Ford Escape
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{{Infobox Automobile
|image=Image:Ford Escape.jpg
|name=Ford Escape
|manufacturer=Ford Motor Company
|production=2001–present
|class=Compact SUV
|body_style=4-door SUV
|platform=FF/AWD CD2
|related=Mazda Tribute
Mercury Mariner
|similar=Jeep Liberty
Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
Nissan Xterra
}}
Ford Motor Company's Escape debuted in 2001 as a compact crossover SUV, priced below the Ford Explorer. It was jointly developed with Mazda, which Ford owns a controlling interest in, and was released a few months after the nearly-identical Mazda Tribute. A more upscale version, the Mercury Mariner, was introduced for Ford's Mercury marque in the 2005 model year. The Escape is sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick. These three vehicles have been a major success story for Ford proving to be popular in all markets.
It is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626.
Contents |
Hybrid
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 SUV available to the public with hybrid technology.
2005
Image:MercMariner.jpg The Escape and Tribute were updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3 L Duratec 23), added 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. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats. The Mercury Mariner, new in 2005, was also introduced with these new features. It also included stylistic differences, such as a two-tone interior, European-style turn signal repeaters, monotone cladding, and the signature Mercury "waterfall" front grille.
2007
Image:Newescape.jpg A significantly facelifted version of the Escape will be released in the second half of 2006, for the 2007 model year. The updated Escape will feature a larger, bolder grille, with additional chrome, as well as restyled front bumper and headlights. Side mirrors will feature integrated indicators.
On the inside, changes include a new floor mounted automatic transmission shifter, in place of the old column shifter.
Mechanically, the Escape receives a 5-speed automatic in place of the previous 4-speed, and the rear drum brakes of the previous model have been replaced by disc brakes.
Engines remain the same, but the V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle.
See also