2002 Ford Escape Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Additional standard equipment makes the 2002 Ford Escape an even better value. XLS models get a dual-media cassette/CD stereo, while XLT adds a V6 engine, privacy glass, power driver seat and an in-dash six-CD changer. New Sport packages also debut. The XLS Sport includes 15-inch alloy wheels with larger tires, side-step bars, Sport-embroidered floor mats and dark tinted privacy glass. The XLT Sport, new for 2002, provides, in addition to XLS Sport equipment, a special No Boundaries roof rack system and unique 16-inch alloy wheels with meatier rubber. Four new colors are also available.

　　

zzdcar says

　　A very capable small SUV thanks to its powerful V6 engine, spacious cabin, handsome looks and car-like handling. The 2002 Ford Escape is one of our favorites.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Ford Escape XLS Value 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$171/mo  for Escape XLS Value

　　Escape XLS Value

　　XLS Value 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $18,670 MSRPXLS Value 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $20,295 MSRPXLS Sport 2WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $19,465 MSRPXLS Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 5M) - $21,090 MSRPXLS Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $20,230 MSRPXLS Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $21,855 MSRPXLT Choice 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $22,205 MSRPXLT Choice 2 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $22,380 MSRPXLT Choice 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $23,830 MSRPXLT Premium 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $23,435 MSRPXLT Premium 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $24,885 MSRPXLT Midnight 2WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $24,430 MSRPXLT Midnight 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $25,880 MSRPXLT Sport 4WD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 4A) - $24,780 MSRP

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　

Vehicle overview

　　One of the benefits of coming late to the party is that when you do arrive, you can make a big splash. That's what Ford has done with the appealing Escape sport-utility.

　　Designed to battle the Honda CR-V, Jeep Liberty, Nissan Xterra, Toyota RAV4 and others of the small-SUV ilk, the five-passenger Escape's calling cards are a large, comfortable interior and a powerful available V6 engine. As an added bonus, it's also priced competitively. These factors position the Escape for tremendous success in a growing market. Developed in partnership with Mazda, which sells a version called the Tribute, Escape comes in XLS or XLT flavors with either two- or four-wheel drive.

　　Base models have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 127 horsepower and 135 pound-feet of torque. Burdened with people and gear, a four-cylinder Escape is bound to be rather weedy. Fortunately, there is an available 3.0-liter V6. With 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque, it is one of the most powerful engines in its class, and accelerates the four-wheel drive Escape to 60 mph in less than 9 seconds. Equipped with the V6 and the standard four-speed automatic transmission, the Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds. Both the four-cylinder and V6 engines are LEV-compliant.

　　As opposed to Ford's larger SUVs, the 2WD Escape is front-wheel drive. The 4WD system can be set to either "4x4 automatic" or "4x4 lock" mode. In automatic mode, power is applied to the rear wheels only when a loss of traction occurs. In the locked mode, the Escape applies power to all four wheels at all times. The Escape does not have a low-range transfer case, however.

　　Ford hopes that with its sporting, rugged good looks, the Escape will appeal to young families and people with active lifestyles. Don't let the outside fool you, though. Underneath, the Escape is more car than truck. The unibody chassis is equipped with rack-and-pinion steering, a four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel ABS through a front disc/rear drum arrangement.

　　Inside, the Escape offers a big allotment of space for passengers and cargo. This is truly a five-passenger SUV. With the rear seats removed, the Escape offers 64.8 cubic feet of cargo. Cabin highlights include air conditioning, an available six-disc in-dash CD changer matched to an optional 300-watt sound system and optional side airbags.

　　Ford claims affordability and durability were top priorities during the engineering and design phase of the Escape. Mazda's input should have been of help here, but a rash of well-publicized first-year recalls sullies the image of this otherwise fine SUV. Regardless, Ford's Escape should be on your list when shopping for small sport-utes.

　　

2002 Escape Highlights

Trim: XLS ValueXLS SportXLS ChoiceXLT ChoiceXLT PremiumXLT MidnightXLT SportXLS Value

　　

Base MSRP	$18,670
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles