2002 Ford Escape
Should You Buy a 2002 Ford Escape?
The 2002 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and performance, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a reliable vehicle for daily commuting or family outings. With a front-wheel drive system and a robust 3.0L V6 engine producing 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque, it provides adequate power for city driving and highway merging. Its combined fuel efficiency of 19 MPG is reasonable for its class, although it may not be the most economical option available today. The MSRP of $22,380 positions it as an affordable entry into the SUV market, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some concerning NHTSA complaint data. With 1,000 total complaints, including 58 crash incidents and 115 fire incidents, the Escape has faced scrutiny regarding its safety. Notably, issues related to the engine and electrical systems have been reported, particularly within the first 20,000 miles. Despite these concerns, the vehicle maintains a reliability score of 86/100, indicating that many owners have had positive experiences with it overall.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious families or individuals looking for a reliable and practical SUV for daily use.
Strengths
- +Affordable entry-level SUV
- +Decent horsepower and torque for its class
- +Spacious seating for up to five passengers
- +Good reliability score of 86/100
- +Front-wheel drive offers decent handling in various conditions
Weaknesses
- -High number of fire incidents reported
- -Engine and electrical system complaints prevalent
- -Fuel efficiency could be better compared to competitors
- -Limited advanced safety features for its time
- -4-speed automatic transmission may feel outdated
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2002 Ford Escape has been associated with several issues, particularly in the engine and electrical systems, as evidenced by the 135 complaints related to engine cooling and 52 regarding the electrical system. While these issues may raise concerns, it's important to note that many owners have reported satisfactory reliability. No significant NHTSA complaints on record regarding severe safety defects beyond the noted incidents.
Performance
- Horsepower
- –
- Torque
- –
- Engine
- 2 L
- Cylinders
- I4
- Transmission
- Manual 5-spd
- Drive Type
- FWD
Efficiency
- MPG Combined
- 22
- Fuel Type
- Regular Gasoline
Dimensions
- Length
- 172.8 in
- Width
- 70.1 in
- Height
- 67.7 in
- Wheelbase
- 103.1 in
- Curb Weight
- 2,992 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –