Ford 2008 Escape Owner's Manual page 296

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) contains the following
information:
1. World manufacturer identifier
2. Brake system / Gross Vehicle
Weight Rating (GVWR) / Restraint
System
3. Vehicle line, series, body type
4. Engine type
5. Check digit
6. Model year
7. Assembly plant
8. Production sequence number
TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE CODE DESIGNATIONS
You can find a
transmission/transaxle code on the
Safety Compliance Certification
Label. The following table tells you
which transmission or transaxle
each code represents.
Description
Five-speed manual
Four-speed automatic
2008 Escape (204)
Owners Guide (post-2002-fmt)
USA (fus)
Maintenance and Specifications
Code
3
4
295