2001 Ford Escape

DEARBORN, March 16, 2000 - The all-new Ford Escape, Ford's newest sport utility vehicle, marks the company's expansion into the growing small SUV market. It has been designed to meet customer needs while providing good fuel economy, low emissions and an outstanding package with nimble maneuverability on the road and a rugged capability for off-road driving.

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for the 2001 Ford Escape range from $18,160 (including destination and delivery charges of $515) for the XLS series to $21,335 (including destination and delivery charges) for the XLT series equipped with Ford's new Control Trac II four-wheel drive system.

"We believe the Escape will attract a whole new group of buyers to our Ford dealers' Outfitters showrooms - buyers who may not have considered, or owned, an SUV before," says Jim O'Connor, Ford Division president and vice president of Ford Motor Company. "The small SUV segment is one of the fastest growing in the industry today. The Escape undoubtedly will be a formidable competitor, loaded with many standard features that are optional on other SUVs in the segment."

Major Escape Equipment
The versatile Escape will be sold in two trim models - the well-equipped entry XLS series and optional XLT - both providing standard front-wheel drive and independent rear suspension. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter Zetec I-4 mated with a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission. A 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 engine with automatic transmission is optional, as is Ford's Control Trac II four-wheel drive system which provides confidence off the beaten path and through snow and rain or any other uncertain driving conditions.

An XLS model Escape equipped with the I-4 engine and Control Trac II four-wheel drive system will carry an MSRP of $19,785 (including D&D charges). The volume model - expected to be an XLT equipped with the optional 3.0-liter V-6 engine and Control Trac II four-wheel drive system will carry an MSRP of $22,300 (including D&D charges).

The new Ford Escape is designed to appeal to younger buyers, as well as the "young at heart" - drivers who want fun, agile, sporty, durable yet affordable transportation for their active lifestyles.

Based on an all-new platform, the Ford Escape offers customers many standard and optional features that make it stand out from the competition. Some of those product features include:

• Unibody construction that provides nimble maneuverability while offering maximum bodyshell safety protection.
• A four-wheel independent suspension for refined ride and handling.
• A choice of DOHC 2.0-liter Zetec I-4 or 3.0-liter 200-horsepower DuratecV-6 engine, with average fuel economy ranging from 24 to 28 mpg.
• Certified to low emissions vehicle (LEV) standards with emissions among the cleanest in its class.
• Front-wheel drive drivetrain or the all-new Control Trac II four-wheel drive system with full-time automatic 4x4 with a driver-determined switch to select four-wheel drive automatic or "4x4 Lock."
• 3,500 pound towing capacity (with V-6 engine and towing package) - enough to pull jet skis, snowmobiles or a small boat.
• Four doors and rear liftgate with flip-up glass.
• "LATCH" child safety seat attachments and tether anchors a full year before required by U.S. government regulations. Rear-seat-mounted rigid anchors allow a properly designed child safety seat to be clipped into position quickly and accurately. Combined with ceiling-mounted top tether anchors, the system provides advanced protection for children.

"With the Ford Escape, we now have the most comprehensive lineup of SUVs on the planet. Our 4,200 U.S. Ford dealers can outfit customers with the exact vehicle that best meets their specific lifestyles and sense of adventure," says O'Connor.

The 2001 Ford Escape will be built at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo., and goes on sale in North America this summer. The new small SUV will be sold worldwide in more than 150 countries. Escape pricing and specifications for markets outside of North America will be announced at a later date.

2001 Ford Escape Standard Equipment

XLS Series Standard Equipment:
(Base Price $18,160, including Destination and Delivery Charges of $515)

• 2.0-liter I-4 Zetec Engine
• 5-speed Manual O/D Transmission
• Front-Wheel Drive
• Independent Rear Suspension
• 15" Styled Steel Wheels
• Liftgate w/Flip-up Glass
• Rear Window Defrost & Two-Speed Wiper
• Air Conditioning
• AM/FM Stereo w/Single CD
• Power Mirrors, Windows and Locks
• Steering Column Tilt
• Remote Keyless Entry
• Body Cladding
• Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes
• Integrated Bumper Guards
• Roof Rack w/two Crossbars
• Illuminated Entry and Accessory Delay
• White-Faced Instrument Cluster
• Front Variable-Speed Wipers
• Cloth/Vinyl Bucket Front Seats
• Center Console w/Five Cup Holders
• Tip/Fold-Flat Rear Bench Seat w/Dual Headrests
• Rear Area Cargo Light
• 2nd Generation Dual Front Airbags
• Side Intrusion Door Beams
• SecuriLock/Immobilizer

XLT Series Standard Equipment:
(Base Price $19,710 including Destination & Delivery Charges of $515)

• All XLS Standard Equipment Plus…
• Convenience Group (including cargo area retractable cover, perimeter alarm, floor mats, speed control)
• 15" Aluminum Wheels with Outlined White Letter Tires (OWL)
• Premium Cloth Seats
• Manual Height Adjust Front Seats
• AM/FM Cassette/CD
• ABS Brakes
• Fog Lamps
• Rear Cargo Area Auxiliary Powerpoint
• Reclining 60/40 Split-Bench Rear Seat

2001 Ford Escape Optional Equipment, Packages and Pricing

Convenience Group (Standard on XLT, Optional on XLS):     $325

• Cargo Area Retractable Cover
• Perimeter Alarm
• Floor Mats
• Speed Control

Leather Comfort Group (Available only on XLT):     $870

• Leather Seating Surfaces
• Power Driver Seat
• Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Overhead Console with Dual Storage Bins
• Under-Seat Storage (passenger seat)

Other Options:

• 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 Engine w/Automatic Transmission (XLS) $1400
• 3.0-liter Duratec V-6 Engine w/Automatic Transmission (XLT) (Includes higher level center console than XLS) $1480
• Control Trac II, 4-Wheel Drive System (Note: Class II Trailer Tow Package and 16" Aluminum Wheels are included on XLTs Equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6 Engine and the Control Trac II Four-Wheel Drive System) $1625
• Anti-Lock Braking System (Optional on XLS only) $ 575
• Power Moonroof w/Shade (Optional on XLT only) $ 585
• Privacy Glass (Optional on XLT only) $ 275
• Side Air Bag (Front Seat) $ 345
• Side Step Bars $ 275
• Trailer Tow, Class II (Optional with V-6 Engine Only) $ 350
• AM/FM Dual Media Stereo (Optional on XLS only) $ 130
• Ford MACH Audio System/6-Disc, In-Dash, Receiver (Optional on XLT only) $ 585
• Ford MACH Audio System/Dual Media (Optional on XLT only) $ 505