Escape 2.3L VICS

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. A more upscale version, the Mercury Mariner, was introduced for Ford's Mercury marque in 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.


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Rear drum brakes have been replaced by disc brakes all round.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.