2002 Ford Escape XLT 4x4

Nothing is a sure bet in today's automotive world. But if ever there were an odds-on favorite to turn up in the success column, it's the Ford Escape. This handsome hauler had all the hallmarks of a winner when it rolled onto the compact SUV scene for 2001. With its impressive combination of style, flexibility, and convenience, the Escape racked up a formidable 164,184 sales and handily displaced the Honda CR-V as the volume leader in class. A handful of minor upgrades for 2002 leaves little doubt that Escape will remain a solid presence during its sophomore season—and for some time to come.

Escape retains its look for 2002. Premium XLT trim is identifiable by 235/70TR16 tires on 16x7 aluminum wheels.

Based on a stiff, strong unibody structure that it shares with its kin-beneath-the-skin the Mazda Tribute, the Escape comes in front-drive or 4WD configurations and XLS or upline XLT trims. While Ford offers a variety of special packages (Value, Sport, Choice, Premium and a monochromatic Midnight) plus multiple freestanding options for this 4-door sport-utility, even the most affordable version—which starts at $18,670—offers a generous roster of standards headed by air conditioning, power windows/mirrors, AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system, rear window washer/wiper/defogger, and a tilt steering column.

Escape 4x4s are motivated by the 201-horsepower Duratec 3.0-liter V-6.

Powering the front-drive XLS is Ford's 2.0-liter/127-horsepower DOHC Zetec I-4 backed by a 5-speed manual transmission. For 2002, all other versions of the Escape are fitted with the 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 paired with a 4-speed electronically controlled automatic. Churning out 201 horses and 196 lb.-ft. of twist, the six endows even the 3,152-pound XLT Limited 4x4 that we sampled in this encounter with a welcome degree of off-the-line snap and plenty of enthusiasm on-demand for freeway passing maneuvers.


In addition to the primo drivetrain, opting for XLT trappings also brings things like anti-lock brakes, 60/40 split on the folding rear seat, cruise control, alarm system, floor mats and a retractable/removable cargo cover. This year it also nets privacy glass, power driver's seat and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. Stepping up to a Premium level XLT adds leather upholstery, extra storage spaces, a power moonroof and 16-inch aluminum wheels with 235/70TR16 all-season tires. At this level, moving from front-drive to 4x4 status bumps the base price from $23,435 to $24,885 (plus $656 destination) but also brings a Class II tow hitch that raises trailering capability from 1,000 to 3,500 pounds. Further upgraded with a Mach sound system and side-impact airbags, our vehicle commanded $25,840 out the door.


Underpinning the Escape is a fully independent coil-spring suspension that pairs MacPherson struts and an anti-roll bar up front with lateral links and a trailing arm in the rear. With its somewhat elevated center of gravity and tires geared more toward flexibility than sheer grip, it's no surprise to find a fair bit of at-the-limit push in tight corners and predictable tail slip under trailing brake. However, with its chassis tune skewed toward the sporty side of the spectrum and displaying only minimal body roll, the net result is a vehicle with a remarkably confident overall bearing.