2003 Ford Escape Review Summary & Specs
XLS Sport Utility
Best in its class.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Ford Escape is one of the best of the small, on-road SUVs. The available V6 engine provides the Escape with the most power in its class. A four-wheel independent suspension and unit-body construction make it handle almost as well as a car. A car-like ride makes it easy to live with. It isn't designed for serious off-road driving, nor are its direct competitors. Overall, we feel the Escape is the best SUV in its class.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief |
| Model Lineup |
XLS ($18,800); XLS 4WD ($21,985); XLT ($22,335); XLT 4WD ($23,960); Midnight ($24,995); Midnight 4WD ($26,445); Limited ($25,460); Limited 4WD ($26,910) |
| Engines (standard) |
3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Engines (optional) |
2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve Inline-4; 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
4-speed automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
dual front airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
ABS, side airbags |
| Basic Warranty |
3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Kansas City, Missouri |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-392-FORD |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.fordvehicles.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$18,800 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
XLT 4WD ($23,960) |
| Standard Equipment |
air conditioning, anti-theft system with perimeter alarm, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, cargo cover and convenience net, center console with armrest, cruise control, 3.0-liter V6 Duratec engine, four-speed automatic transmission, front fog lamps, rear privacy glass, chrome grille, dual visor mirrors, AM/FM/cassette with in-dash six-CD changer, six-way power driver's seat with manual lumbar control, five-spoke alloy wheels, full carpeting, electric rear window defroster, power locks, illuminated remote keyless entry, headlights with automatic off/delay, power mirrors, accessory power outlet in rear cargo area, tachometer, power windows with express down for driver's window |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
XLT premium package ($1230) includes leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front door map pockets, overhead console with dual storage bins, front passenger under-seat storage tray, power moonroof with sunshade; Towing package ($350) includes Class II trailer hitch, wiring kit, oil cooler. |
| Destination Charge |
565 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Price as Tested |
$26,105 |
| Layout |
four-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
201 @ 5900 |
| Torque |
196 @ 4700 |
| Fuel Economy |
18/23 |
| Wheelbase |
103.1 |
| Length/Width/Height |
173.0/70.1/69.1 |
| Track Front/Rear |
61.2/61.0 |
| Turning Radius |
35.4 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.3/53.4/42.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
36.9/49.0/36.4 |
| Trunk Volume |
69.2 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
3500 |
| Front Suspension |
independent MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
independent, multi-link, coil springs |
| Ground Clearance |
7.8 |
| Curb Weight |
3346 |
| Stock Tires |
P235/70R16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/drum with ABS and EBD |
| Fuel Capacity |
16.0 |