For some time my wife and I have been looking at getting a used Escape (08-10) with low miles (>35,000). I am a Ford guy and I like the looks and layout of them, but in my research I have been seeing a lot of people having issues with the transmissions. I know some of it is related to flat towing, but some seem to be random and at a pretty low mileage. I'm sure that most of it is exaggerated because people typically are quick to express their bad experiences with cars before the good.

Anyways... I guess I just wanted to hear input from those of you that have had your Escape's and what your, "if I could do it again" thoughts are. We have an 01 Focus that's been awesome and 95 Mazda that's a champ. The Mazda is ready to retire and I'm hoping to replace it was an Escape. I like the FWD, 4 cylinder platform just to get the most fuel economy out of it, but I'd like to hear your thoughts and input.

Thanks.

 

We bought the 2010 that is down in my signature in October of 2009. Bought it right after it was unloaded from a car carrier coming from the KCAP.

It's been great, no problems whatsoever. I took it in for the PCM reflash for transmission parameter update, before I got a notice in the mail. Heard about the reflash here on FTE, so took it in, reflash was done in less than 1/2 hour, and I was out.

I like the space efficiency of it, and it has really good interior room for a tall person. So many small SUVs I got into, my feet seemed too big, my right knee would rub the console, and I felt there wasn't much room between the side of my head and the top of the side window. No problem in the Escape. Also, having driven Ford Trucks and full-size Ford/Lincoln/Mercury cars for years, the Escape cabin, controls, seating and windshield placement/angle just seemed "right" as soon as I got into one.

The electric steering and drive-by-wire throttle are firsts for me, and they are invisible in operation - a good design job.

There are two splits in Escape design. 2008 is the first year of the updated body design, but still has the 2007 and earlier drivetrains in them.
2009 starts the new drivetrains. Reviews I saw in 2009 had the 2009 4 cylinder with the 6-speed auto accelerating just as fast as a 2008 V6 with the 4 speed auto that was the pre-2009 trans.
And the 2009 V6 with 6 speed auto was even faster.

The Escape engine bay was designed to be able to fit the 3.0L V6, so with the 4 cylinder in it there is a lot of working room! We tend to keep our vehicles about forever, so the ability to work on it in the future is a big plus for me.

The 2.5L four with the 6 speed auto is by far the least "4 cylinder-like" 4 cylinder we have ever had. That's a good thing!

 

We have an 04 with over 230k. It's done a little towing. Nothing major except the one time I pulled the 21' pontoon- never again!! It was fine with it until we reached about 50 then it wanted to stay in 3rd gear which ran the RPMs way too high.

Other than that it has been a great vehicle. We change the tranny fluid betwen 30-40k and oil about every 4k. I have only replaced the IAC and the alternator (3 times within a month). everything else has been regular maintenance.

The only thing I wish they would fix is the wind noise.

 

I would get another one. there great little zippy suv.I have a 01 with 187,000 in the family a 05 with 90,000 miles and a 2011 no issues 4x4 .4 cyl. I think there getting 26 mpg

 

DO NOT BUY ANY FORD PRODUCT WITH THE 6F35 TRANSMISSION!!!!! The 2009 Ford Escape that I bought brand new with 65K miles (Just out of the pwr train warranty) has lost first gear. THIS should not happen to a well maintained transmission.

 

We have a 2004 Ltd, Had a 2009 Ltd and currently own a 2012 Ltd. The only issues we have had was after the recall (trans valve body) on the 2009 my wife was not happy how it shifted (little firm) so when she's not happy you know...
But as you can see we replaced it with a 12 want to get the currrent body before the 13's came out.
I would'nt hesitate to buy a 12 or older unit.
Good Luck

 

I have an 03 3.0 with 176,000 miles. Still get 23-24 mpg.Bought it new. I've had VERY good service out of this car. Have only flushed the trans once, flushed rad. once. Only on 2nd set of brake pads. Would buy 3 more today(for me & 2 sons), but, good, low miles, used Escapes are way too pricey.
The Inlaws have a 08-09(?) Mariner and have had good service with it.

 

My wife and bought our 2012 limited a few months ago and it's been great. Plenty of room and power.

 

My '01 I picked up used, and I will agree with Hubby that they are pretty pricey. But hey, that probably means they are worth it right? There has been a few things here and there, but most jobs are really easy to service. The only things that really take time are the rear 3 plugs on the back of the 3.0 engine...pita...For the year you are looking at, I'm not entirely sure. Mine has the 4x4 V6 and with the long-trail BF goodrich tires I can say it has encouraged me to have a reckless disregard for road and weather conditions...beautiful ride rain, sleet, or snow.

 

My wife has a 2005 LTD AWD with the 3.0. She loves it. at 70K it has been dead-on reliable with no problems at all. The AWD is wonderful in the occasional snow we get here. It isn't my ideal vehicle but I can't quibble with her experience with it. My major complaint would be how the front rotors tend to warp but it only happens after 35K so it really isn't that annoying. Don't know if I'd buy another, I'll leave that to my wife.

 

we had an '06 Mariner with 135,000 miles,that instead of trading in we sold it to our son and we bought a 2012. We kept the v6 and both were awd, and we will do it again when the time comes. Wife drives 500 miles each week plus our regular running really adds up fast. We still love it.
Thanks, Jeff

 

we have had 2 escapes, a 2003 4x4 with the V6, sold it with well over 100k miles gave us no major issues and was great in snow.

We now have a 2010 AWD Limited with the V6, also been great so far with almost 30k miles...drove it to Florida, and SC, and up to Canada...nice little vehicle for road trips.

Would buy another one, without hesitation.

 

My wife drives a 2010 Limited with the V6. Has 38K on it, drives great and no troubles what so ever.

 

So far our 2010 FWD Limited has been great! We use it a lot to save gas while my F250 rests up for work and towing. The Escape rides surprisingly well in my opinion. The seats could use a little more padding though.

 

Well our 2012 started making noise when braking while turning at 7500 miles. No biggie, the dealer just blew the front end apart. Wheels check front subframe check tie rods check rear drive shaft check a arms check check check check wow our car was apart. They did verify the noise with a listening device and lubed everything up put it back together and walla no more noise. Other than that no problems Hope it lasts.