Overview & Reviews
Need more luxury when you Escape? For 2003, Ford will offer a new Limited edition that includes body-color trim, polished aluminum wheels, a reverse sensing system, a Mach audio system with six-disc CD changer, heated front seats and sideview mirrors, premium leather seats, front side airbags and an autodimming rearview mirror. The XLT can also be upgraded this year with an appearance package that includes special wheels, side step bars and body-color exterior trim. For all 2003 Ford Escapes, there are upgraded interior materials and fabrics, an available two-tone cabin color scheme, illuminated power window and lock switches and three new colors. Finally, the XLS 4WD with a four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission is dropped for 2003.
- Powerful V6, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, car-like handling.
- Weak standard four-cylinder engine, small gas tank size limits range.
User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 260.00-
Transmission Shot - 2003 Ford Escape
By JeffP - February 3 - 8:26 amThis was a bank repo that appeared to be well taken care of. My wife drives this and likes the way it handles in snow and bad weather. We have never had this vehicle off road or done any towing and now at 123,000 miles the transmission is slipping when its cold. Our mechanic says its about to go out and replacement with rebuilt tranny is about $3,500. I replaced my Winstar tranny too at about 60,000 miles. See a trend here with Ford transmissions. I do and will think long and hard before buying another.
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Cant wear brakes out - 2003 Ford Escape
By mark - January 15 - 11:38 pmBought this loaded XLT with leather for my wife. I call it the red rocket. Goes like stink. Just changed the original tires at 100000 kms. Still has the original brake shoes and pads, half worn only. Very agile and fun to drive. great gas mileage. Tons of leg and cargo room. Easy controls to reach on dash. Only complaint is the CD player is a pain to load while driving. Selecting a slot to put a CD in should not be an option. It should be automatic. Just bought an 06 LTD I like them so much. My Expedition is a tank and can travel over any terrain. This SUV is not meant for that. Its fun and looks cool and is practical for everyday use
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Great Mini SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
By SuvHappy - January 14 - 10:00 amIt has been three months and 4,000 miles and i can`t find a thing that i don`t like about my Escape XLT Sport. It turns alot of heads when i drive by. The No Boundries roof rack and the sport wheels and tires give it the extra special touch of class along with the leather interior and the 6CD sterio. Averaged 23mpg on trips @65/70 mph. It handles great, rides great. Nothing more to say but>>>>> I LOVE IT.
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Perfect City Car - 2003 Ford Escape
By DCdupont - December 27 - 2:00 amGreat value for the money. This vehicle is perfect for urban driving in Washington, DC...its size and reverse sensing make parallel parking a breeze. Maneuverability in traffic is awesome. Build quality is first rate and on par with the Japanese and German makes. My only complaint is that seating comfort on long trips leaves a bit to be desired. Bought from Academy Ford in Laurel, MD. Dealer sales and service experience has been first rate.
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Built for a man, but made for a woman. - 2003 Ford Escape
By Globlssd - November 14 - 2:00 amThis is my second SUV. It drives better than the Infinite, much smoother. I have over 25,000 miles on my 2002. The only problem I experienced was the heating system going out. It was still under warranty, Ford fixed it, but couldnt explain why it happened. I drive 50 miles each day to work. Considered something with better gas mileage but I love my Escape.
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Best Compact SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
By Wayne Stewart - November 14 - 2:00 amThe perfect vehicle for me and my wife. Weve always had one car and one truck in the family. We decided this time to get the best of both worlds. I dont regret my choice and purchase. Absolutely no complaints.
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Single Mother - 2003 Ford Escape
By Katherine Kendrick - September 30 - 10:21 pmThis SUV ..doesnt receive the accolades it deserves. I love it! I have a dissabled..Adult son..front passenger. .comfortable and adjustable for him. And with simple regular maintenance. .holds up extremely well! My mileage is high but strictly highway. ..wont GET rid of it..for that reasons alone! 4 wheel drive is perfect for "country living "...and reliability
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Single Mother - 2003 Ford Escape
By Katherine Kendrick - September 30 - 10:21 pmThis SUV ..doesnt receive the accolades it deserves. I love it! I have a dissabled..Adult son..front passenger. .comfortable and adjustable for him. And with simple regular maintenance. .holds up extremely well! My mileage is high but strictly highway. ..wont GET rid of it..for that reasons alone! 4 wheel drive is perfect for "country living "...and reliability
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Great Safe Vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
By Great Safe Vehicle - August 30 - 8:08 pmI purchased my Escape new & have loved it from day one. With over 108K miles, it still has a lot of power & handles very well. The vehicle is very roomy, but is not difficult to maneuver like larger SUVs. I was just involved in a serious accident while driving my Escape and I have to commend it from a safety perspective. I was sitting at a red light and was hit from behind by a utility truck traveling at a high rate of speed. I was then pushed into the full sized truck in front of me. Unfortunately the Escape is a total loss, but I "escaped" with only a broken toe and a few bruises. I am very impressed with the overall safety of this vehicle and would certainly recommend it for any family.
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Stay away from the Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
By bm on 7-29-08 - July 29 - 4:50 pmI purchased this vehicle new in December of 2002 and everything was fine until April of 2007. The transmission failed and cost approx. $4000 to repair with only 60,000 miles on it. Then in January of 2008 it was having problems again losing power between 35 mph and 50 mph. I took it back to the dealer that fixed it before and they told me it was a mass air flow sensor so I fixed it - although it didnt seem to be running right. Then just a month ago more problems. They told me it was the catylitic converter. So I fixed again. Today I need a new engine. Im not going to fix anymore. Oh buy the way they only offered $4000 for the trade in as is on a new car. I put $6000 in repairs in 1 year.
