Quick question on the Ford Escape

[Breadfan]

On the Ford Escape 4x4, how does the 4wd system work? (Earlier models, say, 2003-2006)

I saw some pics and one had a selector switch, others did not, in place just a blocking panel that said "4WD"

Does the escape us a full time 4wd system that requires no driver input to engage? (That is preferrable to a switch for the purposes I am asking)

Thanks in advance

[Breadfan]

I may have answered my quetions but please feel free to add any input or validate this:

<table class="factbox" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="hdr"><td colspan="2" align="left">Powertrain

</td></tr> <tr> <td> Permanently locked hubs <!-- itemData= '' --> <!-- itemDataEscaped= '' --> http://www.cars.com/crp/images/moreinfo.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopupTall%28%27trimBe nefits.jsp?acode=USB50FOS132C0&equipGroup=Powertrain&equipDesc=Permanently+locked+h ubs&equipData=&benCount=1&aff=national%27%29;) </td> <td align="right"> Standard </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Axle ratio <!-- itemData= '2.93' --> <!-- itemDataEscaped= '2.93' --> http://www.cars.com/crp/images/moreinfo.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopupTall%28%27trimBe nefits.jsp?acode=USB50FOS132C0&equipGroup=Powertrain&equipDesc=Axle+ratio&equipData=2.93&benCount=1&aff=national%27%29;) </td> <td align="right"> 2.93 </td> </tr> <tr> <td> Automatic full-time four-wheel drive <!-- itemData= '' --> <!-- itemDataEscaped= '' --> http://www.cars.com/crp/images/moreinfo.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopupTall%28%27trimBe nefits.jsp?acode=USB50FOS132C0&equipGroup=Powertrain&equipDesc=Automatic+full-time+four-wheel+drive&equipData=&benCount=1&aff=national%27%29;) </td> <td align="right"> Standard </td> </tr> <tr> <td> All-wheel drive <!-- itemData= '' --> <!-- itemDataEscaped= '' --> http://www.cars.com/crp/images/moreinfo.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopupTall%28%27trimBe nefits.jsp?acode=USB50FOS132C0&equipGroup=Powertrain&equipDesc=All-wheel+drive&equipData=&benCount=1&aff=national%27%29;) </td> <td align="right"> Standard</td></tr></tbody></table>

That same source also said the V6 model for 2005 will run 0-60 in 6.06 seconds!

Edit: I take it back, it didn't answer my question because I clearly see a 4wd selector switch on a 2004 model for sale, but no selector switch jsut a 4wd embossed plate there on a 2005 model.

The person who wants this wants AWD or full time 4wd that requires no driver input to activate.

[ctrlraven]

The V6 models are fairly peppy, don't know about the 6.06 0-60 run.



A 200-hp V6 with automatic transmission is also available. All models offer front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive; the AWD system does not include low-range gearing.

[RR|Suki]

I may have answered my quetions but please feel free to add any input or validate this:

<TABLE class=factbox cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=hdr><TD align=left colSpan=2>Powertrain


</TD></TR><TR><TD>Permanently locked hubs <!-- itemData= '' --><!-- itemDataEscaped= '' -->http://www.cars.com/crp/images/moreinfo.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopupTall%28%27trimBe nefits.jsp?acode=USB50FOS132C0&equipGroup=Powertrain&equipDesc=Permanently+locked+h ubs&equipData=&benCount=1&aff=national%27%29;) </TD><TD align=right>Standard </TD></TR><TR><TD>Axle ratio <!-- itemData= '2.93' --><!-- itemDataEscaped= '2.93' -->http://www.cars.com/crp/images/moreinfo.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopupTall%28%27trimBe nefits.jsp?acode=USB50FOS132C0&equipGroup=Powertrain&equipDesc=Axle+ratio&equipData=2.93&benCount=1&aff=national%27%29;) </TD><TD align=right>2.93 </TD></TR><TR><TD>Automatic full-time four-wheel drive <!-- itemData= '' --><!-- itemDataEscaped= '' -->http://www.cars.com/crp/images/moreinfo.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopupTall%28%27trimBe nefits.jsp?acode=USB50FOS132C0&equipGroup=Powertrain&equipDesc=Automatic+full-time+four-wheel+drive&equipData=&benCount=1&aff=national%27%29;) </TD><TD align=right>Standard </TD></TR><TR><TD>All-wheel drive <!-- itemData= '' --><!-- itemDataEscaped= '' -->http://www.cars.com/crp/images/moreinfo.gif (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:openPopupTall%28%27trimBe nefits.jsp?acode=USB50FOS132C0&equipGroup=Powertrain&equipDesc=All-wheel+drive&equipData=&benCount=1&aff=national%27%29;) </TD><TD align=right>Standard</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

That same source also said the V6 model for 2005 will run 0-60 in 6.06 seconds!

Edit: I take it back, it didn't answer my question because I clearly see a 4wd selector switch on a 2004 model for sale, but no selector switch jsut a 4wd embossed plate there on a 2005 model.

The person who wants this wants AWD or full time 4wd that requires no driver input to activate.

lot of vehicles that have full time 4wd still give you a panel where you can select high/low/auto... maybe that's what's throwing you off?

[Breadfan]

lot of vehicles that have full time 4wd still give you a panel where you can select high/low/auto... maybe that's what's throwing you off?

Yeah I think so, I found a closeup of the switch it has two selections - AUTO and ON, so it's a manual override to lock in 4wd rather than use the automatic feature to engage the coupling with wheel slip.

Looks to be gone on the '05 models unless replaced with an "ON" button somewhere.

Cool.

[mrjones]

I remember reading that the system was always on. The selector switch on the dash only changed the amount of slip allowed before the power was sent to the rear.

[Raudermaster]

The earlier models were just like an Expo. 2wd and a selector for 4hi/4lo. The Rav4's are like that too, full time 4wd, but have a button to push to "lock" the hubs.

[Hadamustang1]

pretty good prices too.


http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/car/564916218.html

[ctrlraven]

2005 Ecsape XLT 4x4, I would only assume it is a full time 4-wheel drive system since their is no switch to the left of the climate controls.

http://thumbs.automart.com/imgs/ag/automart/cst/263/828/4/473/192/63/feed/thumb/70420031530011000.jpg

It's weird though because the XLT trim level says 4x4 while the Limited trim level says AWD.

[Breadfan]

Yeah that's what was throwing me off, even review sites interchange 4x4 and AWD.

Agree that the change appears to have occurred in '05 regarding the switch.

I also agree the switch shows an on demand Automatic AWD system with a switch that lets you manually engage the coupler giving you 4x4.

Meaning in Auto, you run on FWD until you hit a slip and the viscous coupling (I presume it uses this) engages the rear drive automatically giving AWD in adverse conditions.

Setting it to "on" will make it AWD all the time and probably fine to do but will lessen gas mileage.

Subaru's AWD is the same way as the Auto setting, runs FWD most of the time (or 80/20 FWD/RWD) and "sends power to the wheels that slip"

Thanks for the help :)

[Raudermaster]

Just go to a Ford dealer and test drive one and see for yourself! My g/f wanted one until she drove a Kia Sorento and liked it better. I do like her SUV though.

[Breadfan]

Just go to a Ford dealer and test drive one and see for yourself! My g/f wanted one until she drove a Kia Sorento and liked it better. I do like her SUV though.

Will probably test drive on Saturday. It's not for me and we're looking at 2 or 3 other makes/models. No Kia's though. No Honda's or Toyota's either. ;)

Also looking at some Mountaineers trying to find the right size AWD vehicle for this person.

[larryo340]

My sister has a '05 Limited, fully automatic 4WD no buttons or switches. I'm not sure if I believe the 0-60 times above, but it goes pretty good for what it is.

[Aren Jay]

AWD no low gear always engaged.

After reviewing it it isn't too bad. Early versions had the Japanese tilting steering column, it goes down or down further. You can't tilt the wheel like in a Marauder.

Newer versions may have fixed this.

The 2005+ Hybrid would be great for city use.

2001 MY's had a few too many faults.

I always thought they were too small for adults, but maybe not.

Of note the Suzuki SX4 is a similar vehicle with much more passenger room, better 4WD system and looks better too. New for 2007 though it might cost too much for you.

[larryo340]

Escape is a Mazda rebadge. It is a car based AWD system and not for off road use. Good on snowy roads or in the rain.

Not quite accurate, the Escape is a FORD, the Tribute is a FORD wearing a Mazda badge. Just like the Navajo was an Explorer, and not made by Mazda except for the radio.

[ctrlraven]

One of my clients had a 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Limited, I have to say it was pretty nice. Had the navigation/power transfer display. He was getting around 900-1100 miles per tank of gas each month. He said it just took learning how to drive it to get the best mileage and loves it.

[QWK SVT]

2001 MY's had a few too many faults.

I always thought they were too small for adults, but maybe not.

Care to elaborate on the faults of the 2001's?

About 3-weeks ago, I picked up a 2001 XLT, as my wife's daily driver. We needed a vehicle ASAP, and knew the previous owners - well maintained, less than 55,000KM, still has extended warrantee and was sold to us for under market value. I really couldn't pass up the deal.

So far, I've been relatively pleased. It definitely drives like a truck, not as smooth a ride as the Marauder, for example. In auto, you can feel the 4x4 engage, when needed. Switching to 4x4 locks the hubs, and adds to the "truckiness" feeling... For her needs, it's a good vehicle. The snow the last few days has put it to the test, and so far, so good.

For me, there's enough room I can sit in it / drive it for short periods. I certainly wouldn't want to be in the driver's seat for more than 1-2 hours at a time, but it's manageable, and it is her car, anyway.

The '01 is NOT capable of 0-60 in ~6 seconds. Unless they drastically reduced weight and changed gearing, I don't see how it would be possible...

[Breadfan]

I read somewhere the 2001's had several recalls. You may want to check on that, from what I read that was the main issue with the 2001's.

[Breadfan]

Well, going to help my grandfather get a small SUV tomorrow. Got my short list ready, just gonna call some dealers to ensure they still have 'em in stock.

I know it's been said before, but I must send a big THANK YOU! to Brian aka. RoyLPita for running some OASIS'es for me today - you've helped me out greatly and I appreciate it!

[Aren Jay]

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<!-- google_ad_section_start --><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php">Recall Lookup : <A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD">FORD : <A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/y-2001">2001 : <A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/y-2001/d-ESCAPE">ESCAPE
Select a recalls summary to display.
<A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-18829">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 00V277001 18829 20000918 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY: ... <HR width="10%"><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-32010">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 04V602000 32010 20041220 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH: ... <HR width="10%"><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-23857">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 04V165000 23857 20040406 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM): ... <HR width="10%"><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-57899">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 03V507000 57899 20031205 SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY: ... <HR width="10%"><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-41594">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 07V156000 41594 20070410 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE: ... <HR width="10%"><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-59794">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 07E023000 59794 20070329 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER: ... <HR width="10%"><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-34405">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 00V223001 34405 20000808 STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR: ... <HR width="10%"><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-19049">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 00V210001 19049 20000809 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ... <HR width="10%"><A href="http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-61317">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 00V387002 61317 20001127 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES: ... <HR width="10%">2001 FORD ESCAPE: 00V260001 34347 20000912 WHEELS:CENTER SECTION: ...

(http://www.ford-trucks.com/recalls/recall.php/m-FORD/d-ESCAPE/y-2001/t-34347)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[thePunisher]

im a ford technician. the escape is one of the best, reliable fords made imo. we rarely repair them. no matter what year. the 4x4 system was changed to full time in 05 which negates the need for a switch. the brakes on the earlier models leave a little to be desired. this is no big deal. the made them larger in the latter years. the engines are great! the trannies are pretty damn good too. on occasion thery break the intermediate band....but i dont see this too often. overall id recommend it. i regularly see them with 150K.

dont judge a vehicle by how many tsb's it has. just about all ford vehicles have more than handful of tbs's that apply.

[OneBADLsE]

One of my clients had a 2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Limited, I have to say it was pretty nice. Had the navigation/power transfer display. He was getting around 900-1100 miles per tank of gas each month. He said it just took learning how to drive it to get the best mileage and loves it.


Dude, im sorry but your math sucks.

Over 50 MPG????? :lol:

[jabird56]

The wife drives a 05 Mercury Mariner AWD. It goes along in FWD until it senses that the tire traction is slipping than it kicks in the rear wheels automatically to AWD.

[Aren Jay]

Not quite accurate, the Escape is a FORD, the Tribute is a FORD wearing a Mazda badge. Just like the Navajo was an Explorer, and not made by Mazda except for the radio.

Actually I reviewed this and edited my answer. Mazda and Ford developed the Tribute and Escape together, they are not rebadged either way.

They are very similar but not the same.