Overview & Reviews

The 2004 Ford Escape remains largely unchanged although the price has been lowered on the plush Limited model and certain appearance packages are now available on lower trim levels which, in effect, reduce the final price. Also, Chrome Yellow is no longer a color choice. To eliminate confusion, trim levels and option packages have been consolidated.

• Powerful V6, large cargo capacity, comfortable interior, carlike handling.

• Weak standard four-cylinder engine, bland interior design, small gas tank size limits range.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 278.00

• 

  Used to love it - 2004 Ford Escape
  By dharvs - January 5 - 11:04 am

  My 2004 Escape WAS a trooper even with 2WD and without ABS it drove well all through the year. The V6 powers the car well and the RPMs can really rev up to give you a big boost past 70mph for 2-lane and highway passing. 5 hour drives were no problem, AC/Heater worked well always. I paid $9000 for it in 2007 with 60K on the engine, I put on another 70K and began having engine issues. An airhose needed to be replaced but even after that was done the RPMs would drop to 500 and it would feel close to stalling out, sometimes it did. Even with normal maintenance the rod and bearings seized meaning I needed a new engine. This, after $700 for new front suspension (at 131K not bad).

• 

  One COOL ride! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By C G Moore II - August 30 - 12:21 am

  I waited till just the right time to buy my Escape, best deal I ever made. I am a college sports official and I use it to get around town and to drive to and from events. Space, comfort, ride and looks are just a few of the things that make this vehicle outstanding. I can take just about anything in the cargo and extended area with the back seats down. Plus, I can tow my motorcycle, boat of loaded trailer with no issue at all. I comment FORD for making such a GREAT little SUV.

• 

  Love to drive/hate to repair - 2004 Ford Escape
  By R. Sutphin - August 13 - 9:42 am

  It is a fun vehicle on trips. I average 21-25 mpg on long trips. However at 92,000 the transmission went out. Quite an expense for a fairly new SUV. In early 2009 the torque converter and wheel bearings had to be replaced. The check engine light remains on (no one can find a problem). After less than an hour of driving the overdrive light starts flashing and the transmission starts shifting very hard (again no one can find a problem). Airbag light stays on now (sensors have been replaced). I am putting a daughter through college right now, otherwise it would have been traded. I have always been a Ford customer, but this has not been a great experience.

• 

  Transmission problems too soon - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jeanne - June 11 - 12:25 pm

  I bought my Ford Escape new and enjoyed it for several years without a problem other then usual maintenance. Then at 84,000 miles the transmission went out and cost me $2400 to replace and one month later it died on the freeway, towed again, the pcv tube rotted $585. Not reliable after that. The car shakes unexpectedly and then goes away, sun roof locks up, noises underneath among other things. Should have gone more then 84,000 before replacing a transmission. Would not buy another one. Currently have 113,000 on it and looking to replace it before winter weather.

• 

  ESCAPE LOVER - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mohegan - April 7 - 11:26 am

  I have had no maintenance problems in 6 years! Toyota put that in your pipe and smoke it!

• 

  Love it! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By macmish - February 16 - 10:51 pm

  I purchased my Escape new in November of 2004. I love the looks - Exterior color is red with tan leather interior. Hot! The performance has been great. I have never had any trouble with it. I recently purchased a 16 tow behind trailer. The Escape tows it like a dream.

• 

  2004 Ford Escape XLS 4 cyl - 2004 Ford Escape
  By davidintx - February 8 - 8:44 pm

  This is a good all around vehicle with just a few warts.

• 

  231,000 - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Frosty - January 31 - 10:06 am

  I bought my Ford Escape used in 2005 at the time I purchased it, it had 150,000 miles. I have driven it everywhere , everyday , in all different types of conditions it has been fairly maintenance free until this year but at 231,000 miles that is to be expected. Motor is still great uses no oil and has been changed every 3,000 miles. The only things that I have replaced were the alternator, front wheel bearings, and 2 o2 sensors. All and all not bad. I would love to have another one that is this good.

• 

  Escape to LA - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Escape owner - December 30 - 5:05 am

  This car has been a joy to own: it looks great, the driving experience and handling give you confidence, is roomy, and is very reliable. It still runs like a charm after 50k miles.

• 

  a great suv for the money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By jim r - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this suv has been one of the best autos we have ever owned great fuel mileage fun to drive