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2003 Ford Escape Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,300 to $27,675

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(15 reviews)
2003 Ford Escape Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2003 Ford Escape

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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

2003 Ford Escape Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,300 to $27,675
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A
Ford Escape price trends

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.93 · Locking differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: MACH · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: MACH · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.93 · Locking differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.93 · Locking differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (6)

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