when should I use over drive?

Asked by deborahlynn53 Nov 04, 2013 at 11:33 PM about the 2003 Ford Escape XLT FWD

Question type: General

1 Answer

1,835

If it's an automatic, leave it in overdrive as much as you can. All overdrive does is create a gear 'over drive' which has a higher ratio for better fuel efficiency. I don't know about towing in overdrive, but taking it out of overdrive will help braking down long hills, and give you a bit more 'grunt' for passing or merging. Usually overdrive is seamless; you don't even know it's in until you see the revs drop. I'd just let it do it's thing. If it needs to, the overdrive can take itself off so I wouldn't think twice. It also reduces noise and increases MPG when it's on.

5 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Ford Escape

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Bratts
    Reputation
    4,470
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    4,000
  • #3
    KenF
    Reputation
    3,750
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Explorer
2,384 Great Deals out of 56,615 listings starting at $1,950
Used Honda CR-V
2,003 Great Deals out of 37,778 listings starting at $1,600
Used Toyota RAV4
1,968 Great Deals out of 34,265 listings starting at $2,300
Used Ford F-150
6,459 Great Deals out of 169,177 listings starting at $1,871
Used Ford Focus
316 Great Deals out of 5,352 listings starting at $990
Used Toyota Camry
2,124 Great Deals out of 43,929 listings starting at $1,150
Used Honda Civic
1,297 Great Deals out of 26,038 listings starting at $997
Used Kia Sportage
793 Great Deals out of 35,060 listings starting at $2,095

Used Cars for Sale

2023 Ford Escape For Sale
152 Great Deals out of 2,292 listings starting at $17,494
2022 Ford Escape For Sale
353 Great Deals out of 4,008 listings starting at $11,486
2021 Ford Escape For Sale
173 Great Deals out of 1,983 listings starting at $10,995
2020 Ford Escape For Sale
190 Great Deals out of 2,095 listings starting at $8,900
2019 Ford Escape For Sale
204 Great Deals out of 1,788 listings starting at $4,950

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.