Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2003 Ford Escape Full Review
Date Published: 5/02/08
Also in the 2003 Ford Escape Review:
2003 Ford Escape Review
Base XLS and midlevel XLT trim levels are joined by a luxury-model Escape Limited for '03. Ford's smallest SUV is a 4-dr wagon that has a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass. Two powertrains are offered: a 4-cyl engine with manual transmission, and a V6 with automatic. Escape is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive without low-range gearing; a dashboard switch on AWD models locks in a 50/50 front/rear torque split. ABS is standard on XLT and Limited, optional on XLS. Front side airbags are standard on Limited, optional on the others. XLS models have 15-inch wheels, most XLTs and all Limiteds get 16s. Also added for '03 are a satin-silver instrument-panel finish and new interior materials. XLT Premium and Limited come with leather upholstery. The Limited comes with rear-obstacle detection, and heated front seats and door mirrors. Exclusive to the XLT Sport is Ford's No Boundaries roof rack that slides rearward to ease loading. In late calendar-year 2003, Ford plans to introduce a hybrid Escape with a 4-cyl gasoline engine with electric-motor assist that achieves an estimated 40 mpg in city driving. Mazda's Tribute is a slightly retrimmed Escape.
Competition
Though our Best Buys, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Mazda Tribute don't offer true off-road ability, they do mix ride comfort, cargo capacity, and versatility with all-weather traction. The V6 Tribute/Escape offers more power, comfort, and space than any in its class. CR-V has a bit more on-road refinement and cargo space.
Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
Another car-based mini-SUV, Subaru Forester is a Recommended choice. Like the CR-V it doesn't have a low range for serious off-road use, but it blends excellent on-road manners with SUV styling. The Jeep Liberty may lack some of the advantages of more-carlike SUVs, but it leads the pack in off-road ability. It's Recommended as an affordable, capable competitor.
News
A fairly major freshening is expected for the 2004 or '05 Escape, though specifics are unknown. Mercury, meantime, reportedly gets a somewhat upscale version for '05, probably with as much new outer sheetmetal as Ford can muster so buyers don't confuse the two. Escape isn't getting much attention for the next couple of years so Ford can concentrate on launching its new midsize crossover SUV, the 2004 Freestyle, formerly known as CrossTrainer.
The drivetrain of the upcoming hybrid-power Escape emulates Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). In both, the gas engine handles all driving except full-throttle acceleration, when it's boosted by the motor/battery pack. Also like Honda's system, the gas engine shuts off when coasting or stopped, and a regenerative braking feature turns the motor into a generator for keeping the batteries juiced, so no external charging is needed. Ford has been keeping mum on battery range, but once claimed 500 miles on a tank of gas and a combined EPA city/highway rating of 40 mpg. Ford also promises a 1000-lb tow rating and acceleration comparable to that of a regular V6 Escape. Likely to be badged HEV for "Hybrid Electric Vehicle", this new model should cost some $3000 more than a normal V6 Escape.
Escape sales fell 11.4 percent in calendar 2002 after a fairly strong 2001. That's bad news for Ford, which needs every sale it can get nowadays. The decline likely reflects new competition, especially Honda's redesigned CR-V. Interestingly, sales of the related Mazda Tribute were essentially flat in '02.
The drivetrain of the upcoming hybrid-power Escape emulates Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA). In both, the gas engine handles all driving except full-throttle acceleration, when it's boosted by the motor/battery pack. Also like Honda's system, the gas engine shuts off when coasting or stopped, and a regenerative braking feature turns the motor into a generator for keeping the batteries juiced, so no external charging is needed. Ford has been keeping mum on battery range, but once claimed 500 miles on a tank of gas and a combined EPA city/highway rating of 40 mpg. Ford also promises a 1000-lb tow rating and acceleration comparable to that of a regular V6 Escape. Likely to be badged HEV for "Hybrid Electric Vehicle", this new model should cost some $3000 more than a normal V6 Escape.
Escape sales fell 11.4 percent in calendar 2002 after a fairly strong 2001. That's bad news for Ford, which needs every sale it can get nowadays. The decline likely reflects new competition, especially Honda's redesigned CR-V. Interestingly, sales of the related Mazda Tribute were essentially flat in '02.
2003 Ford Escape Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Noise |
| Maneuverability | |
| Visibility | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
V6 Escapes and Tributes are among the quickest compact SUVs--8.9 sec 0-60 mph in our tests--with ample power for stress-free passing and merging, though some testers want more muscle on long upgrades. We have not tested a 4-cyl version.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 5 | 3.7 |
V6 Escapes and Tributes are among the quickest compact SUVs--8.9 sec 0-60 mph in our tests--with ample power for stress-free passing and merging, though some testers want more muscle on long upgrades. We have not tested a 4-cyl version.
Fuel Economy
Test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 17.5-19.2 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg in 24,308-mi. test that included lots of highway driving. No opportunity to measure 4-cyl economy. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.8 |
Test AWD V6 Escapes and Tributes averaged 17.5-19.2 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Extended-use-test AWD V6 Tribute averaged 19.5 mpg in 24,308-mi. test that included lots of highway driving. No opportunity to measure 4-cyl economy. Both engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Escape and Tribute have different suspension tuning but both feel markedly taut, without wallow or float over dips and swells. Some sharp bumps can register abruptly.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.1 |
Escape and Tribute have different suspension tuning but both feel markedly taut, without wallow or float over dips and swells. Some sharp bumps can register abruptly.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Better than most rivals. In fast cornering, balance and grip quite good; body lean moderate. Escape steering feel not as satisfyingly firm as Tribute's, but is acceptably direct. Good braking power, but some testers complain of too much nosedive in simulated panic stops.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 |
Better than most rivals. In fast cornering, balance and grip quite good; body lean moderate. Escape steering feel not as satisfyingly firm as Tribute's, but is acceptably direct. Good braking power, but some testers complain of too much nosedive in simulated panic stops.
Quietness
Noise levels aren't deal-breakers, but wind rush is prominent at speed, and the tires roar on coarse pavement. Escape seems marginally noisier than Tribute.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 4 | 3.5 |
Noise levels aren't deal-breakers, but wind rush is prominent at speed, and the tires roar on coarse pavement. Escape seems marginally noisier than Tribute.
Controls
Legible and generally well-placed, though automatic-transmission gear-shift lever is long enough to obstruct some dashboard controls. Ford-designed climate system doesn't allow independent control of air recirculation or air conditioning. Tribute interior feels slightly upscale of Escape's, but both are solid enough, with appropriate materials for this class.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.2 |
Legible and generally well-placed, though automatic-transmission gear-shift lever is long enough to obstruct some dashboard controls. Ford-designed climate system doesn't allow independent control of air recirculation or air conditioning. Tribute interior feels slightly upscale of Escape's, but both are solid enough, with appropriate materials for this class.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models. But clearance is otherwise generous, and the airy, comfortable cabin belies the compact-SUV exterior dimensions. Driver view unimpeded to sides and rear.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.3 |
Taller riders may want more head room in sunroof-equipped models. But clearance is otherwise generous, and the airy, comfortable cabin belies the compact-SUV exterior dimensions. Driver view unimpeded to sides and rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)
More knee and foot room in this compact SUV than in many midsize SUVs. Seat is supportive and well-contoured, even in center position. Floor is nearly flat, cabin wide enough for short-trip 3-adult comfort. Doorways are wide, but step-in is higher than most rivals'.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.1 |
More knee and foot room in this compact SUV than in many midsize SUVs. Seat is supportive and well-contoured, even in center position. Floor is nearly flat, cabin wide enough for short-trip 3-adult comfort. Doorways are wide, but step-in is higher than most rivals'.
Cargo Room
Generous. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.7 |
Generous. Rear seatbacks fold flat once the headrests are removed and the seat bottoms tilted forward. Standard separate-opening rear glass is an added convenience.
Value within Class
Tribute aims for a more-conservative and slightly more-upscale audience than its Escape sibling. But both are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. Each costs in the mid-$20,000 range well equipped, making them high-value alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but don't have significantly more interior space and use more gas.
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 10 | 5.7 |
Tribute aims for a more-conservative and slightly more-upscale audience than its Escape sibling. But both are solid, spacious, and rewarding to drive. Each costs in the mid-$20,000 range well equipped, making them high-value alternatives to some truck-based SUVs that may be larger on the outside, but don't have significantly more interior space and use more gas.
Total Score
| XLT Sport | Class Average |
| 56 | 47.1 |
Scores for all Compact Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 27 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 62 |
2003 Ford Escape Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| XLS Value 4-door wagon, 2WD | $18,710 | $17,401 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLS Sport 4-door wagon, 2WD | $19,595 | $18,207 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLS Popular 4-door wagon, 2WD | $20,300 | $18,848 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLS Popular 4-door wagon, AWD | $21,925 | $20,327 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Popular 4-door wagon, 2WD | $22,310 | $20,677 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Popular 2 4-door wagon, 2WD | $22,485 | $20,837 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Popular 2 4-door wagon, AWD | $24,110 | $22,315 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Sport 4-door wagon, 2WD | $23,440 | $21,705 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Sport 4-door wagon, AWD | $25,065 | $23,184 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Premium 4-door wagon, 2WD | $23,540 | $21,796 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| XLT Premium 4-door wagon, AWD | $25,165 | $23,275 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| Limited 4-door wagon, 2WD | $25,460 | $23,544 | $590 |
|
|
|||
| Limited 4-door wagon, AWD | $27,085 | $25,023 | $590 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
XLS Value
Powertrain
2.0-liter dohc 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, console, cupholders, folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, visor mirrors, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic-off headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/70R15 tires.
XLS Sport adds to XLS Value:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Mach AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/70R15 white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
XLS Popular adds to XLS Value:
Powertrain
3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
XLT Popular adds to XLS Popular:
Safety
Antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, 6-way power driver seat w/adjustable lumbar support, split folding rear seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass, roof rack, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
225/70R15 white-letter tires, alloy wheels.
XLT Popular 2 adds to XLT Popular:
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
235/70R16 white-letter tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
XLT Sport adds to XLT Popular 2:
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side step bars, unique roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Class II Trailer Package, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
XLT Premium adds to XLT Popular 2:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Limited adds to XLT Premium:
Safety
Front side airbags, rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats, heated power mirrors, Mach sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, automatic headlights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: power sunroof.
AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Group
|
||
|
XLS Value/Sport/Popular
|
$325
|
$293
|
|
Cruise control, floormats, perimeter alarm system.
|
||
|
Leather Comfort Group
|
||
|
XLT Popular 2, XLT Sport
|
$575
|
$517
|
|
Leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front passenger under-seat storage compartment, overhead console w/storage, front-door map pockets.
|
||
|
XLT Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
XLT Premium
|
$900
|
$810
|
|
Step bars, 2-tone body cladding, unique wheels.
|
||
|
Class II Trailer Towing Pkg.
|
||
|
XLS Popular, XLT Popular/Popular 2/Premium, Limited
|
$350
|
$316
|
|
Trailer hitch, 4-wire harness, oil cooler.
|
||
|
|
||
Powertrain |
||
|
5-speed manual transmission
|
||
|
XLS Value/Sport
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Front side airbags
|
||
|
XLS Popular, XLS Sport, XLS Value, XLT Popular, XLT Popular 2, XLT Premium, XLT Sport
|
$345
|
$310
|
|
Std. Limited.
|
||
|
Antilock brakes
|
||
|
XLS Value/Sport/Popular
|
$575
|
$517
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
XLT Popular/Popular 2, Limited
|
$585
|
$527
|
|
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
|
XLT Popular/Popular 2/Sport/Premium
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Mach sound system
|
||
|
XLT Popular/Popular 2/Sport/Premium
|
$505
|
$454
|
|
Cargo cover
|
||
|
XLS Popular, XLS Sport, XLS Value, XLT Popular, XLT Popular 2, XLT Premium, XLT Sport
|
$75
|
$68
|
|
Std. Limited.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Roof rack
|
||
|
XLS Value/Sport/Popular
|
$40
|
$36
|
|
Side step bars
|
||
|
XLS Value/Popular, XLT Popular/Premium
|
$275
|
$248
|
|
XLS requires alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Alloy wheels
|
||
|
XLS Value/Popular
|
$375
|
$337
|
|
Includes 225/70R15 white-letter tires.
|
||
|
|
||
2003 Ford Escape Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Ford Escape 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 173.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 69.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3175 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 69.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 3.0 /182 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 127 @ 5400 | 201 @ 5900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 135 @ 4500 | 196 @ 4700 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed manual | 23/28 | --/-- |
| 4-speed automatic | --/-- | 18/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Ford Escape 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/100,000 | Focus only. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Ford Escape Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
