The 2003 Ford Escape had a hard time finding its market niche, or perhaps the folks at Ford had a hard time finding buyers. In a time where 'bigger is better'; was the mantra of drivers, the compact sport-utility class tended to be overlooked.
And the 2003 Escape was definitely compact: its 173-inch overall length was petite compared to most of the other SUVs on the market. Despite its relatively small size, though, it managed to fit five adults in reasonable comfort, and hold 33 cubic feet (with rear seats up) or 63 cubic feet (with rear seats folded) of cargo.
The '03 Ford Escape shipped with a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder Zetec with a 130-horsepower output; buyers could choose an optional upgrade, to the 3.0 liter, 24-valve Duratec V-6, with 200 horsepower and 200 lb.-ft. of torque.
Trim lines available for the '03 Escape were the XLS, XLT, and the more luxurious Limited edition. Four-wheel drive was available as an option for all trims. However, the Escape really wasn't designed as an off-road vehicle; its target market was people looking for a little workhorse SUV to tool around highways and suburban streets.
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I've had this car since 2004. I've had regular oil changes done. The only issues I've had thus far were some spark plug problems, which were easily fixed, and at the moment I have a leak in my power steering hose that I need to fix. This has been a great car for me, whether it's been used for family vacations, or bringing home large purchases. The gas mileage could be better, but hey, it's a 2003!Aug 07, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 16, 2013
I love my car! Its dependable, minimal maintenance, decent on fuel economy (for an older SUV) and it fits all of my stuff. I have two dogs that I carry with me sometimes. My husband and I are very outdoorsy and like camping and bike riding etc. and it fits all of our stuff. Only one time it failed me... We bought two toilets and two pedestal sinks at Lowes and they didn't fit like I thought they would. Its a great, all-around vehicle. I bought it while I was in college and have kept it now for over 6 years.
I've taken it on 10 hour drives numerous times and once on a 16 hour drive and we were comfortable. I mostly use it for commuting to/from work everyday, and to the grocery store. I love that there are virtualy NO blind spots (that is very important to me to feel comfortable in a car). One minor flaw that I have noticed is the lack of insulation. I can hear a lot of the road noise (that might also be my all-terrain tires), and when I have the radio playing, it can be heard very clearly from the outside. (Not just the bass, but every word of the songs)
Mechanically, I haven't really had any problems. One morning, it wouldn't crank for me and one of the coils went out on it. That had to be replaced, but I don't think it was much more than $100, so nothing major. I've always gotten the oil changed at 3,000 miles and gotten regular tune-ups and rotations, alignments, etc. and the car has done well for me. I have no complaints.Feb 16, 2013
by Anonymous
Sep 15, 2011
Not a bad little SUV. You get a lot for the money. You can buy a used one for under 10K and there reliability is amazing. The only time you find these in a salvage yard is when they are wreaked beyond repair. Sep 15, 2011
User rating:
by Anonymous
Aug 07, 2013
I've had this car since 2004. I've had regular oil changes done. The only issues I've had thus far were some spark plug problems, which were easily fixed, and at the moment I have a leak in my power steering hose that I need to fix. This has been a great car for me, whether it's been used for family vacations, or bringing home large purchases. The gas mileage could be better, but hey, it's a 2003!Aug 07, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 16, 2013
I love my car! Its dependable, minimal maintenance, decent on fuel economy (for an older SUV) and it fits all of my stuff. I have two dogs that I carry with me sometimes. My husband and I are very outdoorsy and like camping and bike riding etc. and it fits all of our stuff. Only one time it failed me... We bought two toilets and two pedestal sinks at Lowes and they didn't fit like I thought they would. Its a great, all-around vehicle. I bought it while I was in college and have kept it now for over 6 years.
I've taken it on 10 hour drives numerous times and once on a 16 hour drive and we were comfortable. I mostly use it for commuting to/from work everyday, and to the grocery store. I love that there are virtualy NO blind spots (that is very important to me to feel comfortable in a car). One minor flaw that I have noticed is the lack of insulation. I can hear a lot of the road noise (that might also be my all-terrain tires), and when I have the radio playing, it can be heard very clearly from the outside. (Not just the bass, but every word of the songs)
Mechanically, I haven't really had any problems. One morning, it wouldn't crank for me and one of the coils went out on it. That had to be replaced, but I don't think it was much more than $100, so nothing major. I've always gotten the oil changed at 3,000 miles and gotten regular tune-ups and rotations, alignments, etc. and the car has done well for me. I have no complaints.Feb 16, 2013
by Anonymous
Sep 15, 2011
Not a bad little SUV. You get a lot for the money. You can buy a used one for under 10K and there reliability is amazing. The only time you find these in a salvage yard is when they are wreaked beyond repair. Sep 15, 2011
by Nick A
Mar 28, 2011
It gets you from A to B, it has decent handling and acceleration. It does have the V6 engine in it, instead of the 4 cylinder. Has an aftermarket remote starter, great for the winter. I do like driving it.Mar 28, 2011
by Kyle S
Mar 16, 2011
This is a great car for skiing and all around utility. It's great in the snow and can carry a lot of cargo. The stereo in the car is good too. Watch out for transmission issues, it can be problematic.Mar 16, 2011
by Joshua H
Feb 03, 2011
love it!!! I drive it everyday, had zero trouble from it. rides great, goes great in the snow, handles very well, and has a good amount of power. would highly recomend it to anyone!!! looks very sharp and sporty too!!!Feb 03, 2011
by Anonymous
Jan 20, 2011
If you want something that will just keep on ticking, get an Escape. I swear by this vehicle!The 6 CYL, AWD is amazing in the snow, it has a timing chain instead of a belt, and it never breaks down. My family, friends and my mechanic have them and love them. This is my everyday commuting vehicle and it is the best value for my money I have ever gotten.Jan 20, 2011
by Vance L
Nov 22, 2010
good acceleration, 4 wheel drive, automatic, great on gas, and tows and pulls heavy weight very well. feel like you are driving a go-cart, no problems, lasts very long, has a V6, very good turning, handling, and breaking. FUN TO DRIVE!Nov 22, 2010
by Christian B
Oct 01, 2010
Well built, handles well in the snow and rainy weather. Powerful engine, accelerates quickly as well as good brakes. Maintaining engine is relatively cheap but the gas mileage is pretty low. definitly fun to drive no matter what the conditions are.Oct 01, 2010
by Douglass G
Nov 11, 2009
A terrifically versatile vehicle; great acceleration and handling with tons of space inside for a small vehicle. Quality has been great so far. Annoyances have been minor--mainly the carpet in the rear, which doesn't stay down well and rumples up while putting in cargo.Nov 11, 2009
by Christina L
May 27, 2009
Lots of room inside and the 4 wheel drive in the winter is the best. Handles very well. The color red is the best color. The over all performance, I give it A plus. Ths price is right. The appearance of the SUV is very sport looking. Would buy another..May 27, 2009
by Katie K
Dec 08, 2008
It's been a pretty good car. No big problems, just
needed new stabilizer bars, which I guess is a
common problem. The 4WD has been helpful in the
snow. It warms up great in the cold and the heated
seats are awesome in an "economy" car.Dec 08, 2008
by Adam R
Jun 25, 2008
I like the car. I don't like the MPG. It gets between 19-22 with a 3.0 L V6. It's suspension is built like a car so handling is amazing. Quality f the interior and all the other parts feel and are top notch for it's class. 200 HP definitely will get you going. maintenance has been minimal, only major services were scheduled preventative maintenance. I would recommend this car to people whom have a family but also need something that can go off road and handle itself in minor off road and minor hauling situations. tow capacity is one of the higher for it's class.Jun 25, 2008
by Kyle S
Jun 09, 2008
Easy to drive. Quick by SUV standards.Jun 09, 2008
by Jim H
May 11, 2008
I enjoy this SUV very much..it gets me where i need to go...it is more of a family oriented vehicle though. May 11, 2008
2003 Ford Escape XLS, Key will not turn at all in ignition, tried turning steering wheel, tried WD1040, key will not move at all. Weather is severely cold here now. I do not know what to do.
I bought my daughter a used 2003 ford escape AWD 3.0. It had a light vibration but it had gotten worse over time, I bought new tires, balanced and align, there was very little change it still vibrated, I replaced wheel bearing on the front passenger tire, still no change,i replaced the lower control arm for the same tire, still vibrates, i placed the sway bar links for both, still vibrates, i replaced the cv axle for that same tire, still no change, i removed the drive shaft and drove it for a month, no change, i replaced the motor mounts (they where tough) no change, there's still a vibration, I took the truck to shop so they could inspect the front drivers side wheel bearing and axle, they gave it the ok. A few things to consider, when driving and going 45-50 the truck begins to vibrates, once you hit 60 it stops, if cruising at 50 and you put in neutral it still vibrates, the vibration almost feels like a warped rotor when you are applying the brakes, except im not, thanks