I am in the decision process of looking to trade in my 1999 Chevy Tahoe LT for a 2005 Ford Escape LTD 2WD.

I am wondering if there is anyone that has down sized to an Escape from either a Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban or larger SUV.

I am really trying to justify this but not sure I can handle the less is more concept.

I really do not care about the Ford vs Chevy battle, just looking for honest opinions.

Thanks,

 

The Ford Escape is a pretty decent little SUV. The only issues I have known with them are...................

Premature tire wear (Factory Continental and Generals are crap)
Lower control arm bushings seperate
Link pins wear causing noise
Steel rims rust quickly (In NE USA)

The 3.0L is very powerful for that setup and gas mileage is not bad. The 4cyl model has no ***** at all unless equipped with a 5spd manual.

 

I too faced this dilema, from a grand Cherokee limited to an Escape limited, just at the right time too, i got good bucks for the Cherokee & the Escape is plenty big for 4 kids, dog but gets us there for 1/4 of the gas!!
Add in a Magna flow exhaust system & cold air intace to stop that constant tranny "hunting" from 3rd to O/D & its a great little , not so little machine
i laugh at my buddy when we both go to the same cotage area, his gas bill 87 bucks, mine 41 bucks!!
The exhaust adds about 12-18 HP & tork, but surpirsingly, added from 2 -5 mpg, if you can keep your foot out of it!
Do, get the kids LCD roof screen for DVD;s on those trips
i found the one at Can. tire was as good as factory but less cost