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I’m hoping to hear back from a job in a week or two and if all goes well I’d like to eventually trade in my old Ranger with 300,000 miles for a slightly newer used vehicle. I’m working some kinks out of the Ranger at the moment, but I’m just trying to plan for the future if things don’t pan out. Anyway, I’ve got my eye on early model Ford Escapes between the 2000-2004 model years in an automatic.
AWD or 2WD doesn’t matter to me since Escapes are front wheel drive and that alone makes it a heck of a lot safer in bad weather than my rear wheel drive pickup. Also, I’m only looking at the 3.0 V6 models. Gas mileage is a huge deal to me, but at the same time I’ve heard that the 4 cylinder Escapes are really underpowered and only get 2 or 3 more mpg’s than the V6. So I guess what I’m really trying to ask is are the early model V6 Escapes reliable?
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We have 2 older Escapes. We bought them used and have had them for nearly 6 years with only basic maintenance required. So yes, I would say they are reliable. They are both 2001 models. The first year is 2001, so you will not find any 2000 models.
Change the transmission fluid. Only use Motorcraft ATF fluid specified in the owners manual.
Adding a transmission cooler help. Frequently you can find an original Ford cooler (it was included in the Trailer Tow Option package) on eBay for a very reasonable price.
Thanks for the input fellas. LJB, what kind of mileage are you getting out of your Escapes and are they autos?
Problems I’ve seen with the V6 models, coil pack failures, coolant bypass hose leakage, catalytic converter plugging causing EGR valve to blow out, bodies like to rust at the rear doors-open rear doors and inspect the dogleg area that the door covers when closed, front lower control arm bushings age and squeak a lot while driving, passenger side e-brake cable likes to seize for some reason. These are repeated failures I’ve experienced with these vehicles.
they are good enough and reliable. Go with the v6. tranny fluid brand doesn’t matter. just use one that meets the specs required by ford. should be a dex3 or better on that trans. all newer fords will squeak due to sealed bushings. nothing can be lubed in the suspension. you may eventually see problems with the interior electronics/gauges and other various electronic issues. overall though they are pretty reliable in the ford department.
sidenote: the interior and interior electronics are cheaply made…
I work on a lot of Escapes. They do have all of the problems sunset mentioned and more like engine oil leaks from the timing cover and oil pan.
All vehicles have their problem areas but i would say that Escapes are much better than average.
You do have to remember that 2000 to 2004 is getting old so age related problems may start to surface.
Thanks again for all of the input everyone. I’m still up in the air about which vehicle to go with which is why I was wondering about the Escape since I see so many of them around. To be honest though, I’ve wanted a 2001-2004 4×4 4 cylinder Toyota Tacoma in an automatic for years now, but the problem is that the people that own them never seem to get rid of them.
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