Information AboutFord Escape |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT FORD ESCAPE | |
| ford vehicles | |
| escape | |
| compact suvs | |
| front wheel drive vehicles | |
| hybrid suv | |
| all wheel drive vehicles | |
| ford cd2 platform | |
| 2000s automobiles | |
The Ford Escape (designated ''U204'') is a Compact SUV sold by the Automaker Ford Motor Company beginning in the 2001 model year and priced below the Ford Explorer . 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 . 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. 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 See Also: Ford Escape 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. The hybrid features the very rare 110V/150W "wall outlet" as a roughly $200 option. 2001–2007 The Escape was released in 2001 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. 2007 changes (Asian/Pacific) A revamped 2007 Escape went on sale in the second half of 2006 for the Asia n 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 . 2008–PRESENT The North America n-market Escape and its Mazda Tribute / Mercury Mariner siblings have received a redesign in order to stay competitive against Toyota RAV4 , Hyundai Tucson , Jeep Liberty , and Honda CR-V . The Escape uses the CD2 Platform 1 Ford also included an electronic stability control system standard on the 2008 Escape. 2 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. 3 The 2008 Ford Escape debuted at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show . 4 RECALL In April, 2007 Ford announced it would recall nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs produced between 2001-2004 due to reported engine fires. Ford recalled those Escape year models because of a problem in the antilock braking system that could cause fires. Ford has said the fires did not cause personal injuries and the Escape hybrid was not affected. {Link without Title} EUROPEAN SUV From 2001 to 2004 the Ford Escape was sold in Europe under the Maverick name replaced a rebadged version of the Nissan Mistral/Terrano II . Only two versions were made, the 2.0 L Zetec engine with manual transmission and 3.0 L Duratec with automatic transmission, both using gasoline as fuel. The absence of a diesel version did not help sales and production halted in late 2003. The Maverick was primarily designed for on-road use - sold with normal road tires, and to be used with rear-wheel drive most of the time. A second "gear lever" for the transfere 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. The Maverick was reintroduced in 2005 in certain European markets with a 3.0L DOHC Duratec 30 engine. It was announced that the Maverick would be assembled in Russia for the Russian market. REFERENCES SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
http://money.cnn.com/2007/04/11/autos/ford_recall/index.htm |
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