2003 Ford Escape Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
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...
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.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers seem quite happy with the 2003 Ford Escape, praising its reliability, power, and performance, especially in snowy conditions. Many loved the spacious interior and versatility, making it suitable for families and outdoor activities. However, some owners were less satisfied with the fuel economy and noted issues with noise while driving."
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.
January 20, 2011Well 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.
October 1, 2010I'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!
August 7, 2013What owners say
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.
January 20, 2011Well 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.
October 1, 2010I'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!
August 7, 2013love 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!!!
February 3, 2011Not 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.
September 15, 2011I 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.
June 25, 2008I 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.
February 16, 2013good 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!
November 22, 2010A 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.
November 11, 2009It'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.
December 8, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $24,700 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $22,900 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $27,675 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain 4WD |
Base MSRP $26,050 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $19,300 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,515 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 201 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 0.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain 4WD |
