2004 Ford Escape XLT 3.0

Faults:

Struts & shocks.

General Comments:

I have had my 2004 Ford Escape for at least 5 years now; it was passed down to me.

Other than regular maintenance, I've had no real problems like other owners. It could be because my Escape is usually garage kept and not abused like so many others, but I will admit Ford did build these SUVs kind of flimsy and not as sturdy as their Japanese counterparts like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. But I can't complain too much; it was given to me free of charge.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th June, 2018

28th Jun 2018, 20:48

Getting a garage kept free car is great. You are right there’s nothing to complain over. My mom gave me a new one long ago while I was in college. Never forgot how selfless and great that was. I was an only child. When my mom finally retired and was living alone, I totally surprised her with the same. Never asked for one and she was shocked. Kept her healthy independence going. No car I have ever bought personally for my own use was ever more satisfying. You can’t take material with you. If you can do this for a elderly parent, I guarantee you will see what I mean by this. It’s absolutely great. Thanks for the review.

2004 Ford Escape XLT 3.0 Duratec

Summary:

Decent daily driver if you need AWD

Faults:

Driver's side seat wears out quick and the interior isn't the best quality.

Rear pinion seal at 105,000.

Passenger side output shaft seal at 105,000.

Sway bar link at 105,000.

General Comments:

This is a reasonably reliable car with reasonable comfort, performance, and fuel economy. But if you take it to the dealer for its scheduled maintenance, it can get a little pricey.

My Escape averages 19 MPG, which is reasonable for what it is. It offers good cargo space with the rear seats that fold flat with the removal of the rear headrests. The AWD system is amazing in any weather condition with a decent set of tires. On long road trips the car can be uncomfortable for the driver and passengers, but only after hours on the road. Also the car has a pretty good towing capacity, even though it can seem kind of gutless. I pulled an enclosed 6x12 U haul from Georgia to North Carolina loaded down, and it worked pretty hard, but did a steady 65 mph on the highway with the overdrive off.

Maintenance can be a pain and a little on the pricey side for this car. The intake manifold has to be removed to change the back 3 spark plugs, which is around $300 at the dealer or a nervous 2 hours with a Haynes manual for the DIY. I was personally a little bummed that the pinion seal, output shaft seal, and sway bar link failed at 105,000 miles, but those aren't really major repairs and can be done by DIY or for $600 at the dealer. Also the transmission has a none serviceable internal filter, so I pay the $150 to have it flushed every 30,000 miles... better safe than sorry.

All in all, this is a really decent daily driver if you need AWD. I wish the maintenance and repairs were little cheaper, but technicians need to make a living too, so set a little money aside for it. If you can do your own maintenance and repairs, it really does pay off with this car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th April, 2014

2004 Ford Escape XLT 3.0 V6

Summary:

If you can buy it and get rid of it before warranty runs out, you may be OK

Faults:

Brake rotors had to be replaced at ~35000 miles. Not covered by warranty.

Passenger door has always been hard to shut. Mechanics say it's "normal".

Transmission began jerking taking off from a stop a few weeks ago. Now OD light is flashing and transmission is being looked at.

General Comments:

We really liked the car. It wasn't a luxury vehicle, but it did it's job with only the occasional problem that wasn't very big. Now all of a sudden with 56K miles the transmission has started messing up. Regardless of whether it turns out to be a complete replacement or a valve, etc... This is unacceptable. I bought this vehicle via Ford family discount. I still wouldn't buy another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th September, 2007

6th Jan 2009, 21:54

When and at what mileage was the transmission fluid changed, if ever?

14th Dec 2012, 08:51

The Escape CD4E transmission is not meant to have filter and fluid changes. There is a filter and it is only changed when the transmission is rebuilt. There is no pan to drain and replace the filter like older transmissions. This one has a drain plug and a cover to get to the solenoid pack and valve body.