Ford Escape

Infobox Automobile


name = Ford Escape
manufacturer = Ford Motor Company|class = Crossover (automobile); Hybrid vehicle
production = 2001-present

body_style = 4-door SUV
related = Mercury Mariner
Mazda Tribute
layout = Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
platform = Ford CD2 platform The Ford Escape (designated "U204") is a Crossover (automobile) sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company introduced in 2000 as a 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer. The Escape was sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick. [http://fordcars1.wordpress.com/2007/12/02/ford-maverick-2001-2003/] It was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owns a controlling interest, and was released simultaneously with the Mazda Tribute. In the United States, Ford's Mercury division released a luxury version called the Mariner starting with the 2005 model year.

A hybrid version of the Escape was released in 2004, making it the first hybrid SUV.

The Escape is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626.

2001–2007

Infobox Automobile generation


name = First generation
production = 2001–2007
assembly = Avon Lake, Ohio, USA
Jhongli City, Taiwan
Claycomo, Missouri, USA
Hai Duong, Vietnam
Hōfu, Yamaguchi, Japan
Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
St. Petersburg, Russia
engine = 2.0 L "Zetec" I4
nowrap|2.3 L [http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escape/features/specs/] ] "Duratec 23" I4
nowrap|3.0 L "Duratec 30" V6
transmission = 5-speed manual
4-speed CD4E automatic
wheelbase = auto in|103.1|0
length = 2001-04: auto in|173.0|0
2005-07: auto in|174.9|0
width = auto in|70.1|0
height = 2001-04: auto in|69.1|0
2005-07: auto in|69.7|0
aka = Ford Maverick
Mazda Tribute
fuel_capacity = Convert|16.5|usgal|L impgal|1|abbr=on|lk=on;
Hybrid: Convert|11|usgal|L impgal|1|abbr=onThe first generation Ford Escape was released in North America for the 2001 model year. It was slotted below the larger truck based Explorer in Ford's lineup, but was larger than the small SUV offerings from Honda and Toyota. [cite journal
last =Jamieson
first = Scott
title = Escaping debt: a reasonably priced alternative to full-sized pickups and SUVs, the Ford Escape has all the power and comforts required
journal = Canadian Forest Industries
date = August 2001
url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3764/is_200108/ai_n8957516
accessdate =2008-04-15 ] At the time, most sport utility vehicles used a truck based Body-on-frame design. Solid rear axles were commonly used due to their ability to carry heavy loads at the expense of a comfortable ride and good handling. Ford realized that most SUV owners did not take their vehicles off road, and decided instead to use a car-like Monocoque design with a fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering for the Escape. [cite press release
title = FORD ESCAPE SALES CROSS THE MILLION MARK
publisher = Ford Motor Company
date = 2006-11-03
url = http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=24743
accessdate = 2008-04-16 ] Making the Ford Escape Ford's first Crossover (automobile). Although not meant for serious off-roading, a full time all wheel drive system supplied by Dana was optional which included a locking center differential activated by a switch on the dashboard. [cite journal
title = Dana Gets 4WD Contract for Ford/Mazda SUVs
journal = Autoparts Report
date = 2000-04-25
url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0UDO/is_22_13/ai_63676658
accessdate =2008-04-15 ] The all wheel drive system normally sends most of the power from the engine to the front wheels. If slipping is detected at the front, more power will be sent to the rear wheels in a fraction of a second. The entire braking system was built by Continental Teves including the ABS and various related suspension components. [cite journal
title = Continental Teves Supplies Brake System To Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute
journal = Autoparts Report
date = 2000-06-02
url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0UDO/is_2000_June_2/ai_63676728
accessdate =2008-04-15 ] CKD production began in 2002 at Ford Lio Ho Motor Co. in Taiwan for various Asian markets. [cite journal
title = Dana Corp. To Supply 4wd System 2002 For Ford Escape In Taiwan - Brief Article
journal = Autoparts Report
date = 01-11-2002
url = http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0UDO/is_8_15/ai_81580566
accessdate = 2008-04-15]

afety and security

Crash test results for the Escape have been mixed. In the New Car Assessment Program administered by the USA based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car received 5 out of 5 stars for driver protection and 4 out of 5 stars for passenger protection in a Auto mph|35 frontal impact. [cite web
title = New Car Assessment Program: 2001 Ford Escape
publisher = NHTSA
date = 2001
url = http://www.safercar.gov/portal/site/safercar/menuitem.db847bd57e3dc1f885dfc38c35a67789/?vgnextoid=c95df2905bf54110VgnVCM1000002fd17898RCRD&model=6698
accessdate = 2008-04-16 ] The SUV received 5 stars for both driver and rear passenger in the side impact test. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Auto mph|40 frontal offset test, 2001-2004 Escapes received a score of "Marginal". [cite web
title = IIHS-HLDI: Ford Escape
publisher = IIHS-HLDI
date = 2001
url = http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=2
accessdate = 2008-04-16] Vehicles equipped with the optional side air bags received a score of "Good" in the Auto mph|31 side impact test, while those without the optional air bags received a score of "Poor". [cite web
title = IIHS-HLDI: Ford Escape
publisher = IIHS-HLDI
date = 2003
url = http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=244
accessdate = 2008-04-16 ]

All Escapes are equipped with a passive Immobiliser called SecuriLock. This feature includes a RFID chip embedded in the key which is read by the car each time the vehicle is started. If the vehicle fails to receive a valid confirmation signal from the key, the vehicle will not run even if the key is perfectly cut to match the original. Theft, Injury, and Collision losses reported to insurance companies for the Escape are among the lowest in its class. [cite web
title = Injury, Collision, & Theft Losses 2001-2003
publisher = HLDI
date = September 2004
url = http://www.iihs.org/research/hldi/ictl_pdf/ictl_0904.pdf
accessdate = 2008-04-16]

Hybrid version

In 2004, the Ford Escape Hybrid was released. This hybrid electric vehicle is 75% more fuel-efficient than the regular Escape according to Environmental Protection Agency tests and was the first sport utility vehicle available to the public with hybrid technology. The Escape Hybrid also offers a 110 volt AC (150 watt) plug-in outlet, for powering small household accessories, as an option. The internal combustion engine in the hybrid model uses the Atkinson cycle for improved efficiency.

In January 2006, at the Washington Auto Show, Ford showed a prototype for an Escape Hybrid that would allow E85 fuel to be used.

2005 changes

The Escape and Tribute were updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3 L Duratec 23), which replaced the Zetec 2.0 L convert|127|hp|abbr=on 4-cylinder. The most powerful engine remained the convert|200|hp|abbr=on Duratec 3.0 L V6, with new engine mounts. Ford also added advanced airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent all wheel drive system, and exterior changes. 2005 was the first model year an automatic transmission was available on the base four-cylinder models. The automatic shifter was moved from the column to the console on all models equipped with automatic transmissions. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats to improve the safety of occupants in the rear seats in the case of a rear crash.

European model

From 2001 to 2004 the Ford Escape was sold in Europe under the Maverick name, and replaced a rebadged version of the Nissan Mistral/Terrano II. Only two versions were made, the 2.0 L Zetec inline 4 engine with manual transmission and 3.0 L Duratec V6 with automatic transmission, both using gasoline as fuel. The absence of a diesel version did not help sales and the vehicle was temporarily discontinued in late 2003.

The Maverick was reintroduced in 2005 in certain European markets with the Duratec V6 engine. It was announced that the Maverick would be assembled in Russia for the Russian market. As of 2006, the Maverick was no longer sold in Europe, leaving Ford without a compact SUV until the 2009 Ford Kuga was introduced.

The Maverick was primarily designed for on-road use - sold with normal road tires, and to be used with front-wheel drive most of the time. A second "gear lever" for the transfer gearbox enabled four-wheel drive mode with no centre differential and a limited slip rear differential - this precluded using full-time four-wheel drive on the road as it caused undue wear on the transmission and tires.

2007 changes (Asian/Pacific)

A revamped 2007 Escape went on sale in the second half of 2006 for the Asian and Pacific markets (except South Korea, where the North American-market Escape is sold). [http://autoincar.blogspot.com/2007/09/ford-thailand-has-launched-revised.html] Major external changes include a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights and hood, and rear bumper, as well as LED taillights.

On the inside, changes include a floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter, as well as a redesigned center stack comprising of audio and climate controls. Climate control is automatic on all models except the XLS. The Limited model also features full color-coded bumpers, wheel arch and side moldings, as well as side mirrors with integrated LED indicators. Rear drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes all round.

The 3.0 L V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 2.3 L 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle, as well as a slight increase in power to convert|109|kW|abbr=on. Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations. A four-speed automatic carries over and is the sole transmission choice.

Recalls

In the USA, the Escape has been recalled 10 times, although the bulk of the problems only affected the first model year. [cite web
title = FORD ESCAPE Recalls
publisher = myCarStats.com
date = 2008
url = http://www.mycarstats.com/auto_Recalls/FORD_ESCAPE_Recalls.asp
accessdate = 2008-04-16] In April, 2007 Ford announced it would recall nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs produced between 2001-2008 due to reported engine fires. Ford recalled those Escape year models because of improper sealing in the anti-lock braking system that could cause contamination and a short. [cite web
authorlink = http://www.nhtsa.gov
title = Recalls Summary
publisher = NHTSA
date = 2007-04-23
url = http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsummary.cfm?rcl_campaign_id=07V156000&prod_id=203267&moduletype=VEHICLE&make=FORD&model=ESCAPE&veh_model_year=2004&searchtype=DrillDown
accessdate = 2008-04-16 ] Ford has said the fires did not cause personal injuries and the Escape hybrid was not affected.

2008-present

Infobox Automobile generation


name = Second generation (North America)
production = 2008-present
assembly = Claycomo, Missouri
engine = nowrap|2.3 L "Duratec 23" I4
2.5 L "Duratec 25" I4
nowrap|3.0 L "Duratec 30" V6
transmission = 5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
6-speed "6F" automatic
wheelbase = auto in|103.1|0
length = auto in|174.7|0
width = auto in|71.1|0
height = auto in|68.0|0
fuel_capacity = Convert|16.5|usgal|L impgal|1|abbr=on
Hybrid: Convert|15.0|usgal|L impgal|1|abbr=on [http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escapehybrid/features/specs/] ] The 2008 Ford Escape debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. [cite web|url=http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061129/FREE/61129001/1064/cara_submit|title=Ford toughens Escape for 2008|work=AutoWeek.com|accessmonthday=November 29 |accessyear=2006] The North American-market Escape and its Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner siblings were redesigned in order to stay competitive with other new compact SUVs, however most of the internals have been carried over for the 2008 model year. The Escape still uses the CD2 platform [cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/GeneralFuture/articleId=109656|title= 2008 Ford Escape gets new look|work=Edmunds.com|accessmonthday=March 16 |accessyear=2006] . Ford also included an electronic stability control system standard on the 2008 Escape. [cite web|url=http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=116798/|title=Ford To Make Stability Control Standard by 2009|work=Edmunds.com|accessmonthday=September 13 |accessyear=2006]

The updated Escape received some styling cues from the Explorer, Edge, and Expedition. Changes include a new grille with larger headlamps in the front fascia, while the sides were revised with cleaner lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior is also completely redesigned, including the newest standard Ford family navigation system. [cite web|url=http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060419/AUTO03/604190322/1149|title=Sneak Peek: 2008 Ford Escape|work=Detroit News|accessmonthday=April 19 |accessyear=2006]

A new concept version for the Asian market, called the "Ford Escape Adventure Concept", was revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show. It features a revised front and rear fascia, incorporating Ford's three-bar grill styling theme and restyled LED tail lamps. [ [http://paultan.org/archives/2007/10/24/tokyo-2007-live-ford-escape-adventure-concept/ Paultan.org - TOKYO 2007 LIVE: Ford Escape Adventure Concept] - 24 October 2007]

2009 changes

At the 2008 Washington Auto Show, Ford introduced new changes to the Escape for the 2009 model year. Ford's new 6-speed 6F automatic replaced the previous 4-speed automatic on both the I4 and V6 models. The 2.3 L Duratec 23 is replaced by a new 2.5 L Duratec 25, which boosted standard power to convert|171|hp|abbr=on and convert|171|lbft|abbr=on of torque, while increasing fuel economy by convert|1|mpgus|abbr=on on both urban and extra-urban cycles. The optional 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 was thoroughly updated, resulting in a convert|40|hp|abbr=on increase, bringing power output to convert|240|hp|abbr=on and convert|233|lbft|abbr=on of torque. The Duratec 30 also sees a convert|1|mpgus|abbr=on fuel economy improvement.

The Hybrid is also upgraded to use the 2.5 L (albeit still using the Atkinson cycle for better fuel economy). Efficiency improved to convert|34|mpgus|abbr=on city and convert|31|mpgus|abbr=on highway according to the USEPA. This hybrid system will also be used in the 2009 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. The 2.5 L engine brings the Hybrid's power output up by convert|22|hp|abbr=on when the electric motor is added in.

Other mechanical changes include a new convert|18.5|mm|in|abbr=on rear stabilizer bar, revised suspension tuning, a new air induction system for the 3.0 L V6, and a new exhaust system on all Escapes. The braking system for the Hybrid versions has been revised with a vacuum assist unit that reviewers have said give the brakes a consistent feel over the entire travel of the brake pedal. [http://info.detnews.com/autosconsumer/autoreviews/index.cfm?id=30578] Previous versions of the Hybrid were reported to have a slightly mushy brake feel, primarily due to the fact that for the first part of the brake travel and braking the system is regenerating power instead of engaging the brake pads against the rotors.

Also in 2009, Ford's SYNC system is standard on the Hybrid, Hybrid Limited, and conventional Limited models, and optional on the XLS and XLT.

The Escape underwent some minor aerodynamic changes for 2009, including a revised front chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers. Another new feature is Ford's Easy-Fuel capless fuel filling system. [ [http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=27548- media.ford.com Press Release] - 02 February 2008]

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2009 Ford Escape, along with its cousins, the Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute, received top marks for its performance in the frontal, side, and rear crash tests. [http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=322] The vehicle received an overall score of "Good" in all categories and was named a "Top Safety Pick".

References

ee also

*Ford Escape Hybrid
*Mercury Mariner
*Mazda Tribute
*Ford CD2 platform
*Ford Motor Company

External links

* [http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escape/ Ford's Escape page]
* [http://www.suv-specs.info/ford-escape Ford Escape Specifications] - Ford Escape Specifications

Hybrid

* [http://www.fordvehicles.com/suvs/escapehybrid/ Official Ford's Escape Hybrid page]
* [http://www.MixedPower.com Hybrid Cars and Vehicles - MixedPower.com]
* [http://www.eaa-phev.org:80/wiki/Escape_PHEV_TechInfo Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)] .