![]() This system allowed the front wheels to receive 100% of the torque until a slip was detected. The four wheel drive system was a newer version of Ford's "Control Trac" 4x4 system, dubbed the Control Trac II 4WD in the Escape. If slipping is detected at the front, more power will be sent to the rear wheels in a fraction of a second. The AWD system normally sends most of the power from the engine to the front wheels. Although not meant for serious off-roading, a full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) system supplied by Dana was optional, which included a locking center differential activated by a switch on the dashboard. Ford and Mazda decided to offer a car-like, unibody design with a fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering similar to the RAV4 and CR-V in the Escape. Solid rear axles were commonly used on the full-sized truck-based SUVs and Jeep Cherokee due to their ability to carry heavy loads at the expense of a comfortable ride and good handling. Other car makers, Jeep, Toyota and Honda had been offering smaller unibody designs, the Jeep Cherokee (XJ), RAV4 and CR-V respectively. This followed a long history of Mazda-derived Fords, starting with the Ford Courier in the 1970s.Īt the time, larger sport-utility vehicles tended to use pickup truck-based, body-on-frame designs. At first, the twinned models were assembled by Ford in the US for North American consumption, with Mazda in Japan supplying cars for other markets. Powertrains were supplied by Mazda with respect to the base inline-four engine, with Ford providing the optional V6. Although the Escape and Tribute shared the same underpinnings constructed from the Ford CD2 platform (based on Mazda GF underpinnings), the only panels common to the two vehicles were the roof and floor pressings. It was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owned a controlling interest, and was released simultaneously with the Mazda Tribute. The first generation of Ford Escape was released in 2000 for the 2001 model year. Outside of North America, the Ford Escape is sold in Australia, China, and Taiwan. As with previous generations, the fourth-generation Escape is offered with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Sharing a common body and chassis underpinnings (and several engines), the Escape and Kuga are produced in their home markets. ![]() Under the mid-2000s "One Ford" globalization strategy, the third and fourth-generation designs of the Escape have been unified with the Ford Kuga, designed by Ford of Europe. In Europe, the Escape was initially branded as the Ford Maverick from 2001 to 2008 (replacing a Nissan-produced SUV). The first two generations used the Ford CD2 platform (jointly developed with Mazda), leading to the release of the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner as with the Escape, both the Tribute and Mariner were sold in North America. Through rebranding, Ford has sold the Escape under several nameplates through its production. In another first, the 2004 Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid-electric vehicle from Ford, and the first hybrid produced as an SUV. The first Ford SUV derived from a car platform, the Escape was slotted below the Ford Explorer in size the Escape is currently sized between the Ford EcoSport and Ford Edge. The Ford Escape is a compact crossover SUV sold by Ford since the 2001 model year. However, I still love my 2009 Ford Escape as it took great care of me for 10 years, and will take care of my daughter for many more.Ford Territory (Middle East, South America, Philippines and Vietnam) Unfortunately Ford ruined the latest Escapes as they are now "cross-overs" whatever the xxxx that means so my new vehicle is a Jeep Wrangler. Since I am an engineer, and I own my business, I kept detailed accounts of the maintenance costs and they have averaged $0.04/mile to date which I think is outstanding. I have an estimate to fix the rust, but it's going to cost about $1,000/well to do a proper job of it. I understand from my mechanic that the wheel well rusting is common due to the design (I live in Indiana and we have lots of salt on the roads in the winter). ![]() I eventually put in front seat covers, but would put them on all seats from the beginning if I had to do it over again. The cloth seats stain extremely easy, even with a water spill. My ONLY real complaints are the cloth seats, and the fact that this model tends to rust at the rear wheel wells. Hardly ever needed break service, but most of my mileage was highway. The Escape is especially gentle on tires as I had one all-season set on for 100,000 miles. At the end I was running about 25 MPG Hwy, and 20 MPG City. ![]() I never missed a service visit, and it never failed me on the road. My 2009 Ford Escape was my work vehicle from July 2009 until August 2019 (I still have it but my 16 year old daughter drives it now).
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