Ford Motor Company's Escape debuted in 2001 as an entry level SUV, priced below the Ford Explorer. It was jointly developed with Mazda, which Ford owns a controlling interest in, and is also sold as the Mazda Tribute and, in Europe, as the Ford Maverick. A third model with a different grille and rear tailgate is sold in Taiwan under the Ford Escape name.
In 2004, Ford Escape Hybrid was launched. This hybrid electric vehicle is 75% more efficient than the regular Escape and is the first SUV available to the public with hybrid technology.
2005
The Escape/Tribute was updated for 2005 with a new base engine (the 2.3 L Duratec 23), added airbag and seatbelt safety systems, an intelligent all wheel drive system, and exterior changes. Ford also deleted the recline feature on the rear seats.
A final variation of this platform, the Mercury Mariner was introduced in 2005. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid was shown at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show for a Fall 2005 introduction.
Awards
The Escape was nominated for the North American Truck of the Year award for 2001. It was also on Car and Driver magazine's Best Small SUV that year.
