CLTEcoBoost

Well, I hate to tell you that both the 2.5 and 1.5 in the prior Escape are no gems, either. But, I agree that a 3-cylinder "turd" was an inappropriate move by Ford. Ford has a LOT of things to fix/upgrade for the '21, including a price reduction. Can't wait to see the sales figs on it, which won't be obvious until the first quarter numbers are released in early April (4th Q will include a LOT of '19s).

Best to not buy a first year model after a redesign!

I'm glad to finally see a fairly thorough review of the 3-cylinder. Ironically, my February issue of Consumer Reports arrived yesterday with a test of the SE in it. It did not fare well. Ranked just above dead last in the compact CUV category. Didn't like the 3-cylinder at all. Ford's website now has the '20 Escape brochure for download and, no shock to me at all, it doesn't mention "3 cylinder" anywhere in it. Trying to pull a fast one, eh, Ford? Must be embarrassed.

I run a Vehicle Health Report monthly via the phone and I do not have a modem ('17 Fusion). It's a hassle, but I do it. I remember reading a while back that it was discontinued for non-Sync3 vehicles, but not those with Sync3.

IF I have the issue with my Fusion and decide to stick with a sedan, I'm finally going to be a Toyota convert after MANY years of putting up with Ford and GM issues. I'm too old to put up with their nonsense any longer.

Ford doesn't sell many Fusions with the 2.5L. In later model years, you can only get it in the base S, which is so underequipped, sure not many are sold. I've now decided that the issue here has to do with engine bay size. Since the Fusion is 14 inches longer than the Escape, it could be that the engine is being crammed into the smaller space and this fouls up the works. The 1.5 was available for several years in the Fusion before the Escape got it. Sales numbers ARE higher for the Escape, but it's not as dramatic as you'd think. Happy Holidays. Out of here for awhile.

Well, first thing is that I own a '17 Fusion with the 1.5L Turbo, not an Escape. Yesterday, I spent a decent chunk of time researching a half dozen Fusion sites and, other than the awful 1.6L Turbos catching fire (this was a known issue back in'14 - crappy British engine - that caused Ford to go with the 1.5L Turbo), I couldn't find one post anywhere about the coolant loss/block replacement on Fusions. Glad I know about the TSB and I'll keep an eye on it, but I have to say I'm very relieved. Is it possible that Ford put the lower quality engines in Escapes? Being Ford, you never know what tricks they pull (I know from experience with former vehicles).

Due to the GM strike, '19s are hard to find. It's on a 2020. It's because GM and Ford products aren't nearly as popular, in most cases, as the ones from Japan. But, Consumer Reports just rated the Equinox (and Terrain) high in reliability. The GM 1.5 Turbo doesn't seem to have all of the issues the Ford 1.5 Turbo (in 4-cylinder guise) has. I expect the 3-cylinder to be low in reliability as well. I wouldn't chance a first-year model, anyway.

Thanks. This is a new one on me. I, thanks to your excellent response, printed it out in case. I have lower miles on my '17 Fusion than on your daughters Escape, so you never know. Thanks again.

Sure, with a $12K+ discount. Can get a fancier Equinox around here right now with $14K off. Those Escape discounts will be flying come this time next year, maybe sooner.

Is this short block replacement an issue on 1.5L Fusions as well or is it just an Escape thing?

2 things that irritate me because it requires an upgrade to the even-more expensive SEL are the power liftgate and rear bumper sensors. Foglights too.

What trim level is that? It looks really plain. My guess would be an SE. PLEASE let us know your opinion of the 3 cylinder. Thanks.

I haven't seen it, but it's the only one. Motor Trend, Car&Driver and Consumer Reports all had issues with the nasty 3-cylinder and the pricing. It's possible that Motorweek only tested the 4-cylinder, as did the vast majority of testers at launch. Now that the 3 is more readily available, the you-know-what is hitting the can.

We're finally seeing road tests of the new Escape and I hate to say it, but I was right on point. Ford blew it. The 3-cylinder was a misstep - it's buzzy and vibrates harshly. PLUS, it's way overpriced, considering that all of the competition offers an extra cylinder, often for less money. Ford had better have a backup plan. Predicted reliability (Consumer Reports) is also subpar. I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of November Escape sales were '19s. The ads for it on TV (the '19) are nearly nonstop. The 3 cylinder is fine in the Ecosport (we'll soon see them in GM competition), but not in the Escape. The new Explorer looks too much like the old one and it's launch troubles are fairly well-known.

I can't stand Mr. Hackett. Ford vastly decontented the '20 Fusion and raised prices. I wouldn't touch one with a ten-foot pole for '20. Meanwhile, GM has awoken from its "overpriced and undercontented" period and is now INCREASING content for the same prices. Hence, I spent a LOT of time scouring over GM products at our auto show a few weeks ago. And not Fords. In the latest issue of Motor Trend (January) with all the "Of the Year" awards, not one Ford product escaped the remark of "this is WAY overpriced".

I thought Mark Fields was FAR more adept than this Steelcase-former CEO. He's a total disaster. And Billy Boy isn't helping. Also, close that darn Chicago disaster plant ASAP. Move Explorer/Aviator production to China if need be. No excuse. The Lordstown plant for GM is roses compared to this sh*t.

That pic of the '20 Fusion S looks positively dreadful. BUT, I agree with akirby that the Fusion is still one of the best-looking mid-size sedans out there. So, soon, if we're "lucky" we'll get a raised wagon Fusion with a sticker easily clearing 40 big ones. Not for me.

I assume you have it by now, unless they held it back due to the recall. I am waiting to see how it performs in comparison tests. Reviews are generally good, with a lot of praise hesitation regarding the rough-idling turbo 3. I'm sure it'll get dinged for a nice price increase while losing 25% of an engine...we'll see.

Fusion made it into the top 20 for Q3 (as #20), outselling the Malibu, Optima, Sonata, Legacy, 6 and Passat. Makes you wonder... Late yesterday, Ford announced that the Explorer ('20) and '20 Escape are being recalled. Yep, Escape already. And something with the Super Duty pickups. Having troubles with rollouts, for some reason.

So, the '20s have arrived and are all over AutoTrader. Funny thing is, despite the decontenting, Ford RAISED prices. What was $25,115 for a base '19 SE is now $25,495. Plus, also despite the fact that within 300 miles of my home, there are well over 1,000 '19 SEs sitting on the lots, Ford has cheapened out on incentives BIG time. While you could snag a base SE leftover last year at this time for around $16K, try $20K now and it's uncompetitive. Talk about milking the cow for as long as possible (I'm not really complaining because it will help my resale value).

This has now hit practically every internet site, including the blogs/scoop sites. They are all ripping Ford to shreds. I have to say, this IS really bad stuff. Talk about a black eye...

We might. But everyone needs to know that Ford is in DEEP do-do with this new Escape and it can't afford to be in that fix. Charging higher prices than the competition when the competition has either 4-cylinders or turbo 4-cylinders as standard and you're offering a puny 3-cylinder turbo will cause problems right from the get-go. Prediction: the '21s will have a variety of 4T standard (or MUCH broader availability of the 2.0T). Good thing we'll be in the market in mid to late '21.

Chains NEVER require maintenance or replacement.

Especially because I have a GM MasterCard that frequently boosts my earnings redemption allowance up to $3000. Ford offers nothing of the sort, claiming that it's new Ford Pass Rewards (what a hassle they've already been for me) is comparable. Not at all comparable.