Review: Ford Escape (2001-12)

Review: Ford BA Escape (2001-03)

Overview

Released in March 2001, the Ford BA Escape was a four-wheel drive, compact SUV. Jointly developed and mechanically similar to the Mazda J14 Tribute , the BA Escape was initially manufactured in Hofu, Japan. The BA Escape was powered by a 3.0-litre ‘Duratec 30’ V6 petrol engine that had an aluminium block and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and roller finger followers. Furthermore, a four-speed automatic transmission – with a lockup torque converter and overdrive – was fitted as standard.

The Escape had unibody construction and was 4415 mm long, 1825 mm wide, 1775 mm tall and had a 2620 mm long wheelbase. The Escape had MacPherson strut front suspension with rearward facing L-shaped lower control arms and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms, double lateral links and coil springs located between the trailing arm and the body.

4WD system

The Escape was fitted with Ford’s ‘Control Trac IITM’ 4WD system with a rotary blade coupling and clutch pack. In ordinary conditions, the Escape was front-wheel drive, but could re-direct torque to the rear axle when slippage was detected. The Escape also had a ‘4×4 Lock’ mode for permanent four-wheel drive with a 50:50 front/rear torque split.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners; the XLT was also fitted with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, while the Limited added front side airbags.

Brakes

The Escape had 277 mm by 25 mm front brake discs and 229 mm rear drum brakes.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing , a 2001 Tribute fitted with a 3.0-litre V6 engine – equipped with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24.67. Due to its similarity, these results were also applied to the Ford Escape. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was poor for the driver as the footwell deformed. In the side impact test, however, the Tribute received a maximum score.

Features

Standard features for the Escape XLS included 15-inch steel wheels with 225/65 R15 tyres, four speaker sound system with CD player, remote central locking, air conditioning tilt adjustable steering wheel, power windows, roof racks and immobiliser. From October 2001, the XLS was also fitted with power door mirrors, a height adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, new interior trim and seat back pockets.

Beyond this, the Escape XLT added 16-inch alloy wheels with 235/65 R16 tyres, six-stack CD player, cruise control, and front fog lamps. The range-topping Limited was distinguished by its leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and power-operated sunroof.

2001 Escape Summer editions

In March 2001, Summer editions of the XLS and XLT variants were released, adding a colour-coded rear spoiler, front and rear skid plates, scuff plates and carpet mats.

Review: Ford ZA Escape (2003)

Overview

Released in March 2003, the ZA Escape introduced improved safety equipment and additional features. The range, however, was unchanged.

Safety equipment

Compared to its BA predecessor, standard safety equipment for the ZA Escape was extended to include ABS and electronic brake force distribution (previously omitted from the entry-level XLS).

Features

The Escape XLS gained 16-inch steel wheels, though alloy wheels were offered for free until June 2003.

The Escape XLT and Limited were further equipped with a six-disc in-dash CD player (previously an auxiliary unit) and the centre console had a ‘warm steel’ finish. The Escape XLT was also fitted with velour seats and, until June 2003, a free sunroof.

Review: Ford ZB Escape (2004-06)

Overview

Released in January 2004, the ZB Escape introduced a four-cylinder petrol engine, improved features and updated styling. Visually, the ZB Escape could be identified by its painted bumpers, side cladding and wheel arches.

The 2.3-litre ‘Duratec 23’ four-cylinder petrol engine had an aluminium engine block, cast-in iron cylinder linders, an aluminium double overhead cam cylinder head, four valves per cylinder, fracture-split forged powder metal connecting rods and a one-piece cast crankshaft.

Safety equipment

With respect to safety equipment, the newly introduced 2.3-litre models were fitted with mechanical brake assist, though the 3.0-litre V6 models missed out.

Features

Compared to their ZA predecessors, the ZB Escape XLT and Limited variants were fitted with a seven speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an overhead console with a sunglasses holder and reading lamps. The Limited was also fitted with privacy glass (i.e. tinted glass for rear door, rear quarter and back windows).

2004 Escape Bad Boy edition

In June 2004, a ‘Bad Boy’ edition of the 2.3-litre Escape XLS was released, adding 16-inch alloy wheels, front and rear skid plates, side steps, stainless steel scuff plates and faux chrome bumper inserts and door mirror covers.

Review: Ford ZC Escape (2006-08)

Overview

Released in June 2006, the ZC Escape was manufactured in Jhongli City, Taiwan, and introduced a revised line-up, improved interior and subtle facelift. The 3.0-litre V6 was upgraded for Euro II emissions compliance and the V6 range was reduced to the newly introduced XLT Sport and range-topping Limited.

Visually, the ZC Escape could be identified by its three-bar horizontal grille, new bonnet with front edge garnish, new bumpers, rear fog lamps and combination LED tail-lights; the XLT Sport and Limited were also fitted with circular fog lamps and front and rear skid plates.

Safety equipment

Compared to its ZB predecessor, safety equipment was enhanced with front seatbelt pretensioners and rear disc brakes fitted as standard across the range.

ANCAP crash testing

In ANCAP crash testing, a 2006 3.0-litre V6 Mazda Tribute with dual front airbags achieved a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 24.67 out of 37; this result was also applied to the Escape due to the similarity of the models.

Features

Inside, the ZC Escape was fitted with a conventional handbrake and floor-mounted gearshift, a new sound system, rotary dials for the sound and climate control systems (fitted to all variants other than the XLS), steering wheel audio controls and an updated instrument cluster with metallic-rimmed dials and blue backlighting.

Review: Ford ZD Escape (2008-12)

Overview

Released in April 2008, the ZD Escape introduced a significant facelift and revised line-up. The ZD Escape range comprised a single, unnamed variant powered by a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Visually, the ZD Escape could be identified by its new front mask – with new bumpers, headlights, grille and bonnet – tail-lights and side mirrors.

Safety equipment and features

The ZD Escape was similarly equipped to the ZC 2.3-litre Escape XLT, but also fitted with front side airbags.

Related links

• Brochure: Ford ZD Escape (July 2012)
• Wikipedia.org: Ford Escape