My son has a 2006 Escape. His alternator went out late last week. It is FWD, so the engine is sideways. The alternator in on the bottom in back. I've never paid for an alternator change before, but you have to remove the axle and much of the suspension to even get to it. I towed it home from where it died, charged it up overnight, and dropped off at the mechanic. Not my favorite design.