My folks are concidering buying a Ford Escape to replace the ol minivan, they want a 4wd with the V6/automatic. Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of this vehicle? Are there certain years, versions, powertrains to avoid? They will be using it for general transportation and no towing, they want 4wd for the winter months. What kind of gas mileage can be expected?

 

I'd suggest an 05 , 06, they seem to have the highest reliability ratings based on my consumers report summary, I also prefer the newer headlights and center console shifter. The 4wd is really good in winter, probably not totally needed though as the fwd will still have plenty of traction with less maintenance, better fuel economy, and less chances of something breaking in the future. I have an 06 xlt 3L v6 4wd, no commplaints on my end, just not sure the 4wd is that much of an improvement over fwd in terms of winter driving. Don't get me wrong, I love the 4wd system when you really need it but it's not totally needed unless you drive in really bad snow conditions. I like the xlt package with the v6, works well and you get 4 wheel disc brakes instead of rear drums/front discs. I really love the Limited version of the Escape, superior ride qualities, quieter, and really well appointed, but more money and more things to eventually break down. Compared to a mini-van the Escape will have comparable fuel economy, perhaps a tad better but certainly not any worse. The minivan will have much more interior room capabilities but the Escape is pretty decent in the small suv class for interior room. I would have loved the Hybrid version but it was a decent upgrade in price so I didn't get one. 4 cylinder models are hard to find in our parts, not sure how they compare, but I know Ford sells about 90% v6 models as compared to 4 cyls. The salesman who sold me my Escape had a strong preference for the v6, so I didn't look at the 4 cyl version. I can't say much about the 4 cylinder as I have never driven one. Overall I think the Escape is a great vehicle, I am surprised how many of the early models still look really good when you see them on the street, they seem to hold up well.

 

Look for a 05 or newer, and Ford has refined this SUV really well, and regardless of which model you choose, you will be happy with it.

 

That's really good to hear, and my folks were happy to hear about the Escape being a good choice. Any more feedback is appreciated, and thanks again.

 

Take a look at the 08's, They have been changed up quite a bit and offer better safety features, not to mention a bit of redesign inside and out. Supposedly they even hold their value better.

I just bought a 2008 Mariner, i'll let you know how I like it once it gets delivered to me on Tuesday.

 

i tested a 07 xlt escape and the dealer let me drive it home for a while, same guy i bought my 07 fx4 ranger from. my wife likes them so i took her for a spin. pretty peppy 6 cyclinder. over all a really neat little suv. might buy a pre owned first like a 06 with low miles.

 

My wife has a 2wd 06' model thats gonna be a year old in about two weeks,
and with just about 6000mi on it, it has no problems and she loves it, now if
i can get the 3 kids to clean up after themselves.

 

I had a Mariner, which is Mercurys' Escape. You have much more luxury items for the same price. Have your folks take a look at that one.

 

Yes, both of those are great SUV's. Excellent gas mileage with the 2.3 duratec also, with plenty of get up and go too.

 

I have a 2006 Escape, v6 engine AWD, I just love the car it is great. It looks good and the thing just gets up and gos. I have survived my first winter with this vehicle and haven't had any troubles at all. I think the Escape is a great choice.

 

I have an 01 XLS V6 4X4 that I got as a company car when they first came out in 2000. After 73,000 miles of hard use in the mountains, I bought it for my wife. It now has 98,000 miles on it. The only repairs have been a sensor ($65 for the part) at around 60,000 miles and a brake job on the front at 68,000 miles. It uses no oil, still looks new and I plan on having it for a long time. It was bought by the lease company when new for just under 20K (V6 4X4 with ABS and side airbags-otherwise base model).

The local running around mileage is about 18 and the interstate mileage yields around 23-24. My wife won't let me consider selling it because it is peppy, she can see out of it well and it is very easy to handle.

 

Yah, my wife has had her 06' for 13 months and 7000mi later she digs it still.

 

The Mazda Tribute is the third version of the Escape that is built on the same line and shares the same mechanicals as the Ford Escape. Styling is subjective but it does give you another alternative. We have 119,000 miles on our '02 Tribute and it has yet to require any repair other than scheduled maintenance. I know that eventually something is going to need repair but thus far its been rather amazing. Still tight and runs good.

 

When my 99 350 was in the shop last year, had an Escape loner for a week. I was surprised for being a 4 speed auto( I normally hate 4 speed autos) Ford did a nice job matching the drive train. My daughter is getting her License and we will be looking for a 05 or 06 escape. Very good vision driving curvy roads and turning into parking lots. My wife and I plan on driving it also as a family vehicle for gas mileage. Believe the one I had averaged about 22mpg v6. Surprised how peppy it was off the line too. I can see why Ford has sold so many of them.

 

I had the 06 escape xlt 4 wheel drive. It was excellent. I traded it in for the 08 escape xlt.Had it since February and I like it even more than the 06.And it gets pretty good gas mileage