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2003 Ford Escape consumer reviews

$18,710–$21,925 MSRP range
side view of 2003 Escape Ford
(47 reviews)
76% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.2
  • Value 4.2
  • Exterior 4.1
  • Reliability 4.2
Explore the 2003 Ford Escape

2003 Ford Escape

M brother bought a 03 7 years ago- he just upgraded for something a little bigger. But this escape is my starter car now! It needs some frame and body work. But mechanically it’s been very reliable! It’s got 215k miles and still going g strong. And my brother beat the CRAP out of this escape.he never maintained well and he drove like an idiot.only problems we’ve had is the power steering pump and alternator hood g bad but being a 20 year old car stuff like that is gonna happen. Very comfortable,very reliable and it’s a nice looking car!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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2003 Ford Escape XLS 3.0 L

My experience with this 2003 Ford Escape XLS 3.0 L has been very faithful to me until now. I only have 127,000 miles on this vehicle. This vehicle were given to me as a gift from my mom. Now I am having trouble with my catalytic converters and O2 sensors and O1 sensors and the EVAP, HRT, EGR. Can somebody help me.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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I love this car!

I bought this car used with 170,000 miles on it. I needed a car to drive out to the desert to visit family, and for short rides to school and back. The previous owner did not take car of it at all but I still bought it for $1.2k. I decided to give the car a second chance, I replaced the transmission, a bunch of hoses that were feeling rough, changed all the fluids bc the previous owner never did any work to it. The car was fine before, but after putting in fresh stuff it was 100x better. I'm currently at 250,000 miles and shes still going strong. This car is super comfortable and easy to handle. I've taken road trips and never had any issues. At some point I had an oil leak I wasnt aware of and had only about a quart and a half left (out of the 5.5 that's needed)but she kept going. It had been in a few accidents before I bought it, and then a few more with me, and she can take a hit. Theres plenty of room under the hood for DIY repairs. Super easy to work on and as a college student, most the parts have been mostly affordable, so that a plus for the wallet. This car has good power in the engine as well, picks up speed without a fight. Can easily fly 110mph out in desert freeways and again, handles nicely. Given the proper car from the start this car could probably last a lifetime, definitely gonna pass her down to younger siblings.

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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Love it.

Recently bought the 2003 with 85,000 miles and near perfect condition. The more I drive it, the more I love it. Haven’t started my 2019 Dodge Ram since bringing the Escape home.

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 Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Reliable and have owned it

This is a very powerful car that one can use for years, it is relatively reliable for rough road and very good on better roads

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Happy so far

Been a fan of this vehicle for years and finally was able to purchase. It has good reviews and so far, 1 month ownetship, I am quite content with my purchase.

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 Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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I would trust this vehicle long distance + -35

After my first escape 2003 which I drove for 6 yrs no problems I bought another escape 2006 in 2010 which I drove back and forth to work 168 km a day 5 days a week and still driving I got a new windshield,tires & (alternator 2013)if I buy again it would be 2013 or older they are the best SUV'S Treat them right and you got a lifetime SUV....

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Awesome SUV

I love this car. One of the best cars I've ever owned. Comfortable, roomy, reliable, good in the snow, and fast for an suv. Perfect for everything.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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PERFECT FIRST CAR

This car is safe, reliable, VERY good on gas, and comfortable. This was my first vehicle and I love driving it. Even as a used car, I know I can depend on it, even after 150,000 miles! I recommend this car all the time!

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 New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Great First Car

You can pick up these classically styled SUV's in one of the lowest price ranges possible, and they should be at the top of your list for moderate reliability, low cost of maintenance (due to ease of repair and abundance of parts), and 4x4 options.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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