2013 Ford Escape: Its Beginnings
It was a different world back in 2000 when Ford engineers released the first generation Escape. They wanted a sport utility vehicle that provided room for five adult passengers. They also wanted Escape to provide reasonably good power and acceleration while providing the range of fuel economy larger SUVs couldn’t provide.
According to Consumer Guide Auto, the Ford Escape went on sale in the summer of 2000 and provided lightweight unit body construction piece along with the Taurus’ 200-horsepower V-6 motor.
The package worked for Ford because the Escape remained a top-seller in the small SUV category that also included the value rich Toyota Rav4 and the Honda CR-V.
Even as late as the February 2012 car sales, the Escape continued to remain among the top-two sellers in a crowded small SUV market.
However, times have changed for Escape buyers. Consumers motoring along highways in the 21st Century are worried less about off-road capabilities. Instead Escape buyers are more concerned with fuel economy in a world in which gasoline seems ready to stay pegged in the $4 a gallon neighborhood. However, today’s drivers don’t want to suffer from tortoise-like acceleration either. Younger buyers want the same modern technology in the vehicles they drive that is similar to what enjoy in their homes, office and on the go. Finally families want the same kind of space and luggage versatility that they used to get when minivans ruled the world.
The 2013 Ford Escape delivers.
2013 Ford Escape: Horsepower and Fun Driving
Escape’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine, a turbo-charged 1.6-liter power plant, produces a horsepower like a V-6 engine but drinks gasoline like a 4-cylinder. The 1.6-liter engine pushes out 178 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft of torque, according to Ford. Escape’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, it can tow up 3,500 pounds.
2013 Escape: Fuel Economy
All-new Ford Escape certified by U.S. EPA at class-leading 33 mpg with an automatic transmission, which is preferred by the majority of American drivers; all Escape engine offerings achieve 30 mpg or better on the highway, according to Ford.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost, is EPA certified at 30 mpg on the highway and tops theToyota RAV4 by nearly 3 mpg. Escape’s 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine gets 33 mpg on the highway and 23 in the city, both impressive numbers for an SUV.
2013 Ford Escape: Versatility
Escape features a low lift-over height of 27 inches, making loading and unloading much more easier in the new vehicle. The new Escape also has 68.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row of seats and 34.3 cubic feet behind the second row. Both number surpass the previous generation Escape, Ford says.
2013 Ford Escape: Technology
Escape comes with Ford’s My Touch and gives its riders several ways to manage and control information with voice commands, menus controlled on the steering wheel or with touch screens. A new design makes phone, navigation, entertainment and climate controls easier to use.
2013 Ford Escape: Driving Safety
According to Ford, Escape now offers a class-exclusive curve control technology to automatically slow the vehicle to a safe speed while cornering. Also, Escape’s intelligent 4WD combines outstanding handling on pavement and on muddy off-road conditions.
