Ford Escape

See also: Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford Motor Company's Escape debuted in 2001 as a compact crossover SUV, priced below the Ford Explorer. It was jointly developed with Mazda, which Ford owns a controlling interest in, and was released a few months after the nearly-identical Mazda Tribute. A more upscale version, the Mercury Mariner, was introduced by Ford's Mercury marque in the 2005 model year. The Escape is sold in Europe as the Ford Maverick. As of March 31, 2005, 109,610 models had been sold worldwide since introduction under all names.

It is built on the Ford CD2 platform, which is in turn based on the Mazda GF platform, which was used by the Mazda 626.

Hybrid

In 2004, the Ford Escape Hybrid was released. This hybrid electric vehicle is 75% more fuel-efficient than the regular Escape according to Environmental Protection Agency tests and was the first SUV available to the public with hybrid technology.

2005

The Escape and Tribute were updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3L Duratec 23), added airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent all wheel drive system, and exterior changes. 2005 was the first model year an automatic transmission was available on the base four-cylinder models. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats. The Mercury Mariner, new in 2005, was also introduced with these new features. It also included stylistic differences, such as a two-tone interior, European-style turn signal repeaters, monotone cladding, and the signature Mercury "waterfall" front grille.