Well, like I said, the engines are very similar on the DOHC Taurus and this Escape. Both are transverse mounted. Someone told me they would interchange with a few mounts and sensors changed as well. I’m not sure I believe him…
All of the AWD Escapes are FWD until the AWD is engaged either automatically when needed or by a switch on the dash. I’ve never seen a V-6 Escape that did not have AWD. By the same token I’ve never seen a 4-cyl Escape that had AWD. I suppose they could be ordered either way, but hers wasn’t. Her father bought it new in 2002. I have had the honor of doing all of its maintenance since about two years before his passing. It now has 155K miles, and has given very little trouble. This is the first time I’ve had to spend over $100 on it at one time other than tires. I just wish I were spending it closer to home.