2004 FORD ESCAPE - BEYOND THE ORDINARY

By Margie Martin
West Coast Automotive Editor

MISSION VIEJO, California - They say "Good things come in small packages" and in this case, they are absolutely right. Although the Ford Escape is the smallest in the SUV line of Ford Vehicles, it is certainly not the least spirited of the family. This is a vehicle that stands up to its name, unleashing the power that you need all too often on the Southern California freeways and highways. As I drove this car swiftly through traffic maneuvering with ease and comfort, I realized that I needed to adjust my driving habits to accommodate the powerful acceleration, the type which could get me labeled as a lead foot driver.

The Ford Escape also had standard comforts that are not common in its class, such as the power 6-way driver’s seat and AM FM Stereo with in-dash 6 CD player. It’s size and versatility made it easy to maneuver, while managing to maintain its functionality. After all, it is an SUV, so we are looking for cargo space in addition to style and comfort. It definitely has the cargo space, but you can maneuver this SUV with very little effort, unlike some of the tank-like vehicles that I have driven about town.

INTERIOR AND COMFORT
I was pleased to see that this vehicle can be reasonably priced even if one upgrades to a MACH Audio System. This system with its seven speakers exudes some pretty amazing sounds. The Mach MP3 Music System standard on the XLS Sport spins not only conventional CDs, but also MP3s and mixed-mode discs.

Utility is not just a phrase for this SUV, Standards include power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, and privacy glass, the very impressive 6-way driver’s seat. Low back bucket seats with adjustable head restraints are included as part of the Leather Comfort Group, and are a definite plus in comfort and style, not to mention the overhead console with dual storage bins.

Rear seat passengers can enjoy the fold-flat bench seat that’s split 60/40 in the XLT model and Limited models. The fact that the rear seats fold flat, and make it easier to transport larger items is great for anyone who appreciates the benefit of having all this extra room. As is true of most of the lower priced SUV’s, the dash is rather plain as compared to some of its more aristocratic cousins. Considering the fact that this vehicle is probably half the cost of those SUV’s with burlwood panels and steering wheels, I could definitely forego some of the finer appointments.

I was relieved to see that the center console/armrest was more than adequate making a leisurely drive down Pacific Coast Highway ever so enjoyable and relaxing. Comfortable consoles with convenient cupholders are a big plus in my book, and it’s surprising to me how many manufacturers simply don’t provide them. Doesn’t everybody rest his or her right arm on the console? I guess not.

Cargo convenience is an essential necessity in today’s world and a requisite in all SUVs. The Escape passes the test with flying colors. The large liftgate with pop-up glass piece lends itself to easy loading, as does the flat load floor. A full 69.2 cubic feet of space is available for the sports enthusiast, the weekend hardware store enthusiast, or the mom who likes to pack in the groceries.

Engineered with sturdy unibody construction and crumple zones this SUV was awarded a double 5 - star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; one for side -impact testing (1st and 2nd rows, and in addition a 5-Star rating for driver-side frontal crash testing. The ABS 4 - wheel antilock braking system responded admirably, keeping the vehicle controlled in quick stops and tight turns. The Control trac 4 wheel drive and Duratec V6 3.0L engine with automatic transmission all add up to added power, added comfort and a sporty ride. I am also a fan of the 4-wheel independent suspension system which allows me to traverse speed bumps with ease and fluid mobility.

I must mention another safety feature, which could prove to be one of its most important. That is the safety belt alarm feature. The Belt-Minder feature goes off if anyone forgets to buckle up, much like the reminder you get when you forget to turn off the lights or leave the key in the ignition. Passengers as well as the driver can set this alarm off, and it won’t give up. If you fail to fasten your seat belt after the alarm goes off, you can expect another reminder within about three minutes.

Included in the luxury comfort package is a reverse sensing system that I believe is an absolute necessity for family’s with small children and for busy city parking lots. I could probably do without the heated side view mirrors, which are also included, but it’s a nice touch anyway in colder climates. In addition to all these creature comforts, there are the perfectly heated front seats, which serve quite nicely in my opinion as a form of physical therapy for my lower back.

Functionality and safety are always important factors in today’s market. The Ford Escape offers several important safety features that any family person would appreciate. Despite the lower than average price on this SUV, there appears to be no holdouts on safety. Driver and front passenger 2nd generation airbags are standard, as well as side intrusion door beams. It also comes standard with Latch system, upper tether anchors and lower anchors for child safety seats - rear outboard positions. Like all of its bigger brothers, the Escape has the remote keyless entry with two keyfobs and a battery saver feature. Standard on the Escape you’ll find a perimeter anti-theft system, also with securilock/immobilizer. Last but not least, I must mention the 4-wheel anti-lock brake system, which is a must in my book.

The Ford Escape also offers a particularly interesting package and a little extra to the sports enthusiast. The XLT Sport comes with an extensive list of standard features in addition to the innovative No Boundaries Rack System, a rack system that has adjustable crossbars that support up to 100 lbs of gear. This is a model that exudes a sportsman image and has the power to back it up. The Ford Escape offers in addition to the XLT Premium package, an XLT Appearance Package with sleek new features such as Dark Shadow Grey lower body side cladding, bumpers, and wheel-lip moldings that highlight the unique 16" bright mach aluminum wheels. It even has side step bars, although you really don’t need them because this SUV is not one that requires a lot of effort to step inside.

Ford Escape SUV is a great automobile in terms of comfort, style, functionality, and economics. This four-speed automatic with fuel feedback system and 6-cylinder fuel injection catalyst, provides the driver with the security of knowing that gas consumption is not going to deplete one’s bank account. While I wheeled around town and the highway, the 16-gallon fuel tank did not empty half as fast as some of the big boys of the SUV market. 23 miles to the gallon on the highway and 18 mpg in the city is the average although I got closer to 25 mpg on the freeway. One more plus for the driver who wants and needs the benefits of an SUV but doesn’t want to fork out a tremendous outlay for gas consumption I guess you could say the Escape offers an escape from the high fuel cost that most larger SUV’s have demanded, especially here in California where gas prices are at the present time about 45% higher than in the State of Indiana according to my brother-in-law. He is considering a Hummer as his family’s transportation vehicle where the cost of filling the tank doesn’t equate to a night out at a fine restaurant like it does here in California. At this point, gas consumption is a major factor on the West Coast for many families. The Escape is not a gas-guzzler.

With the Escape, one can be confident that if there are any unforeseen problems, the driver will always have 24-hour roadside assistance. If you own an Escape, you can rest assured that you are also covered on a 36/36 bumper to bumper warranty.

The Ford Escape really is a "No Boundaries" vehicle. In March 2003, the Escape added to its trophy case the title of Best Small SUV. It’s easy to understand why and 2004 looks even better. Economically, this car makes sense. Here’s a vehicle that serves all purposes, is easy to drive and has all the comfort and safety precautions available. The price really makes up for it. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price on the 2004 Limited V6 Duratec 4X4 with 103 “wheelbase and 3.0l duratec V6 engine, with 4-speed automatic O/D trans is $24,240.00. Quite frankly, I just didn’t want to give this vehicle back to the manufacturer after the test drive period. It was just too convenient and fun and fit the parameters of my family’s needs and desires to a tee. That being said, I guess I just can’t complain about the lack of burlwood trim on the dash and the steering wheel, now can I?

LIFE’S A TRIP - Enjoy the drive. Be a safe and courteous driver, obey all highway laws, never drive impaired, and buckle everyone up. Copyright 2003 The Weekend Drive, All Rights Reserved.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE Ford website at or Call toll free 1-800-392-3673(FORD); TDD for the hearing impaired; 1-800-232-5952, Monday-Friday 7AM-11:PM EST, Saturday 8 AM-6PM EST.