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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  Awesome - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ben Prosser - January 13 - 10:57 pm

  Have owned this since the beginning, and it is awesome. Had to replace the clutch cable 3 times, but thats it. It now has 203,000 miles on it and still runs fine. I4 with 5 speed seems to be running good and strong. 4x4 works well, and it handles fine in the snow. This is the best car I have ever driven, and I hope that it keeps on going.

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  Good SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Michelle M - January 6 - 8:43 pm

  I bought my Escape in 2003 with 8,000 mi on it. Its now 2009 with only 70,000 mi on it. I keep up great maintaince on it. I have made several minor repairs on it until recently. The spring broke in the gear shift, so you have to mess with the gear shift when you put in park so you can get the key out. I had to replace the IAC motor, new spark plugs, stabilizer bar and link. Replace a lifter and cam shaft. This was very expensive. I still like it though. Im thinking on buying a new one. I just hope they have improved.

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  Fun, Reliable, Versatile, Great on Gas - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Geoff - December 2 - 3:15 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Excellent sound system, huge sunroof, very versatile. Great on gas for an SUV with 4x4 and V6 engine. On a long trip with the A/C on I averaged 24-25MPG! With the A/C I got 28MPG! The engine is very powerful making passing or merging effortless. Handles great in the snow. Never have I felt out of control, all handling is predictable. Very fun to drive! You will not regret purchasing an Escape!

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  way underrated - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Suvin - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Have owned this vehicle for almost 2 years.. flawless, real performer. New interior plastics/cloths would be nice but not entirely necessary

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  MyEscape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By stam2828 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  own v4 5spd xls for exactly one year with 15000 miles. cannot conclude reliability due to shortness of ownership, but no problems so far. impress with price to value and mpg. very roomy inside, great headroom and good trunk space for mini-sub. ideal for small family that requires childseats. shifts smoothly, however engine has "stalling" feeling when coming to a stop. ride is a bit bumpy but expected for a suv. engine noise also a bit loud but ok with me to drown out crying kids!

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  I love this vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cindy - March 16 - 2:54 pm

  I purchased the vehicle used in 2001 with 7600 miles on it. Ive owned it and used it every day since with not one regret. I now have 123000 miles on it and other than routine maintenance-oil change, tires, battery, etc I have had no problems. I just recently started noticing the missing on the sunroof switch and although the altenator tested ok, my light is on but doesnt seem to be draining the battery at all. I wish the interior of the new Escapes were as will designed in the center console area but will definately buy another. My only complaints are road noise and for being smaller, my gas mileage is no better than the Explorer (18- 19mpg). Handles great in MN winters.

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  Love it - 2001 Ford Escape
  By la1528 - January 28 - 7:47 pm

  I love the Escape. The gas mileage is great. I usually pull about 36mpg on highway and 32 in the city(non-hybrid) The 5 speed is a great option, currently at 114 thou miles.

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  Excellent choice - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Deanna Barker - January 10 - 3:17 pm

  Purchased the Ford Escape in October 2001. Had been a loyal GM buyer for years. Will be trading my 2001 Escape for a 2008 in the spring. Would not think of buying anything else. Vehicle has over 80,000 miles on it and has only been in the shop once for repairs and a couple times for recalls. The most dependable vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Good Little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By olcrank - September 27 - 10:34 am

  Always impressed with handling, acceleration,and visibility. Drove on road and off road for five years never had a problem. Of course seldom "beat" the little bugger, and maintained as prescribed. Not as tough as a Jeep,and a little shy in the ground clearance dept. but all around a great little SUV.

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  Escape Now In Panama - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Ric - September 27 - 4:00 am

  The Escape Rocks! I purchased it new the first year it came out. My reason purchasing the Escape was for the ease of placing my windsurfing boards and equipment on top. I have taken this SUV on many of windsurfing trips with a lot of gear inside and on the top. I have had only slight issues with the Escape. Clutch master went out on a road trip to New Orleans. Went to the auto parts store and fixed it myself. Steel trending came off of the rear tire and broke of some of the trim. Problem was the tire not the Escape. I have now retired to Panama and have taken my Escape with me. We have great roads down here but the gas is a little high down here, the highway mileage is great