6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Pretty good mini suv, not great
Date of Review: Nov 5, 2001
The Bottom Line: For about 22-25 thousand, this SUV is worth a test drive. I do recommend that you try other SUVs first.
I am not going to write about stats and specs for this SUV. That is mostly available in car magazines, and many other websites.
First impressions:
1. From the outside, it looks larger and 'meaner' than a comparably priced Toyota Rav4 or Honda CRV. It looks tough and durable and not quite as 'cute' as other comparable mini SUVs.
2. The two tone body color takes a little getting used to. I liked the silver color, so it blends a bit better with the black.
3. I really like the factory alloy wheels. It looks sporty, rugged, and classy at the same time.
4. The front looks ready for off road, similar to an Explorer.
The interior:
1. Very nice. The leather is comfortable and I was impressed with number of features it offers for the price. It has power front seats, large moonroof, very roomy for a small SUV, and the gauges are nicely located and very easy to read.
2. The Mach Audio system is probably one of the best factory sound system I have listened to. It comes with 6 disc changer, and 7 speakers.
3. The controls seem to plain such as the AC controls, vents, etc. Also, one complaint I have was it has no air vents for the rear seats.
The drive.
1. It was a bit on the loud and rough side.
2. Acceleration is car like but I was hoping it would be faster since it is after all, a 201 hp V6 carrying a fairly light load. I have driven the 4Runner, which has less power and heavier, but seems to accelerate just as fast. I suppose the powerband of the Ford's Duratec V6 is geared towards more on the upper RPMs.
3. With its independent suspension, the Escape handles like a car and show no hint of tilt or body roll on a fairly fast 90 degree turn.
4. The power brakes are good but does not have the car like stopping power.
This SUV provides an overall good balance in terms of;
1. Price
2. Features
3. Performance
And one last thing, this SUV does not cost too much to insure.
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