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2002 Ford Escape

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$18,670

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

5

Seating capacity

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(57 reviews)

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2002 Ford Escape trim comparison will help you decide.

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2002 Ford Escape review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Ford’s first car-based sport utility vehicle debuted for the 2001 model year and is derived from the Mazda 626 platform — a result of Ford’s controlling interest in Mazda, which produces the similar Tribute. Developed in tandem, both compete against other car-based SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4. All are considerably smaller than traditional, truck-based SUVs and promise carlike ride and handling, as well as the security of optional four-wheel drive.

Except for a newly optional six-CD changer, little is new for FordÂ’s smallest SUV. A Sport Package that includes a special cargo rack and 16-inch aluminum wheels was introduced in spring 2001.

During 2002, a hybrid version of the Escape is supposed to go on sale as a 2003 model. The hybrid will have a small gasoline engine and an electric motor to yield frugal fuel economy. This will make Ford the third automaker — behind Honda and Toyota — to offer a hybrid powertrain in the U.S. market and the first to have one in a truck-type vehicle.

Exterior
Riding a 103-inch wheelbase, the unibody four-door Escape measures 173 inches long overall. Traditional-type SUV styling resembles some of FordÂ’s full-fledged trucks. The rear liftgate has a flip-up window that opens separately, as it does on larger Ford SUVs. The Escape has four-wheel-independent suspension.

Interior
Seating five occupants, the Escape is fitted with two front bucket seats and a three-place folding rear bench that is split on the XLT model. Cargo volume behind the rear seat is 35 cubic feet and grows to 68 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded forward, which creates a flat load floor. Despite the compact exterior, thereÂ’s space inside with the liftgate closed for two mountain bikes that can be secured by standard mounting points. Standard equipment includes a CD player, tilt steering column, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Under the Hood
The base 130-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine teams only with a five-speed-manual shift. Most Escapes come with the optional 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6, which is also used in the Taurus sedan. This engine drives a four-speed-automatic transmission with the gear selector on the steering column. The Escape can have either front-wheel drive or Control Trac II four-wheel drive, which engages automatically as needed to maintain traction. An optional towing package for the V-6 Escape allows a cargo-towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds.

Safety
Antilock brakes are standard on the XLT and optional on the XLS. Side-impact airbags for the front seats are optional on both models.

Driving Impressions
Easy to drive and quite stable on the highway, the Escape steers with a very light touch, which imparts a sufficient level of confidence. Frisky performance emanates from the V-6 engine as the Escape pulls out from a standstill with spirit. The automatic transmission shifts capably, without lumpiness — it’s quite smooth, in fact, for a truck.

Driveline noise is more noticeable than expected, even at highway speeds, and ride comfort is quite satisfying around town. Extremely short front-seat bottoms can impair comfort, but back support is fine. Occupants enjoy plenty of space in the front and rear. The backseat actually feels more comfortable than the front. On the negative side, the doors and overall construction feel a little more “tinny” than on some rivals.

 

Reported by Jim Flammang  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2002 Buying Guide

Consumer reviews

(57 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.2
  • Exterior 4.2
  • Reliability 4.1
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Most recent consumer reviews

Pretty great vehicle

Own one of these and it never fails to start and reliably get me to place to place. Almost 200k and no sign of stopping. Also had a Toyota highlander that was a piece of junk compared to this thing. At least the Ford never had an engine light or didn't start.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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2002 escape

My 2002 almost hit 300000 miles trans has now failed. Been a great little suv. We will miss it. Pretty good fuel mileage too. Next vehicle I'm hoping to get the Ford Maverick truck wish us luck

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
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love to drive this suv

just what i wanted back in 2002 but trans jerks not very good on gas but i can live with it and i still like the body style not the head lights

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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See all 57 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2002 Ford Escape base trim.
Nhtsa rollover rating
3

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Ford Blue Advantage Blue
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
36 months/36,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
90-Day/4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Powertrain
Available
Dealer certification required
139-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

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