Name: 2004 Ford Escape
Brand: Ford

Ford Escape

RECALL ALERT: There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 8 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

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Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

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2004 Compact SUVs Ratings

2004 Ford Escape

$3,400 - $3,675

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Honda CR-V

$4,900 - $5,250

CR MPG:

Road test

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2004 Honda Element

$4,200 - $5,225

CR MPG:

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2004 Jeep Liberty

$3,300 - $4,025

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Jeep Wrangler

$6,275 - $9,250

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Kia Sorento

$2,825 - $3,275

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Land Rover Freelander

$3,375 - $3,600

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mazda Tribute

$3,250 - $3,550

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mitsubishi Outlander

$3,025 - $3,475

CR MPG:

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Reliability

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2004 Nissan Xterra

$3,575 - $4,600

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Pontiac Aztek

$2,850 - $3,075

CR MPG:

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Reliability

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2004 Saturn Vue

$2,900 - $3,325

CR MPG:

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Reliability

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2004 Subaru Forester

$4,025 - $4,900

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2004 Toyota RAV4

$4,800 - $5,400

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Model History

2020-

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Escape has curvier styling compared to the previous version, as well as new drivetrains, and standard advanced safety features. The standard 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder engine returned 26 mpg overall in our tests. Although it provides sufficient oomph, the engine transmits an annoying vibration at low engine speeds. The hybrid version eliminates that problem and gets a very fuel efficient 34 mpg overall. A plug-in hybrid with 47-mile range is also available. The optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder is more powerful and smooth. The ride has an underlying firmness. Handling is quite nimble and secure. But the brake pedal is oversensitive. Controls, including the rotary gear selector, are easy to use. The front seats are a bit flat, but the rear seat is quite roomy when set to the rearmost position. All Escapes come standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning. Updates for 2021 include adaptive cruise control, a convenience feature, now available on the SE and SES trim levels. A hands-free foot-activated liftgate is now included in the Technology package and standard on Titanium.

2013-2019

2013 Redesign Year

The Escape's 2013 redesign brought many improvements. Genuinely qualifying as fun-to-drive, this version of the Escape delivers agile handling along with an impressively supple and composed ride. What's more, the cabin is quiet and feels substantial. Plus, a long list of high-tech options can make the compact crossover feel like a luxury-branded small SUV. This iteration of the Escape is not without its shortcomings however. Basic radio and climate controls could be simpler and better designed. This model year also brought the distracting MyFord Touch control interface's small fonts, tightly clustered touchscreen buttons and unintuitive functions. Ultimately though, a Poor performance in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small overlap test kept it from being recommended.

2008-2012

2008 Redesign Year

Electronic stability control became standard for non-hybrid Escapes for 2008, solving the tip-up problem noted in the 2005 ' 2007 models. ESC is standard on all versions from 2009 forward. The Escape's sensible size, roomy interior and good visibility remain intact. However, though it was improved with the 2008 freshening, the Escape's interior is still somewhat subpar. Fit and finish issues include uneven gaps and exposed screws. On the infotainment front, the optional SYNC system brought voice activation to the Escape, allowing hands-free control of digital music players and cell phones. This is a remarkable advancement for the class.

2001-2007

2001 Redesign Year

The Escape is a car-based small SUV launched in 2001. First-generation models had sound handling and braking, impressive cabin space, and adequate acceleration with the optional 3.0-liter V6. Downsides include a stiff ride and noisy interior. Other engine choices included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and a Hybrid that arrived in 2005 to return 26 mpg in our tests. A tip-up in the government rollover test for 2005-2007 models is a concern. For 2008, electronic stability control became standard on the non-hybrid Escapes, rectifying the problem.

Ford Escape

2004 SUVs Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2004 Compact SUVs Ratings