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Ford ESCAPE Named Compact Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year

3 November 2000

Ford ESCAPE Named Compact Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year

    SEATTLE, Nov. 2 The all-new 2001 Ford ESCAPE has been
named the Compact Sport Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Northwest
Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), as announced here today.
    Lary Coppola, president of NWAPA, announced the winner of the 7th Annual
"Mudfest" SUV Competition at an awards luncheon in Seattle.  The on- and off-
road competition, which included 21 SUV makes and models from 13
manufacturers, was held last month at Bremerton Raceway and Thurston County
Off-Road Vehicle Park.
    The Ford ESCAPE was judged the best new SUV in the compact class, which
included Mazda Tribute, Chevrolet Tracker, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Xterra,
Subaru Legacy Outback and Toyota RAV4.
    Judges included the more than 20 Northwest automotive journalists who make
up NWAPA.
    In accepting the award on behalf of Ford, John Kerekanich, Ford Division
Seattle regional manager, said, "We are proud but not surprised that the Ford
ESCAPE was named winner of its class in this competition.  We knew going in
that this outstanding new SUV had a great chance of coming out on top."
    ESCAPE is a small SUV with the package space, comfort and versatility of a
much larger vehicle.  It's easily maneuverable, tough and powerful enough for
the most active lifestyles -- with go-anywhere four-wheel drive ruggedness and
the option of a 201-horsepower V-6 engine with up to 3,500-pound towing
capability.  With its shorter wheelbase and nimble handling, the ESCAPE is a
natural extension of Ford's "No Boundaries" SUV lineup -- the most
comprehensive lineup in the industry.
    Ford ESCAPE is now available at Ford dealers throughout the nation.