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 11 through 20 of 161.00

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  Bought used, but still great. - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Kevin - July 30 - 10:17 am

  Bought used with 116K miles. Vehicle is now seven years old now and looks and drives great. The interior is still in perfect condition. Leather seats are barely worn. Went up from sedan to this due to having a child. Great room and car seats are a breeze now.

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  OK, but - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ron - June 14 - 8:58 am

  My Escape has been very reliable. With over 120000 miles, its also had its challenges. Its thrown two belt pulleys, and three belts. It goes everywhere and starts all the time. Have the xls, 5-speed. Mileage is not that great, 22-23. Last year, replaced the clutch, let my son learn to drive it, and shocks.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By tamo - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Coolant light too closely resembles battery light. Gear shifter gets in the way of changing the radio...thats about it!

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  ESCAPE - 2001 Ford Escape
  By DZIENIS - April 26 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, A LITTLE WIND NOISE, GOOD LOOKS,

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  one year and let the worring begin - 2001 Ford Escape
  By m montes - February 6 - 10:00 am

  likes:The Escape xlt 4wd 3.0 v6 is comfortable and extremely fast. a very powerful engine for off road riding. very spacious with the back seats down.. have use it for carring construction supplies. dislikes:after six months my first bad experience was the srs light turning on. the dealership fix it but a month later it was on again. now the srs lights turn on and off and if i take it to the dealer they take a day or two. lately i have been hearing a thumping noise in the front of the car on both sides of the tires. my fear is that the joints are damaged

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  Reliable/versatile/exceeds expectations - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ray in Northern VA - December 1 - 3:18 pm

  I bought this a month after buying a BMW 330i, thinking I’d drive the Ford in the winter and on the beach near my parents’ home in MD. A year later, my wife dumper her unreliable VW and absconded with my Escape. She loves it. The reliability difference between the BMW and Ford is stark. The Ford, with 115k miles has required only one repair. We recently replaced the stabilizer bar links (2 at $12/each + $40 for labor). All other maintenance has been routine or wear- related (oil changes, fluid flushes, brakes, etc). We love the reliability. It handles extremely well in snow, and light off- road conditions. Most maintenance is relatively inexpensive.

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  Hoping for improvement to future models - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jennych - September 7 - 2:00 am

  A good buy. Very comfortable ride, good acceleration. Built with safety in mind. Better styling in our minds that Honda CRV and Toyota RAV 4.

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  Not too shabby - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jeff - August 14 - 10:12 pm

  Overall pretty happy with our V6 XLT 4x4 at 83,350 now. Handled tough Colorado 4x4 trails well even without low range (as well as slippery roads). Only a few problems: idle air control valve and blower motor died. ~22 mpg HWY, ~18 city.

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  could be better - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Lawrence A - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Great power Nice white gauges.Trans shutters between gears about 45 mph.Rear binds up in 4WD.Headliner and door panel replaced.Ford is aware of trans and binding problem and will fix trans but I have to pay for flushing of trans $150 which is under warrenty.These cars cost to much to be taking back to the dealer to get fixed.

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  Its falling apart on me - 2001 Ford Escape
  By runnergirl - May 7 - 10:12 pm

  I love the way this car looks and the way it drives. The problem I have it that its falling apart, literally. Ive replaced 2 stereos, 4 sensors, 1 sunroof motor and still need work done. The leather is peeling off 3 of 4 doors, my sunroof now has a leak, the motor is dying on the sunroof again, the front passenger door doesnt open from the outside and the tailgate only opens when it feels like it. Very frustrating when Ive got a load of groceries and the tailgate wont open.