Should I get a 2006 Escape?
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Should I get a 2006 Escape?
Hi everyone! Just joined the site as I am considering purchasing a 2006 Escape XLT or XLT Sport. Having browsed some of the forums and hearing of some owners horror stories, I get a little put off about my decision.
Who out there absolutely recommends I go through with my purchase? Should I get the XLT Sport?
As well, is it worth getting the 4X4? We don't get much snow here in Vancouver, Canada but the difference in monthly payment between the FWD and the 4X4 is minimal.
Looking forward to your expert opinions!
Who out there absolutely recommends I go through with my purchase? Should I get the XLT Sport?
As well, is it worth getting the 4X4? We don't get much snow here in Vancouver, Canada but the difference in monthly payment between the FWD and the 4X4 is minimal.
Looking forward to your expert opinions!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,344
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From: Sioux Falls SD
first thing to remember. The Escape is the Best seller in the segment and the number of bad reports on this forum is verrry small!!
I bought my wife an 2005 last year XLS with the 2.3L, 5speed manual and FWD.
We both are very happy with it and have 21,000 trouble free miles on it. We get a fair amount of snow but the front drive has great traction and I don't feel the loss in MPG and the added expense of maintenance over the long term are worth it for the 4x4.
From what I have seen at my local dealerthat sells both the Escape and the Mercury MAriner, is to buy the Mercury if you want an auto trans. (Mercury does not offer the manual)
The price difference is minimal and the subtle feature content and trim are much nicer in my opinion.
My neighbor traded his 2004 Escape limited for a 2006 Mercury Mariner Premium 4x4 with all options and likes it better than the Escape he had.
Looking at what you are saying I would take the Mercury with FWD over the 4x4 XLT Escape.
Dan
I bought my wife an 2005 last year XLS with the 2.3L, 5speed manual and FWD.
We both are very happy with it and have 21,000 trouble free miles on it. We get a fair amount of snow but the front drive has great traction and I don't feel the loss in MPG and the added expense of maintenance over the long term are worth it for the 4x4.
From what I have seen at my local dealerthat sells both the Escape and the Mercury MAriner, is to buy the Mercury if you want an auto trans. (Mercury does not offer the manual)
The price difference is minimal and the subtle feature content and trim are much nicer in my opinion.
My neighbor traded his 2004 Escape limited for a 2006 Mercury Mariner Premium 4x4 with all options and likes it better than the Escape he had.
Looking at what you are saying I would take the Mercury with FWD over the 4x4 XLT Escape.
Dan
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Originally Posted by 99F150
From what I have seen at my local dealerthat sells both the Escape and the Mercury MAriner, is to buy the Mercury if you want an auto trans. (Mercury does not offer the manual)
The price difference is minimal and the subtle feature content and trim are much nicer in my opinion.
My neighbor traded his 2004 Escape limited for a 2006 Mercury Mariner Premium 4x4 with all options and likes it better than the Escape he had.
Looking at what you are saying I would take the Mercury with FWD over the 4x4 XLT Escape.
Dan
The price difference is minimal and the subtle feature content and trim are much nicer in my opinion.
My neighbor traded his 2004 Escape limited for a 2006 Mercury Mariner Premium 4x4 with all options and likes it better than the Escape he had.
Looking at what you are saying I would take the Mercury with FWD over the 4x4 XLT Escape.
Dan
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Its always important to remember that people come to chat rooms and forums to find solutions to problems. Few people come to just say how much they love their car. Also, the Escape has been the best selling small SUV for 5 years so there are well over a million of them on the road in the U.S.
I have a 2002 V6 Tribute (Escape clone) that has provided 92,000 exceptionally trouble-free miles. If I were to replace it today I would buy another Escape/Mariner/Tribute.
I have a 2002 V6 Tribute (Escape clone) that has provided 92,000 exceptionally trouble-free miles. If I were to replace it today I would buy another Escape/Mariner/Tribute.
Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Trappe Pa
Purchased a 2003 Escape for wife new in summer 2003 (39,000+ miles now)
I purchased a 2004 F250 diesel new in summer 2004 (56,000+ miles now)
No problems with either one despite some bad comments on the Escape but much more bad comments on the diesel.
I purchased a 2004 F250 diesel new in summer 2004 (56,000+ miles now)
No problems with either one despite some bad comments on the Escape but much more bad comments on the diesel.
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Miramichi, NB
My mom owns an 05 escape, and its not a fun automobile to drive! If I were you i'd wait till the "Edge" comes out or the Duratec35 replaces the grossly underpowered 3.0L. They say that the Edge is gonna be a good, solid, peppy CUV and the gas mileage can only be better than an SUV always in 4X4!
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Elder User
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I doubt that the Edge will be any more fun than an Escape to drive. They are both cross-overs and I would hardly call the 3.0 in the Escape underpowered. Still, another 50 hp is a good thing. The Edge will likely have an AWD system similar to the Escape's. The difference is that the Edge will likely weigh more and cost another five grand. If you don't like the AWD system in the Escape you can always go with FWD, it costs less, weighs less, is faster, and gets better mpg.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Miramichi, NB
I bet it will, and it looks real sharp too! It will definetely stand out in a parking lot, as does the fusion. Maybe underpowered was not the right word, how bout sluggish? An extra 50 hp and 2extra gears would for sure give it more of a sportier feel. 
Elder User
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I looked at the Edge a couple of weeks ago and its a real looker even though it does look a bit like a knockoff of the RX330. The '07 Escape is supposed to be a major redesign so I'm hoping for the 3.0/6-speed drivetrain from the Fusion at a minimum.
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If you haven't checked out the Ford website for a while you might want to as they have added quite a bit of info on pricing and options for the Edge. Unfortunately, extra airbags (side and curtain) and Stabilitrak are extra cost options whereas some of the imports include them at no charge.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Miramichi, NB
Agreed, I was just looking at a 3D view of the edge, and the roof is mostly one giant moonroof! Sort of like those G6's, but only "sort of!" And maybe its probably a wise move by ford to "copy" Mazda designs. People want power, fuel economy and sharp design, the Japanese auto-makers caught on to that quick, but ford is FINALY in the hunt! Too bad ford wouldn't make their own RX-8, that would be awesome!!!