2004 Ford Escape
Should You Buy a 2004 Ford Escape?
The 2004 Ford Escape is a compact SUV that offers a blend of practicality and performance, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable vehicle for daily use. With a front-wheel drive system and a 3.0L V6 engine, it delivers 201 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate power for city driving and highway merging. The Escape's fuel economy stands at a combined 19 MPG, which is reasonable for its class. Priced at an MSRP of $24,615, it offers a competitive entry point for budget-conscious buyers looking for an SUV that can accommodate up to five passengers comfortably.
However, potential buyers should be aware of some concerning NHTSA complaint data. With 715 total complaints, including 49 crash incidents and 21 fire incidents, the Escape has raised some red flags. Notably, suspension issues are prevalent, particularly around the 100,000-140,000 mile mark, which could lead to costly repairs. Despite these concerns, the vehicle maintains a reliability score of 89.7/100, indicating that many owners have had satisfactory experiences with their Escapes.
This vehicle is best suited for budget-conscious families or individuals looking for a reliable daily commuter that offers decent space and performance.
Strengths
- +Spacious interior with seating for five
- +Adequate power from the V6 engine
- +Competitive pricing for a compact SUV
- +Good reliability score of 89.7/100
- +Front-wheel drive offers decent handling
Weaknesses
- -High number of NHTSA complaints, particularly regarding suspension
- -Fuel economy could be better at 19 MPG combined
- -Potential costly repairs as mileage increases
- -Limited advanced safety features compared to newer models
- -Some complaints about body structure integrity
Known Issues (NHTSA Data)
The 2004 Ford Escape has recorded a significant number of complaints, particularly related to suspension and structural issues. The most common problems arise around the 100,000 to 140,000 mile range, with 148 complaints specifically about suspension. While these issues are noteworthy, they should not deter all buyers, as the vehicle still boasts a solid reliability score of 89.7/100. For those considering this model, it's advisable to have a thorough inspection, especially if the mileage is high.
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
- 69.3 in
- Wheelbase
- 103.1 in
- Curb Weight
- 3,018 lbs
- Ground Clearance
- –
Capacity
- Doors
- 4
- Seating
- –
- Cargo
- –
- Max Cargo
- –
- Max Towing
- –
- Max Payload
- –