Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute

I am looking at a used Escape and a used Tribute. The Escape is a 2002 and the Tribute is a 2003. Anybody ever own one in here? They are both $11k, the Escape has more options but is a year older and slightly higher mileage.

Anyone have any input?

how do the options packages compare? 4cyl, v6 2wd awd?

My sister has a 2002 Escape, a V6 with pretty much everything. I never thought I'd say this, but it's a pretty decent vehicle. There haven't been many problems with it (roughly 45k, starter went dead 8k in but hasn't been a persistent problem or anything). It performs well and the interior is nothing repulsive (like in an 05 Focus). I can't say it's any better than the Tribute, since I've never spent much time with one, but it is pretty respectable in my book.

my mum has an escape (4wd V6)with 78k on it, and I actually really really like the truck. Its really peppy and does decent on our mild off road camping trips! Its a blast in the snow too!

I've looked at both and all salesman have said they are identical... not true.

True: Same available powertrains. Similar options. Top of the line Mazda has a bit more luxury feel to it. However, the BIG diffrence (besides price) is that Tribute suspension is nearly identical to Escape, except for the inherent performance characteristics of individual components. The Tribute is designed to provide a more taught, sporty ride whereas the Escape provides a softer, more truck-like ride. This is accomplished by using stiffer springs, anti-sway bars, and bushings on the Tribute. Otherwise, the suspensions look physically identical.

I guess if I were to input my choice.. I'd go with options over miles/year. No diffrence between 2002/2003 model years except a few options and colors. They are equally reliable- although i hear the 4WD system is a bit lacking and gets noisy/clunky as the miles proceed.


Now.. My opinion time

I am partial to it's competiton, the Liberty. Getting passed it's "Hello!!" front end and childish looks is hard, but the Renegade version gives you luxury with absolute capabilities. They can be had for the same price as a Nicely Equiped Tribute/Escape. Whatever way you go, small SUV's are fun, great handling, great gas mileage, and really an all around great vehicle to have. Good luck!!

sorry to burst your bubble chad but the liberty is an absolute pos. I have worked on well over a dozen of them with all kinds of problems. On the other hand the escape/tribute I have seen very few of despite there being more of them on the road and they are a few years older as well. just opinions though. Oh and the liberty looks like a$$.

My wife has an Escape with almost 90K on it. We have had great luck with it overall so I'd definitely recommend it. For a small Ute, it works great. If you've got to regularly haul 4 people and their stuff though, it's not big enough. Figure on it working well for a family of 3 but not more than that.

Other than that it's been a great ride. It's a loaded 2001 and we've taken it everywhere.

Rick