2003 Ford Escape XLT 4x4

Nothing is a sure bet today, especially in the automotive world. But if there were ever 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 quickly racked up a formidable 164,184 in sales and handily displaced the Honda CR-V as the volume leader in its class.

New 2003 options are an XLT Appearance Package featuring painted-on gray cladding, and the Limited edition with a monochromatic exterior/luxury interior combination. 16-inch wheels distinguish all XLTs.

A handful of comfort, convenience and trim upgrades for 2003 should serve to further entrench Escape as a solid presence for some time to come. One new offering is an XLT Appearance Package, which adds gray cladding/fascias, stepbars and machined-aluminum wheels. Also, a now-available Limited level features a monochromatic exterior, a Reverse Sensing system and a luxurious interior that boasts leather upholstery and heated front seats and mirrors.


Based on a stiff, strong unibody structure shared with its kin-beneath-the-skin Mazda Tribute, the Escape comes in front-drive or 4WD (or, more accurately, part-time all-wheel drive) configurations. While Ford offers a variety of special packages (Value, Sport, Choice, Premium or blacked-out XLT Midnight) plus multiple freestanding options for this 4-door sport-utility, even the most affordable version—which starts at $19,235 (including delivery)—offers a generous roster of standards, headed by air conditioning, power windows/mirrors, AM/FM/CD/cassette sound system, rear window washer/wiper/defogger, a tilt steering column and the SecuriLock anti-theft immobilizer system.


Powering the base front-drive XLS is Ford's 2.0-liter/127-horsepower DOHC Zetec I-4 backed by a 5-speed manual transmission. All other versions of the Escape continue to get 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 3,346-pound XLT 4x4 Premium 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.

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

In addition to the primo drivetrain, opting for XLT trappings also brings anti-lock brakes, 60/40 split on the folding rear seat, cruise control, floor mats, a retractable/removable cargo cover, privacy glass, power driver's seat and a 6-disc in-dash CD changer. Interior fabrics and materials such as those used for the floor mats have "improved quality and feel" for 2003, and functional upgrades include illuminated added to front-door window and lock switches.