2004 Ford Escape

Stepping up to the new No Boundaries package adds a roof rack, wheel lip moldings, 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, side step bars, and Class II trailering. Other optional upgrades include the Leather Comfort Package, XLT Appearance Package, and power moonroof.


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.


If there is a trade-off for this competence, it comes in the form of a modest degree of impact harshness over minor surface imperfections. Surprisingly, this condition became much less noticeable when we subjected our 4x4 tester to some light-duty boonie-bounding in the dirt. Speaking of the 4x4 system, Ford's full-time package does not incorporate a low-range transfer case but does offer both "Auto" and "On" settings. The former allows the real-time transfer of power between the front and the rear wheels as available grip dictates while the latter locks both axles together to maximize motive force under particularly poor traction conditions.

All Escape 4x4s are powered by the 201-horsepower Duratec 3.0-liter V-6 for 201 horsepower and 196 lb.-ft. of torque.

Last but far from least in the Escape mix is a well-finished, well-designed interior that effectively caters to the needs of people as well as payload. For openers, all of the major controls are positioned within easy reach of the driver. While the front buckets and rear bench are both on the firm side, each seating spot affords regulation-size adults the kind of head- and legroom they deserve. Packing three across into the aft quarters is possible, but two up is a far better choice—one made even more desirable thanks to seatbacks that offer an adjustable recline feature.


Although some wind noise and road rumble do make their presence known at freeway speeds, the Escape's impressively solid structure does a remarkably good job of banishing squeaks and rattles and earns the Escape a 5-star rating in government side-impact tests for both the front and rear seat occupants. When cargo hauling does become the paramount concern, a quick flip-and-fold exercise ups capacity of cargo bay from the normal 33.1 cubic feet to 64.8 and creates a completely flat floor for maximum utility. The final flourish is a large liftgate with a pop-up glass element that facilitates the loading of smaller stuff.