Drivetrain advice
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Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 570
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From: Austin Texas (area)
Drivetrain advice
I'm new on the Escape forum, but not new to FTE. I'm thinking of giving my '81 F100 to the granddaughter and buying an Escape. Probably a new '08 or maybe an '09 unless I can come up with a sweet used one. I'm curious about the I-4 engine and how it holds up to Interstate speeds. This vehicle will be my daily-driver, but occasionally it will be going on 3k-5k trips. Also are there any known problems with the engine or the transaxle? Thanks for any advice/info, I appreciate the help.
Dave S Texas
Dave S Texas
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 828
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According to Consumer Reports most recent reliability report, the transmission in the Escape has the following reliability record -
01-02 models are average
03 models are better than average
04-05 models are much better than average
06-07 models are better than average
Not what I would call the industry's worst.
If you want a 4 cyl model you should stay away from the early 2.0 liter models (stick only) as they lack power. The more recent 2.3 liter is a decent motor and if you aren't carry a lot of cargo it will suffice and it gets decent economy. The hybrids are very economical but probably hard to find a used one. The '09 models should be showing up on the dealer lots any day now and have a nice power boost for the 4 cyl. and come with a 6-speed auto that should also improve mileage and performance. A lot will depend upon what kind of deals you can find. I bought my '02 V6 years ago and have had very good success with it. Good luck with your search.
01-02 models are average
03 models are better than average
04-05 models are much better than average
06-07 models are better than average
Not what I would call the industry's worst.
If you want a 4 cyl model you should stay away from the early 2.0 liter models (stick only) as they lack power. The more recent 2.3 liter is a decent motor and if you aren't carry a lot of cargo it will suffice and it gets decent economy. The hybrids are very economical but probably hard to find a used one. The '09 models should be showing up on the dealer lots any day now and have a nice power boost for the 4 cyl. and come with a 6-speed auto that should also improve mileage and performance. A lot will depend upon what kind of deals you can find. I bought my '02 V6 years ago and have had very good success with it. Good luck with your search.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 1
From: North of Boston MA
If you can find an Escape hybrid though, they are a great variant of an already great vehicle.
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Research the new 09 Escape coming out this summer. I4 engine goes up from 2.3 to 2.5 liters and 170 horses too-- matched up to a 6-speed transmission. Ford also beefed up the rear suspension making it more stable at highway speeds. Hold off a while longer on that purchase so you can compare-- I think you'll get a much better vehicle.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore
Like the previous guys said, the old hybrids are showing up on the dealer lots, just bought an '05 hybrid, travel up/down the hwy at 60-70+ mph and haveno problems, of course when the wife drives it, it is actually hers, she has been averaging 32.5 mpg. It has plenty of pep for a 4cyl, but I think some of that is attributed to the 2 speed trans, works great, put 2500 miles on it in 5 weeks, so far. It sure betas the h@#* out of my 73-79 fords as far as mpg!!!
