2001 Ford Escape XLS from North America - Comments

None (brand new).

I had been looking at new cars for about a month, and the dealer could NOT have been more honest or helpful. However, there had not been any incentives to buy just yet. TWO days before my lease ran out on my Bravada, the Ford dealership announced special financing, and apparently, cars were being snatched up.

To make a long story short, I bought this Escape 100% over the phone, without test-driving or even SEEING it. I never recommend anybody do this.

However, the Escape has been nothing but a remarkable vehicle, and I have NOT been disappointed. I live on a VERY steep hill which most comparable small-ute's can't get up. (think CRV & RAV4). The Escape makes it look easy.

The seats are very supportive and comfortable for long-term trips. There seems to be a generous amount of space (way more than in my Bravada), for such a small ute.

Although I'm indifferent to the front end, I think the Escape looks pretty agreeable, although I'm partial to the Mazda Tribute's looks.

I've heard gossip about how the Escape isn't a "real" ute. I can see where they're coming from (and the tires say "summer!"), but I certainly think if the tires were changed, it would certainly be suitable for the occasional light-trail path.

Besides, that's further than anyone who buys one would take it anyway.

For the money I paid, it was a terrific value, and I would HIGHLY reccomend over the wimpy RAV4's and CRV's ANYDAY.

You obviously have not driven a 2002 CRV. I tried the Escape and it did not compare to the CRV in the following categories: CRV has more usable space, better mileage, better brakes and a more aggressive engine. I will admit that the Escape is a nice looker though. You may want to take a look at the CRV when you are ready for a change.

It's probably easy to ask why people buy CRVs and RAV4s when you've only driven the Ford 1200 miles. Talk to somebody with 80K miles on the Escape. Or ask somebody how much they got for one in trade. I wish you well with yours, but you did have to ask "why."

I will also admit that the Escape is a nice looking SUV and a good performer, but the newer model CR-V's will perform just as well. If you have ever owned a Ford past 60k miles you will begin to realize that they have troublesome front end problems and notorious brake problems. I like the Escape very much, but would never purchase one after owning my last ford.

Hi Jeff From Australia Here, Have Owned An Escape Since They Arrived In OZ 2001 And Except For Regular Service Have Had No Complaints To Date Got 50,000km On Clock Never Missed A Beat.

I looked at all the offerings in this class, and definately feel pleased I went with the ford escape in the end. The rav4 is nice and agile, but is let down by small v4 power, it also is not very generous in the back for space. I like the smooth performance of the crv, but the crv is having chasis problems that are being addressed with a new body for 2005. Either way the crv returns good gas miledge and will come with a higher residual value when it comes time to sell. That said the escape 2.3 flat 4 outperforms the crv and the 3.0 v6 totally outmussles it, delivering that v6 growl rather than the 4 cylcinder whine when pushed. Also the crv in my opionion is not really in the same class cabin wise as escape because the crv's cabin is tacky to say the least.

Escapes have an SUV look to them as compared to a CRV or RAV4 which look like clown cars. All CRV owners should be careful about the fires after oil changes, call your Honda dealer for details.

I own a 2001 Escape bought new in 2000. Currently with 60,000 miles. no major problems not taken care of by the dealer. The RAV4 and the CR-V do not compare to the Escape in any way. My neighbor and friend owns a RAV4 and I laugh at it's lack of power all the time. Also I just took my Escape off-roading today and completely covered it in mud and I could go places that my Cherokee and Ranger driving friends could not get to. Also I am a Mercedes-Benz technician and while the interior is not quite as nice as some of the cars I work on I still enjoy my car more than some of the M-B's. Great visibility and more than just a functional mode of transportation.

I bet your Escape doesn't get as good gas mileage as a RAV4 or a CRV.

Ford Escape... better looking car... but if you check the trade in value or the depreciation... you can tell that the Rav4 and CRV are still worth something... by the way I drive a 2001 Escape, and I think that will be my last FORD.