 2 other engine repairs that details escape me now but each ran more than $200 in parts. Also, there is something in the engine manifold which cannot be fixed but is a "known issue" - theres a TSB on it - high-pitched squealing from manifold, Under warranty, about 5 breakdowns/year first three years. Always something new. Im going back to Toyota or Honda. This is the worst build quality I could imagine.

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  A good little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Holms - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my escape for a little over a year (1 yr 4 months) and it still alot of fun to drive. It has alot of pep and is a smooth ride. There is alot of wind noise, but not unbearable. There is plenty of room in the back for passengers. Some downsides are: 1.) it seems to really wear on tires. 2.) My sunroof switch seems to have a short in it, 3.) the cargo cover broke within the 1st 6 months.

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  01 XLT - 2001 Ford Escape
  By howiez5150 - December 21 - 11:07 pm

  I owned an xlt 4X4 for 4 yrs and just turned it in on lease. It was my wifes car and it was the first car she has owned and like for over 2 years. We had it in shop a couple of times for minor issues, although it was making a weird transmission noise when we turned it in. Overall, very nice to drive and decent mpg considering it is a SUV. Definitely get the XLT version for a nicer interior design and stay away from 4 cylinder (it has no power). The v6 takes off and has lots of jump at any speed. We would highly recommend over other SUV in its class.

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  Disappointed - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tonyyy - November 24 - 3:27 pm

  Check engine light keeps coming on for problem after problem. Most recently, at 51k, engine misfire. Had to replace ignition coil, ignitor - that didnt work. Ended up at dealer service ripping apart the whole engine to replace a bad valve - big expense. Big disappointment. CD player gets CDs stuck all the time, luggage rack needed repainted after only 10K, powered seats not working properly, really not enough head room for me at 64". Nice looking vehicle, but Ill be looking elsewhere next time.

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  The Escape Means Well - 2001 Ford Escape
  By djphilosophy - November 24 - 2:40 am

  I have treated this SUV with loving care & maintenance. It has all the fun things people want in an SUV, including space & performance. Unfortunately, the transmission died at 46K miles, has had 5 recalls (one involving the seatbelt receptacle!), & the local Ford dealership has been horrendous with service. I dont know who to complain to, but I know I will never buy Ford vehicles again! And the Escape had so much going for it. American automakers seem to give only a 60% effort into making a great car. Their cars come out half-baked! They look great on the outside, but all fragile on the inside.

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  My First SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By EscapeKid - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Its so car-like and so versatile! It is also great in the snow and ice!

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  AWESOME AUTOMOBILE - 2001 Ford Escape
  By gla2174 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Plenty of interior space for a small suv. Im 64" and have plenty of driver room. Ive had it for almost 1 year and it has 60000 miles and I have had NO problems whatsoever. Great car.

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  2 Escapes - 2001, and now 2002 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By DLV1 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  This is our 2nd Escape - we had a 2001 2WD 6cyl XLT, and now have a 2002 4WD with leather, moonroof, all the options. Not sure if they made significant improvements from 2001 to 2002, or if its the 2WD to 4WD but this newer one is much tighter, more solid, more enjoyable. Seems quieter too. This has been a great vehicle for a multitude of purposes, from family vacations to business appointments to hauling.

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  Best of Breed - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Escapist - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Theres not much that I dont like about my Escape. It has plenty of power for my (admittedly basic) needs, while providing an overall smooth and comfortable ride. It does great in the snow, hauls butt up Snoqualmie pass with four adults, boots, gear, and lunch in back and skis on top. I love the exterior look, 16 inch wheels are the best. Beats the snot out of the Jeep Liberty for way less $$ smaller than a Cherokee or Explorer and I like it that way. Has an annoying creak (not crack) in the rear window havent been able to find the source.

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  best car i ever had until today - 2001 Ford Escape
  By myszia - August 5 - 2:00 am

  i LOVE my escape. its the ideal car for us, and has never given us a problem unlike our last car, a 2000 volkswagon beetle which was a complete lemon. everything was great until today, when at 37,000 miles our brake light went on and lo and behold we find out the master cylinder is dead....$600 in repair bills later im wondering if anyone else has had this problem so early in the life of their escape?