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Ford New Models 2004

Five Hundred

Ford Freestyle

Escape Hybrid

Mercury Brand

Mariner

Montego

Mountaineer

FA 1 Moviestar

Navicross

MA Concept

Focus C-MAX

Forty-Nine  

021c Concept

Ford GT40

Thunderbird

Ford EX

Ford Fiesta

Ford Mondeo

Ford Ranger

Explorer

Escape

Lincoln Concepts

Lincoln MK9

 Continental

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Ford Motor Company: 2001 Ford Escape

"The new Ford Escape opens the doors of the Ford Outfitters showrooms to a whole new group of buyers and offers more options for our current customers. Adding Escape to our current SUV lineup, Explorer, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition and Excursion, makes us the one-stop outfitter for any sport utility need."

Jim O'Connor, Ford Division President
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The all-new Ford Escape - with unibody construction and go-anywhere four-wheel-drive capabilities - provides refined ride and handling, an outstanding package, excellent fuel economy and low emissions in a small, tough SUV that's easy to maneuver in urban traffic and versatile enough for the most active lifestyles.

Ford's newest sport utility vehicle marks the Company's expansion into the growing small SUV segment.

On sale in September 2000, the new Ford Escape - together with the Explorer, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Expedition and Excursion - gives Ford a comprehensive SUV lineup.

 
Click image for larger view

"We expect Escape to have broad appeal to a wide variety of consumers, including those who might have not owned an SUV before. We believe Escape will appeal to people who might not have considered a larger SUV, but whose life's activities now require the space, functionality and versatility that an SUV provides," says O'Connor. "Whether they are young singles, newlyweds, small families or empty nesters, Escape will provide an affordable, fun option that will allow them to do all the things they want to do - including skiing, camping, biking and beach activities."

2001 Ford Escape

• Choice of DOHC 2.0L I-4 or 3.0L V-6 engines

• 5-speed manual overdrive gearbox with the I-4 engine

• 4-speed automatic overdrive transaxle with the V-6 engine

• Control Trac® II 4x4 or front-wheel drive drivetrains

• 4x4 system comes with driver-determined "auto" and "on" lockup switch settings

• 3,500-lb. maximum towing capacity (when properly equipped) - enough to pull a horse trailer, jet skis, snowmobiles or speed boat

• 5-passenger seating

• Roomy front and second-row rear seating

• Four doors and rear liftgate with flip-up glass

• Large, versatile cargo area

• Unibody design and 4-wheel independent suspension provides refined ride, handling and maneuverability

• Safety features including dual front air bags and available side-impact air bags

• Low fuel consumption and certified to LEV emissions standards

Based on an all-new platform developed in partnership with Mazda, the new Ford Escape provides customers with a small, versatile and tough SUV with maximum convenience and comfort - together with a unibody design 4-wheel independent suspension for refined ride and handling. With a city (or highway) EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon, the new Escape with the I-4 engine and the 4x2 configuration with 5-speed manual transmission will be comparable to many family sedans. Escape models with the 3.0L engine transmission and 4x4 configuration achieve an EPA estimated city (or highway) fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon.

Escape also is being designed as a hybrid electrical vehicle (HEV) to debut in 2003. The goal is for the HEV Escape to be the cleanest, most fuel-efficient SUVs on the planet. Ford was the first to announce plans for a hybrid electrical-powered SUV.

The Ford Escape will be built at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo.

8/31/00

All pictures: Ford Motor Company