Reviews
2003 Ford Escape XLT front driving

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.

2003 Ford Escape XLT side
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.

2003 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 V-6 engine
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.

Continued on Page 2

Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2009



 



Related Articles
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
2003 Kia Sorento
2003 BMW X5 4.6is
2003 Jeep Liberty V6 4x4
2003 Nissan Pathfinder


autoMedia Car Blog
Nissan Back on Track with 2010 Lineup
In the late ‘90s, Nissan brought a handful of automotive journalists into its California headquarters. The company was struggling, and it seemed as ... more...

autoMedia CARnival 11-06-09: This week in Auto Blogs
It's the week ending November 6, and we've browsed our favorite automotive blogs all week long to gather the highlights from each.SEMA is not quite ov ... more...

Pricing: 2010 Suzuki Kizashi sedan
Suzuki is coming out swinging with its all-new Kizashi sedan, striking at the vital midsized sedan segment. Each Kizashi features all-wheel drive and ... more...


Forum Highlights
Re: Aluminum wheels and a flat tire
I am sure you have your tire changed by now, but this is a common problem when using aluminum wheels.  Once you realize you have a problem, hitti ... more...

Re: Chevy 3.8L Engine cutout
 I would call it in intermediate job.  You will need some special tools to do it, but if you have some experience doing repairs, and not jus ... more...

Re: The correct Voltage/Amps for Horn??
I'm not sure I have ever seen an actual horn go bad.  When they do stop working, it is usually an electrical issue.  You want to make sure i ... more...


Car Buying Guide

QUICK SEARCH:


Specs, prices, photos & more
SEARCH BY BODY STYLE:
FREE New Car Price Quote
Get the best price - it's easy!
Zip Code

Used Car Buying Guide


2000-2009 autoMedia.com Inc. All Rights Reserved.