Been checking out used SUVs, hoping for something reliable with good mileage on the highway. Friends keep telling me Ford Escapes are alright, but everything I read online says they have loads of problems. What’s been your experience? Would you buy another or skip it?
I had a 2002 that ran up to 260k with the original engine and transmission! Loved it. Now I have a 2020 with just 45k and have already spent a ton fixing software issues. Not going for a Ford next time.
@Wynn
Still driving my 2002 with 231k. Those newer models really went downhill. That EcoBoost engine is just a mess. Sorry to hear about your 2020.
@Wynn
Picked up an ‘03 with no rust, 170k on it, for $3000. Better than a lot of newer cars.
Phoenix said:
@Wynn
Picked up an ‘03 with no rust, 170k on it, for $3000. Better than a lot of newer cars.
Yeah, it handled rough trails like a pro with some A/T tires. I pushed that car hard out on BLM land and into camping sites, but man, I do miss it. Only downside was the poor gas mileage.
@Wynn
I’ve got an '02 4cyl with a 5-speed manual, 4x4, and 220k miles. A bit slow but reliable and decent on gas. It’s been solid.
@Wynn
I had a 2002 too, also with the no boundaries roof rack! Sat unused for two years, charged the battery, and it started right up. Sold it to someone who drove it home that day.
@Wynn
Had one as my first car; the trans went out at 200k. My coworker drives an older one daily, around 100 miles a day, and just redid the suspension. It’s still running strong and must be close to 300k.
@Wynn
That was a good time for Ford. Those older models were built better.
First-gen (2001-2007) models were solid SUVs.
Second-gen (2008-2012) had a good look but seemed to drop a bit in reliability.
The 2013 and newer ones? I keep hearing complaints.
Nico said:
First-gen (2001-2007) models were solid SUVs.
Second-gen (2008-2012) had a good look but seemed to drop a bit in reliability.
The 2013 and newer ones? I keep hearing complaints.
The 2023 models have different engines too. The 2.0 especially is a whole new design, supposedly closer to the 2.3 in the Mustang. Transmission is still a known weak point though.
@Grady
Are the 8-speed transmissions as bad as the 6-speeds?
Torrance said:
@Grady
Are the 8-speed transmissions as bad as the 6-speeds?
If you stay on top of fluid changes, maybe not.
Nico said:
First-gen (2001-2007) models were solid SUVs.
Second-gen (2008-2012) had a good look but seemed to drop a bit in reliability.
The 2013 and newer ones? I keep hearing complaints.
I have a 2023. Only minor software issues, nothing major yet. Just regular maintenance so far and I’m at 22k miles.
@Vail
I was thinking more of the 2013-2020 models. Haven’t heard much from the newer owners.
Nico said:
@Vail
I was thinking more of the 2013-2020 models. Haven’t heard much from the newer owners.
Makes sense. The 2013-2020 models got a bad rap. The 2022+ models seem to have improved a lot.
Nico said:
First-gen (2001-2007) models were solid SUVs.
Second-gen (2008-2012) had a good look but seemed to drop a bit in reliability.
The 2013 and newer ones? I keep hearing complaints.
Can’t say I’d call them fantastic design-wise. My 2008 is rusting pretty bad from the salt they use in winter. Even my friend, who’s super careful with undercoating, is seeing rust on their 2012.
@Ashton
I meant more in terms of cargo space and comfort. Felt unique for a small SUV back then.
Nico said:
@Ashton
I meant more in terms of cargo space and comfort. Felt unique for a small SUV back then.
Agreed on that! It’s hauled so much for me over the years. Space has never been a problem.
@Ashton
Did an 8-hour round trip with three other adults, and we were fine with just backpacks in the back. Not luxurious but comfy enough!