Overview & Reviews

For 2012, the Ford Escape sees no changes of note. An all-new model is set to debut next year.

• Feels old compared to rivals
• Non-reclining and non-sliding rear seat is difficult to fold.
• Poor performance from rear drum brakes

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 38.00

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  Loved Our 2005 Escape So Much We Bought Another - 2012 Ford Escape
  By WNYFordGuy - August 13 - 3:01 pm

  I previously reviewed our 05 Escape XLS 2.3L 5M on 10/28/09, and provided an updated comment on 8/13/2015. My wife and I loved the 05 so much, we wanted another, but didnt want a newer 13 or 14 model due to it being a brand new design - I wanted to stick with the tried-n-true previous design. So we ended up getting this AWD SUV, upgrading from the base 05 XLS to the top-of-the-line 12 Limited. Actually, Id have preferred an XLT with the 2.5L 4-cyl, but my friend works at a local dealership, and he steered us to this model with the 3.0L V6. It evidently came off a 2-year lease - it only had 11k miles on it. And (I think) since it was February - the middle of an awfully cold WNY winter - we ended up getting it for a very good price. And it was sold as "Certified", so the only repair we needed on it so far (replace right front brake pads due to uneven wear, machine rotors) was covered under the warranty. The SUV has been solid so far, but will likely need a new set of tires for this winter, and it has developed a quirky, intermittent problem with the ventilation system. The A/C & heat works great (Ive read forums where many owners experienced problems), but the fan speed, at times, can not be adjusted or controlled. Best Features: Powerful acceleration, very smooth ride & tranny, blind-spot mirrors, top-notch sound system. Wife loves the moonroof and handling in snow. Worst Features: Not a fan of the faux-chrome shiny plastic covering the Limited aluminum (?) wheels. Showing signs that the rear-wheel well rust issues that plagued earlier Escapes may still be a problem. Gas mileage is only average (22.1 MPG long term) not the 24+ MPG we got consistently with the 2.3L 4 cyl 05 model. It makes me mad you cant get an AWD Escape anymore with a manual transmission.

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  Worth it.. - 2012 Ford Escape
  By ry_american26 - July 7 - 11:20 pm

  I got my 2012 Escape used, about 2 months ago. $21,500 Ive put almost 5,000 miles on as I drive a lot. Its almost fully loaded, Sunroof, Premium sound, heated leather, microsoft sync. This is my second Ford, and I was hesitant about this, because I had a 2008 Ford Fusion I purchased brand new for $23,000, and it was a total lemon, it was serviced a million times & had transmission issues, thats for another review though, the escape handles beautifully, is good on long trips, Sync really comes in handy because I tend to talk and drive and it allows my iPhone to play my playlists directly off the radio. I reccomond this vehicle %100

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  Reliable and good gas mileage - 2012 Ford Escape
  By forager7 - February 9 - 8:59 pm

  Had this vehicle for 100K miles plus with no problems and great gas mileage.

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  Near perfect SUV - 2012 Ford Escape
  By billf5 - October 21 - 2:32 pm

  I have had my 2012 Escape Limited with the V6 engine for 10 months and 10,000 miles. There has been no reason to bring it back to the dealer since purchase. I am getting 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. I love the looks and features of this well proportioned SUV. With full time 4 wheel drive it handles great in rain and snow. Never any slipping or sliding. For the money I think you get a lot of vehicle.

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  My first ford and wont be my last - 2012 Ford Escape
  By southern_guy82 - September 2 - 3:31 pm

  Bought a new 2012 ford escape limited and I love it I down sized from a Lincoln navigator Because of Gas mileage and cost of up keep. I have had my escape for two weeks and have put almost 300 miles on it so far and I love it. It is a perfect fit for me I love the feel the way it handles the ride and the interior/exterior design. It is a great car for the money Great job Ford Im already planning my second car and it will be a Ford.

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  Love my new 2012 Ford Escape Limited! - 2012 Ford Escape
  By swp2012 - July 5 - 5:46 pm

  I am a twenty something single woman and wanted a small SUV without that "mom car" look and something small enough to not feel like Im driving a bus. The Fors Escape was perfect! I have the limited version which was a little more expensive but I dont regret getting it at all! The black/charcoal/grey interior is beautiful and I get so many compliments. The ride is fairly smooth and I get pretty good gas mileage- about 22 mpg city, 24 hwy which is better than expected considering I have the V6 engine. I feel very secure in the car and definitely feel if Im in an accident- I will have the advantage. Its an all around great car and worth the price!

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  Ford Escape 3.0 ~~Great Vehicle - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Den5276 - May 3 - 3:39 pm

  Ive had the 2012 Escape XLT FWD 3.0 engine since Early April. We just drove it from NYC to Knoxville, TN & back again. It was a pleasure to drive. Got gas mileage around 22 miles a gal but I had a load in the vehicle and had a Thule Roof carrier which no doubt affected the mileage. I was amazed to see so many Escapes on the Road. A winner !!

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  XLT is a great buy - 2012 Ford Escape
  By jaytee - February 15 - 9:44 am

  My company just delivered to me, an Escape in Steel Blue with the 2.5L and 6 speed automatic. I must say that after 3 weeks I really really like this vehicle. Not sure what Edmunds is talking about in their CONS. The rear seat takes like 2 seconds to fold it flat. Plenty of power but it is a 4 cylinder after all. Still better than my V6 Avenger. Automatic shifts smoothly and quietly. Brakes are perfectly fine.

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  Love Fords Escape XLT - 2012 Ford Escape
  By mainsworth - December 13 - 8:14 pm

  I really like our suv.. Owned it 6 months. Recommend it. Nice ride. Impressive interrior.

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  great truck - 2012 Ford Escape
  By misterbaker - September 10 - 7:15 am

  Just traded my Nissan Pathfinder that was too big and used too much gas as well as being awful on a long trip. The Escape handles well and is very comfortable. Fits 4 adult males comfortably and the 4 cylinder still has plenty of power to move you around. Of course the interior isnt as snazzy as my wifes F-150 Lariat, but hey what do you expect for 25K less?! Overall its my favorite of any vehicle Ive ever owned.