A gas leak somewhere. Check the injectors and make sure the cap is on tight.
Could be an A/C coolant leak.
Your 1996 Escort might smell like gas when it is not running because of a damaged gas tank or damaged fuel lines. Leaking injectors or a leaking tank can also cause that smell.
if your asking about your air conditioning, it could be your refrigerant, but a smell that would more closely resemble vinegar would probably be your coolant
Your fuel pump is probably really dirty and your fuel injection probably needs to be replaced. I had that same problem with my 96 Tahoe and when i would idle it would reek of fuel. I went to get all those things replaces, and not only did the smell go away, but my mpg's went up about 3 or 4 g's. take it for a tune up!
If you smell antifreeze, there must be a leak somewhere. Have the cooling system pressure tested.
Either you have a blockage present or your vents on your sewer lines have become blocked or you need to install more vents.
The trans mission IS probably going out. This is a well know defect in the 2002 Tahoe. Google it.
bad or failing alternator
driving it to roughly
Type your answer here... I had the same problem with my 96 Tahoe.. Vortec 350. Problem was a blown intake gasket.
This would depend on your nose. A bad CMP sensor may cause improper burning of the fuel and can give a smell out the tailpipe. Will the CMP smell? Never. A Ford camshaft syncronizer will squeek and could cause a metallic burning smell.
I would say they smell something...