2001 Ford Escape XLT review from North America

Several driver and passenger side air bag/restraint sensor and indicator problems. Whole passenger side system had to be replaced. Covered under extended warranty.

Engine seal leak at 60,000 miles. Covered under extended warranty.

Needed new brake pads and rotors at 60,000.

Engine replaced at 75,000 miles for a spun bearing that threw a rod.

I was happy with this car before I lived in the mountains and before it had several recalls and major problems. It got 22 mpg on the highway, was comfortable, and made several cross country trips, loaded to the gills.

I am a good, defensive driver and take care of my car. None of the problems I had were due to negligence.

Now I live at 9,000 feet and my engine quit on me driving over the Continental Divide. THANK GOD I was just 22 miles under my 75,000 mile extended warranty! Supposedly Escapes run at high rpm's and can't handle the altitude! I NEVER would have guessed this with the fact that everyone in the mountains has an SUV type vehicle! I never knew this could be a problem in any car. I specifically asked if the car would handle well at high altitudes and if there were any changes I needed to make when driving in and moving to the mountains. I was told it would be fine and no changes needed to be made.

I would be out thousands and thousands of dollars if it weren't for the extended warranty I purchased for this car so unless the newer models of the Escape are much better, I would not recommend buying one!