Escape opinions--good or bad?

My sister in law is seriously considering buying a Ford Escape. She asked me for my opinion (as I'm a Ford guy) and I drew a blank. I've never heard anything good nor bad about them. Shes looking around a 2005, and I'd appreciate any input from the community here. Thx in advance.

I just bought a 2005 XLT V6 4x4 w/ 70k from a Ford dealer in Scarborough.

As far as a North American truck goes, it leans towards the better than average side. Actually, much better than average.

Some owners report some quirks. But for the most part, (according to reviews that I've found anyways), most owners are happy with them.

Check our owner and pro writer reviews in www.Edmunds.com, and owner reviews in www.carsurvey.org.

The most common complaint I found were the tire noise from the OEM Continentals at highway speed. And that they go through brakes a lot.

When I was physically looking, I found the most common rust area were the bottom of the door seams. Gotta love all that salt in them Canadian roads, eh.

I found one that was pretty much rust free.

I've had mine just over a month and a half....I love it. My neighbor across the street, his sister bought the same truck...she loves it too.

Hope that helps.

We bought the '02 V6 4WD new. Left front wheel bearing went out pretty quickly. If you look for my post on Escape fire, that was fun, but shouldn't be an issue with '04 or newer. There have been a lot of problems with the transmissions, including mine. $2,700 USD for that. Alternator housing broke apart and was a pain to replace. There are a few spots where there is some rust starting on the inner door seams. If I wasn't broke I would trade it. If the tranny hadn't gone out, I would still have recommended it to someone else. After all the research into the tranny troubles, I no longer can.

We bought a '06 used (40Km) in '07. Its the fwd; v6-3.0 xlt model.
I would say on the whole we are very happy with our purchase.
We have had zero mechanical problems so far. Which is huge for us.

Its easy to drive; great visibility; good in all weather (including snow); mileage is OK (not great; but better than the 4wd).
I agree with Off_Timing the OEM continentals tires are noisy on the hi-way.
I also agree.... do your research.... check out the web sites he recommended.
carsurvey.com is good. There is a lot of info out there... you need to parse thru it.

One thing I'll add though, I find the interior quite simple when compared to
other vehicles we've owned. Simple things like mileage computer; extn temp. gauge; volume controls on steering wheel; moon roof; etc.
Granted these are small things (and maybe you can get most if not all
of them in other models).

I would not recommend to anyone the I have a 2002 Ford escape and have sunk a lot of money and time in to this since I bought it. I also have friends that have same year escape and we are having many of the same problems For example, IAC Valve, coil packs going out, alternator problems, wheel bearings, EGR valve and catalytic converter problems. I have also had to have the front suspension cradle replaced according to my mechanic he has never replace one of these unless a car has been in an accident, its never been in an accident. Im currently trying to figure out another problem that I am having with the front end. I know that I will never buy one again

I have a 2005 ford escape, and I can honestly say that it is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I've had multiple Chevys, Pontiacs, and Hondas, which have all been good vehicles, but I will never buy a Ford again. The breaking system causes constant problems, and it seems like there is a recall every month. I'm going to stick to Chevy's or Hondas from now on.

I would say go for it only if there isn't a better option available. IMO, the Escape's are OK, but not great. They certainly have their fair share of issues, but they're not riddled with defects either. My '03 has been pretty good for the three months I've had it, but I couldn't tell you what they're like in the long run.