2004 Ford Escape Review Summary & Specs
XLS Sport Utility
Smooth, agile, roomy, practical, and affordable.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
Ford Escape is a well-balanced on-road SUV. It has a roomy interior and good cargo capacity. The available V6 engine provides the Escape with strong power. 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.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor |
Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup |
XLS ($18,710); XLS 4WD ($21,925); XLT ($22,555); XLT 4WD ($24,180); Limited ($24,615); Limited 4WD ($26,240) |
| 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; Avon Lake, Ohio |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-392-FORD |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.fordvehicles.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$18,710 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Ford Escape XLT 4WD ($24,180) |
| 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) |
Leather Comfort group ($575) includes leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front bucket seats and 60/40 split rear bench; Class II trailer towing package ($350); cargo cover ($75) |
| Destination Charge |
590 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
four-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested |
$25,770 |
| 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 |
|
| 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 |