Ford Escape

The Ford Escape (Code U204) debuted in 2001 as a compact crossover SUV, priced below the Ford Explorer. It was jointly developed with Mazda, in which Ford owns a controlling interest, 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 was sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick.

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.

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

The Escape and Tribute were updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3 L Duratec 23), which replaced the Zetec 2.0L 127hp 4-cylinder. The most powerful engine remained the 200hp Duratec 3.0L V6. 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. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats.

2007

A revamped 2007 Escape went on sale in the second half of 2006. Major external changes include a redesigned front bumper, grille, headlights and bonnet, as well as LED tail-lights 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 centre stack comprising of audio and climate controls. Climate control is automatic on all models except the XLS. The Limited model also features full colour-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Rear drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes all round.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 3.0L V6 has been modified to reduce fuel consumption by over 10%, while the 2.3L 4-cylinder has improved mid-range torque and an electronic throttle, as well as a slight increase in power to 109 kW (146hp). Both engines had been certified to meet Euro III emission regulations. A 4-speed automatic carries over and is the sole transmission choice.

The 2007 Escape is now built in Taiwan, instead of Japan.

2008

North American Escape and its siblings Tribute and Mariner received a much needed update in order to stay competitive against Toyota RAV4, Honda Element and Jeep Patriot. There had been a rumour that the Escape will use the CD3 platform, however, Ford appeared to retain the CD2 Platform. Another report suggested that the Escape and its siblings could be based on EUCD platform.

The Escape received some of the styling cues from Explorer, Edge and Expedition. The changes include a new grille with larger headlamps, while the sides had been revised with cleaner lines and rounder wheel arches. The interior was also upgraded with higher quality materials because it had been criticised for having dull and cheap interior.

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