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-
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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Great Ride! - 2001 Ford Escape
By RobinM - January 23 - 7:36 pmLove the Escape. I will buy another one if this one gives out. I have had very little trouble. Take care of it and it will last. My only complant can be tricky to work on. Have to remove air intake to replace spark plugs. Have to remove exhaust to replace oil pan gasket. Drive belt hard to get to with the side engine.
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Good for a few years - 2001 Ford Escape
By Matt - December 15 - 12:25 amI bought this car the first year it was introduced and really enjoyed it for the first 85,000 miles. Eventually several small things started happening radio sounds fine but the display hasnt worked in 18 months. Interior front door fabric material has come unglued on driver and passengers side. Factory installed tinting on drivers side window has bubbled. Have spent a couple hundred dollars 2-3 times in the last 6 months for engine related issues, and still the engine light comes on intermittently. In general Ive enjoyed the car, but its not built to last - at least the first year editions not.
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Bad transmission - 2001 Ford Escape
By Mark - December 3 - 2:23 pmSo, bought one of these gently used from a friend, despite negative reviews. He had only put 68k miles on it after buying it new, and it was well maintained and clean. 2 months later, replaced the o2 sensor, and the transmission just went out. My wife loves the Escape, but the stories about the transmission are absolutely true.
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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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Not worth payments on vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
By jileik - August 28 - 9:45 pmI got this vehicle in 08/06 and fell in love with it i was trading in a Subaru Legacy AWD and wanted to keep the 4 Wheel drive without spending alot of money. I should have kept the subaru. From the time i got it things were happening, the front end was clunking, back end is severely cracked, transmission is gone, sealant around the doors comes off, doors are impossible to open, and only 2 out of the 6 cylinders work. While the interior is nice it is not worth the payments i am making, i am taking my chances on a FWD Toyota which is more reliable. I would not recommend this car unless you know a ford mechanic.
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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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Dont Buy this Car! - 2001 Ford Escape
By Amber - August 15 - 10:00 amThis is the worst car that I have ever leased or owned. It does get decent gas mileage. Ford Red Carpet Leasing was also a very worthless leasing company. If you are considering this pseudo-SUV, please do not waste your money.
