Ford Escape
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ford Escape | |
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| Manufacturer | Ford Motor Company |
| Production | 2001—present |
| Class | Compact crossover SUV; hybrid SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, front-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Ford CD2 platform |
| Wheelbase | 103.1 in |
| Related | Mercury Mariner Mazda Tribute |
| First generation | |
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| Production | 2001–2007 |
| Assembly | Claycomo, Missouri Hofu, Japan |
| Engine | 2.0 L Zetec I4 2.3 L Duratec 23 I4 3.0 L Duratec 30 V6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
| Length | 174.9 in |
| Width | 70.1 in |
| Height | 69.7 in |
| Fuel capacity | 16.5 US gal |
| Similar | Hyundai Santa Fe Pontiac Aztek Toyota RAV4 |
| Second generation (North America) | |
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| Production | From 2008 |
| Assembly | Claycomo, Missouri |
| Engine | 2.3 L 153 hp I4 3.0 L 200 hp V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Length | 174.7 in |
| Width | 71.1 in |
| Height | 68.0 in |
| Similar | Hyundai Tucson Jeep Patriot Subaru Forester |
The Ford Escape (designated U204) is a compact crossover SUV sold by the automaker Ford Motor Company beginning in the 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer. It is also Ford's first crossover SUV, and many companies introduced their first crossover SUVs that time, with Pontiac offering the Aztek and Hyundai offering the Santa Fe. The Escape was sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick. It was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owns a controlling interest, and was released simultaneously with the Mazda Tribute. A more upscale version, the Mercury Mariner, was introduced for Ford's Mercury marque in the 2005 model year. A hybrid version was released in 2004.
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.
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[edit] 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 sport utility vehicle available to the public with hybrid technology.
In January 2006, at the Washington Auto Show, Ford showed a prototype for an Escape Hybrid that would allow E85 fuel to be used.
[edit] 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 127 hp 4-cylinder. The most powerful engine remained the 200 hp Duratec 3.0 L V6, with new engine mounts. Ford also 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. 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.
[edit] 2007 changes
A revamped 2007 Escape went on sale in the second half of 2006 for the Asian and Pacific markets. Major external changes include a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights and hood, as well as LED taillights and rear bumper.
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 109 kW (146 hp). Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations. A four-speed automatic carries over and is the sole transmission choice.
The 2007 Asian/Pacific Escape is now built in Taiwan, instead of Japan.
[edit] 2008
The North American-market Escape and its Mazda Tribute/Mercury Mariner siblings are set to receive a redesign in order to stay competitive against Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson and Jeep Patriot. The Escape expected to use the CD2 platform [1] Ford also announced that an electronic stability control system will be standard on the 2008 Escape. [2]
The updated Escape will receive some styling cues from the Explorer, Edge and Expedition. Changes include a new grille with larger headlamps in the front fascia, while the sides will be revised with cleaner lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior is also freshened. [3]
The 2008 Ford Escape debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. [4]
The 2008 V6-powered Escapes will revert to rear drum brakes. [5]
[edit] References
- ^ 2008 Ford Escape gets new look. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on March 16, 2006.
- ^ Ford To Make Stability Control Standard by 2009. Edmunds.com. Retrieved on September 13, 2006.
- ^ Sneak Peek: 2008 Ford Escape. Detroit News. Retrieved on April 19, 2006.
- ^ Ford toughens Escape for 2008. AutoWeek.com. Retrieved on November 29, 2006.
- ^ http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=119002
[edit] External links
- Ford's Escape page
- Hybrid Cars and Vehicles - MixedPower.com
- Ford's Escape Hybrid page
- Escape Pollution in a Ford Escape Hybrid
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