Ford Escape

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Ford Escape

Manufacturer	Ford Motor Company
Production	2001-present
Class	Compact SUV; hybrid SUV
Body style(s)	4-door SUV
Layout	Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	Ford CD2 platform
Related	Mercury Mariner Mazda Tribute

First generation

Also called	Ford Maverick Mazda Tribute
Production	2001–2007
Assembly	Avon Lake, Ohio Claycomo, Missouri Hofu, Japan
Engine(s)	2.0 L Zetec I4 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2619 mm)
Length	2001-04: 173.0 in (4394 mm) 2005-07: 174.9 in (4442 mm)
Width	70.1 in (1781 mm)
Height	2001-04: 69.1 in (1755 mm) 2005-07: 69.7 in (1770 mm)
Fuel capacity	16.5 US gallons (62.5 L/13.7 imp gal); Hybrid version 11 US gallons (41.6 L/9.2 imp gal)

Second generation (North America)

Production	2008-2011
Assembly	Claycomo, Missouri
Engine(s)	2.3 L 153 hp I4 3.0 L 200 hp V6
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2619 mm)
Length	174.7 in (4437 mm)
Width	71.1 in (1806 mm)
Height	68.0 in (1727 mm)
Fuel capacity	16.5 US gallons (62.5 L/13.7 imp gal)

The Ford Escape (designated U204) is a compact SUV sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company beginning in the 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer. The Escape was sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick. It was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owns a controlling interest, and was released simultaneously with the Mazda Tribute. In the United States, Ford's Mercury division released a luxury version called the Mariner starting with the 2005 model year. A hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004.

It is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626.

1 2001–2007
2 Future
- 2.1 Recall
3 2008–2011
4 References
5 See also
6 External links
- 6.1 Hybrid

The first generation Ford Escape was released in 2001.

Main article: Ford Escape Hybrid

In 2004, the Ford Escape Hybrid was released. This hybrid electric vehicle is 75% more fuel-efficient than the regular Escape according to Environmental Protection Agency tests and was the first sport utility vehicle available to the public with hybrid technology. The Escape Hybrid also offers a 110 volt AC (150 watt) plug-in outlet, for powering small household accessories, as an option.

In January 2006, at the Washington Auto Show, Ford showed a prototype for an Escape Hybrid that would allow E85 fuel to be used.

The Escape and Tribute were updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3 L Duratec 23), which replaced the Zetec 2.0 L 127 hp 4-cylinder. The most powerful engine remained the 200 hp Duratec 3.0 L V6, with new engine mounts. Ford also added airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent all wheel drive system, and exterior changes. 2005 was the first model year an automatic transmission was available on the base four-cylinder models. The automatic shifter was moved from the column to the console on all models equipped with automatic transmissions. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats to improve the safety of occupants in the rear seats in the case of a rear crash.

From 2001 to 2004 the Ford Escape was sold in Europe under the Maverick name replaced a rebadged version of the Nissan Mistral/Terrano II. Only two versions were made, the 2.0 L Zetec engine with manual transmission and 3.0 L Duratec with automatic transmission, both using gasoline as fuel. The absence of a diesel version did not help sales and production halted in late 2003.

The Maverick was primarily designed for on-road use - sold with normal road tires, and to be used with rear-wheel drive most of the time. A second "gear lever" for the transfer gearbox enabled four-wheel drive mode with no centre differential and a limited slip rear differential - this precluded using full-time four-wheel drive on the road as it caused undue wear on the transmission and tires.

The Maverick was reintroduced in 2005 in certain European markets with a 3.0L DOHC Duratec 30 engine. It was announced that the Maverick would be assembled in Russia for the Russian market.

A revamped 2007 Escape went on sale in the second half of 2006 for the Asian and Pacific markets (except South Korea, where the North American-market Escape is sold). Major external Changes include a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights and hood, as well as LED taillights and rear bumper.

On the inside, changes include a floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter, as well as a redesigned center stack comprising of audio and climate controls. Climate control is automatic on all models except the XLS. The Limited model also features full color-coded bumpers, wheel arch and side moldings, as well as side mirrors with integrated LED indicators.

Rear drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes all round.

The 3.0 L V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 2.3 L 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle, as well as a slight increase in power to 109 kW (146 hp). Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations. A four-speed automatic carries over and is the sole transmission choice.

The 2007 Asian/Pacific Escape is now built in Taiwan, instead of Japan.

According to motorauthority.com, they claim that "Ford CEO Alan Mulally is interested in bringing some European Ford models to the U.S.," with the Ford Kuga concept being one of them. Being that the Kuga is essentially the same size as the Escape, the Escape name should remain in the U.S. However, such an introduction is still three to four years away.[1]

In April, 2007 Ford announced it would recall nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs produced between 2001-2004 due to reported engine fires. Ford recalled those Escape year models because of a problem in the antilock braking system that could cause fires. Ford has said the fires did not cause personal injuries and the Escape hybrid was not affected. [2]

The North American-market Escape and its Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner siblings have received a redesign in order to stay competitive with other new compact SUVs. The Escape uses the CD2 platform^[1] Ford also included an electronic stability control system standard on the 2008 Escape.^[2]

The updated Escape received some styling cues from the Explorer, Edge, and Expedition. Changes include a new grille with larger headlamps in the front fascia, while the sides were revised with cleaner lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior is also completely redesigned, including the newest standard Ford family navigation system.^[3]

The 2008 Ford Escape debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show.^[4]

A new concept version for the Asian market, called the Ford Escape Adventure Concept, was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It features a revised front and rear fascia, incorporating Ford's three-bar grill styling theme and restyled LED tail lamps.^[5]

^ 2008 Ford Escape gets new look. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on March 16, 2006.
^ Ford To Make Stability Control Standard by 2009. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on September 13, 2006.
^ Sneak Peek: 2008 Ford Escape. Detroit News. Retrieved on April 19, 2006.
^ Ford toughens Escape for 2008. AutoWeek.com. Retrieved on November 29, 2006.
^ Paultan.org - TOKYO 2007 LIVE: Ford Escape Adventure Concept - 24 October 2007

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