Hi every one,
please post your comments on this new ford suv, the escape. I know it isnt explorer related, but i'd like to heard what you guys think about it.

http://autoshow2000.carpoint.msn.com/autoshow2000/images/photos/L_as00_ford_escape_side.JPG

http://www.auto.com/art/2000/jan/11/ford_escape0111.jpg

I kinda like it but look alot like the Nissan Xterra.

Still i think it look better than the new explorer sport 2001 http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Philp (edited 01-11-2000).]

Its a coutch potatoe xterra. A little fat. And I dont see tow hooks, although there is something hanging down off the front, I dont think its a tow point though.

Yea, it looks like an XTerra and an Explorer got drunk at a party one night and 9 months later this was born. I kinda like it, but it needs a chin tuck. I might even consider buying one over a 2001 sport. Good job Ford, now all you gotta do is get your service dept to work as well and design dept.

I think It looks okay. Any stats? Engine size, wheel base, options, price?

But why would Ford produce a sport utility vehicle that would directly compete with an existing sport utility vehicle? It's not as though the Explorer isn't the number one selling SUV in the world. And being able to say that should be worth a lot to Ford. Don't you think? And if enough of the potential Explorer buyers decide to buy the Escape, the Explorer may not be the big seller on the block. How would you like to see a commercial advertising a Chevy as the number one seller?

Now I got to find a paper bag to breathe in, I think I'm hyperventilating!

------------------
'97 Sport 4X4

I have some magazines I have to look though with info on this new mini ute. I know it will have a 4 cylinder and a V6 will be offered. I remember the automotive magazines went nutz over the Suzuki Grand Vitara because it came with a V6. It looks like this might be the next "Big" mini ute. I'll post some of the specs on it as soon as I find them.

------------------
Tim Y.
1996 Ford Explorer

I kind of like the look of it. I think it will be a pretty capable vehicle.

I apologize now, but I simply have to vent and set the record straight: SUBARU'S ARE NOT SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES!!!!! I know it is random, but it had to be said. I am getting sick and tired of them being called and capared to trucks, which have an actual frame. They are cars, cars!!!! Once again I apologize.

------------------
Tim Y.
1996 Ford Explorer

It looks like the Mercades SUV (?????). It might be capable if a curb at a luxury hotel is the norm. I will stick with my 98 XLT thank you.

To me, it looks like an Izusu Rodeo (not that I'm going after Izusu's),its just an observation. Rodeos start in the low 20's so I'll be curious as to how Ford positions this.

Barry

A Subaru Forester with a Ford emblem...

I don't think that this will compete much with the Explorer. If I'm not mistaken, Ford has been working on an "SUV" based on the Contour platform, kind of like Honda's CR-V which is built on the Civic platform. I'll have to check in some ond Car and Driver magazines.

If this is that new vehicle, it is destined to be smaller and less expensive than the Explorer, but will not have the towing capacity, nor the interior space of the Explorer (not to mention the off road capability). My guess is that it will have 4 wheel independent suspension like the Contour, AWD, and will weigh in at about 3200 pounds. I also am guessing that it will cost less than $20K new (probably about $16K to $18K or so). The target audience would be those who want the convenience of an SUV, but don't want a heavy, gas consuming, expensive vehicle. Basically, the same people that would buy a Tracker.

Ford needs a small SUV to compete with CR-V's, Trackers, and that type of vehicle. I think that with a 2.5 liter V-6, this thing would out perform most of the competition.

------------------
Tom

Check this site for stats and info. http://www.blueovalnews.com/U204_suv.htm

The Escape is aimed at the Tracker/CR-V crowd, so is definitely smaller/lighter than the Explorer. Does look like an Xterra, and certainly alot different from spy photos at BlueOval.

Tom

I looked at those pics at Blue Oval. They look more like a minivan than an SUV. I think that they took pictures of the wrong vehicle.

I'm pretty darn sure that I remember reading that the new mini-ute will be based on the Contour, so I doubt that it will be getting a 3.0 L engine unless they do some serious re-working. The engine compartment of the Contour barely holds the 2.0 L four cylinder, let alone the 2.5 L V-6 option.

I actually think that with the 2.5, this might be a pretty fun package. If they can keep the weight down, it will perform well. I had a 2.0 Contour, and although it was weak out of the hole, the car handled well (with decent tires) and had decent power once the engine was over 3000 RPM (the redline is at 6500 RPM). The Contour is a pretty solid car, and very under-rated. If only it had a little better looks, it would sell like hotcakes. http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/smile.gif

I think it would be interesting to see how they go about getting power to the rears if they keep the transversally mounted engine that the FWD Contour has.

------------------
Tom

I found some info at Ford's web site!!! It's not going to be based on the Contour, but is an all new platform. Engines will be the 2.0 L four and a 3.0 V-6. The article doesn't say if it will share the 3.0 with the Ranger or Taurus. It will be available with front wheel drive or four wheel drive.

Details can be found by going to: http://www.ford.com/home.asp and clicking on the Auto Show 2000 Webcasting link. From there, click on the Ford icon, and a news release list will appear. The Escape is on that release. You can try this link also, but I don't know if it will let you in or not:
http://webevents.broadcast.com/Ford/autoshowdetroit0100/news6.html

Happy Motoring!!


[This message has been edited by Tom Wilk (edited 01-13-2000).]

I think it looks like a XTerra with a little bit of Kia Sportage in it. After a few years, this SUV could become very off road worthy, with higher ground clearence, and a bigger engine, this could become the explorer's little brother.

I'm going to the North American International Auto Show this Saturday... I'll try to get as many pix and as much data as possible. Where do I need to send the pix and in what format?
-Joe-
By the way... am I the only Explorer owner from MI? Just thought I'd ask...

I think it looks decent but it looks close to the baby Lexus SUV.

Did you see the new Ford Equator? Designed to be direct competition to the Hummer and the up coming GM H2, looks very much like the Hummer but with smoother lines. That would be something I might be interested in, if I can afford the gas!!!

[This message has been edited by kvo (edited 01-14-2000).]

I think this little buggy looks pretty cool. I hope it has a two speed transfer case.

------------------
Paul Gagnon
Calgary, Alberta
"No Brain, No Pain"
www.geocities.com/pg4x4 (http://www.geocities.com/pg4x4)

Do you know where we can see pics of the equator?

When are they going to unveil the 2001 four
door?,are they going to wait for the New York show?.

------------------

This is what year???!!! Oh crap! I guess I'm still stuck in the late 80's and early 90's. I like a classic look. Although- it's neat looking. I'll stick to my 91 Explorer. Thanks though- Ford.

I think it does have one thing going for it, it'a a lot better looking than the other "SUV"'s in that class. Look at the Grand Vitara, Tracker, Forester, CRV, RAV-4, these vehicles are all VERY ugly and overly "Gen-X"ified. This "truck" at least looks like a truck, and it at least looks like it has some link to what SUVs are really for. Looks like a nice design job.

------------------
Stephen Withrow
StephenLS400@aol.com
------------------
97 Limited
98 Lexus LS400

Ok Ford fan's, here is the scoop from my latest Autoweek....
The Escape comes standard with a 2.0l inline 4 linked to a 5 speed manual trans. The optional engine is a 200hp 3.0l V6 linked to a four speed automatic.
Both engine combos are available with either front wheel drive or a full time four wheel system with automatic and lockup modes.
They said the coolest part was a roof rack which slides back onto the rear hatch for bikes or skis.

They also talked about the Ford "Equator" which was based on a f-150 platform but the body was as wide as a f-350 for a roomy passenger compartment.
Built for true off-road use the bumpers, fenders, wheel wells, and lower trim panels are all Kevlar...!
It also features a drop down step (like a running board) which goes up and down with opening and closing the doors...
The thing looks huge... makes the H2 hummer look whimpy.

WOW the Equator sounds completely bad ass!! http://www.4x4central.com/ubb/cool.gif Where can we see some pics? Has anyone seen any? Were there any in Autoweek?
THX

------------------
RJXplorer
'94 XLT - 30" BFG AT's
Dynamax Exhaust
K&N Air Filter
Modified Air Box
"He who takes no risk, takes no glory."

There's one good picture in Autoweek...
I'll scan it in and post it on monday...

------------------
PryBry
98 XLT V8

When are you going to scan that pic

I just came from this site, I came here to search and see if anyone here had taken a good look.. they want feedback if we are interested in this new format.. looks good to me..
As for the Escape, isnt it a single speed transfer case? no low range.. Soccer mom special? er no offense soccer moms.. :)

http://www.myequator.net/home.htm

..and for those who don't like to venture too far from 'home' :

http://www.mysporttrac.net/equator/PHOTOS/equator_010_big.gifhttp://www.mysporttrac.net/equator/PHOTOS/equator_012_big.gif http://www.mysporttrac.net/equator/PHOTOS/equator_008_big.gif http://www.mysporttrac.net/equator/PHOTOS/equator_013_big.gif
A concept built on the Ford F-150 design, but has 6-inch-wider interior space the Equator maintains the F-150's 128-inch wheelbase, but adopts the width of the Super Duty F-350.

The bottom of the doors is cut high, and, when a door is opened, a lower panel can be hydraulically deployed to create a step unit. In the stowed position, the panels provide a watertight barrier for the passenger compartment.

Functionally, Equator has an off-road-racing-inspired independent suspension, featuring billet aluminum upper control arms, steel lower arms with all-new geometry for maximum travel, adjustable 32-inch coils over gas-linked shocks and custom machined steering linkage.

The bumper, fender, wheel wells and lower trim panels are made of Kevlar, which makes them resistant to stone damage
Billet aluminum wheels with a central tire inflation system and bead locks are wrapped in specially cut off-road tires that are color-keyed to the Serengeti gold body.

Inside, Equator features four leather-contoured bucket seats. The rear seats and bulkhead fold down, creating a cargo space that is six-feet long and five and a half feet wide.

The instrument panel addresses driver-preferred instrument location and content through the use of "clamp-on" gauges. The gauges allow users to select the exact components they want on the instrument panel as well as the exact position for each component. A centerline-mounted compass can be removed for outdoor use.

Flip-up arm rests, visor-mounted GPS technology, outside temperature monitoring instruments, overhead map lights, dual-zone climate controls, two high-volume console-mounted storage compartments and removable flooring provide ultimate feature content.

An overhead, console-mounted audio system ensures that all passengers receive premium sound. The console includes a power amplifier, CD changer, dual speakers in each door, a subwoofer in the lower console and upper-console-mounted tweeters.

"In order to maintain Ford Truck leadership in every major segment in which we compete, we need to be constantly innovating - giving the consumer personalized transportation that exceeds even their highest expectations," says Mays. "The Equator is designed to do all that and more."

"Equator screams adventure," says J Mays, Ford Motor Company vice president of Design. "It can take on the most rugged outdoor challenge while carrying its passengers in maximum comfort."

That is sick! :eek: :eek: :eek:

price?

it looks a little like the old Lamborghini LM