Overview & Reviews

Since its introduction, the Ford Escape has been one of America's best-selling small crossover SUVs. Considering how many other vehicles are available in this segment (many of them well established before the Escape's debut), this may come as a bit of a surprise. But Ford has a keen knack for designing SUVs that appeal to a wide range of buyers.

With the original Escape, Ford successfully combined the styling and four-wheel-drive capability of a traditional SUV with the size, practicality and driving characteristics of a midsize car. For the urban dweller in need of something comfortable, versatile, fun to drive and capable of doing some light-duty off-roading or towing, it fills the bill perfectly. Of course, the Escape's affordability certainly boosted its appeal as well.

Although it received a significant freshening for 2008 that brought notable improvements to the interior, the Escape soldiered on with its original platform until 2013's complete redesign. The latter rebirth vaulted the Escape toward the front of the compact crossover class, as it offers an appealing combination of styling, performance, fuel efficiency, features and comfort. Prior to that overhaul, however, many rival compact SUVs offered more refinement as well as a more rewarding driving experience.

Current Ford Escape
The current Ford Escape stands as one of the top entries in the very competitive compact crossover segment. There are three trim levels: S, SE and Titanium. The S comes with full power accessories, air-conditioning, the Sync voice command system, a rearview camera and a six-speaker sound system. Highlights of the SE include a turbocharged engine, keyless entry keypad, a power driver seat and satellite radio. The Escape Titanium further adds keyless ignition/entry, the MyFord Touch electronics interface, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats and an upgraded sound system.

Many of the higher trims' features are available on the lower trims, while other options include a power panoramic sunroof, a power liftgate, a navigation system and a Parking Technology package (with automated parallel-parking assist and front and rear parking sensors).

Under the hood is a choice of three engines, all matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. Base Escapes come with a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Standard on the SE and Titanium is a turbocharged 1.6-liter, 178-hp four-cylinder. The most powerful engine is an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter, 240-hp four-cylinder engine. The 1.6 flies the fuel-sipper flag while the 2.0 offers performance on par with a V6 along with higher fuel economy.

In reviews, the newest Ford Escape has impressed our staff with its well-rounded road manners. The 2.5 and 1.6 engines provide adequate thrust, while the 2.0 is downright spirited. The latter flattens hills with less effort than the other two and is quieter and smoother to boot. The Escape can confidently tackle a winding road and the ride, though on the firm side, is compliant enough to take the edge off the bumps and ruts of poorly maintained city streets. Downsides to the new Ford Escape include an unexpectedly high price when fitted with options and the MyFord Touch interface, which is finicky to use.

Used Ford Escape Models
Sharing its basic platform with the highly regarded Focus, the latest Ford Escape debuted for the 2013 model year. Compared to earlier Escapes, it boasts roomier seating, higher-quality materials and a second-row seat that's much easier to fold down compared to before. The latest engine selection and features debuted at this time as well. Since then, there have been only minor updates. In that debut year, Ford offered an intermediate SEL trim level and had the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as standard for the Titanium.

The second-generation Ford Escape was produced from 2008 through 2012. Changes over the first Escape were limited to interior and exterior design. The body adopted Ford's newer styling themes seen in the Edge and Expedition, while the cabin offered a more contemporary look with improved ergonomics and more available luxury features.

The three popular trim levels -- XLS, XLT and Limited -- were once again offered. Standard feature highlights on the XLS included full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning and stability control. The XLT added automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power driver seat, while the Limited provided leather upholstery and heated front seats. Option highlights, depending on the year, included dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a navigation system and an automated parallel-parking system.

Any Escape could be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. Engine choices were carried over from the previous generation initially, meaning a choice of the 153-hp four-cylinder or the 200-hp V6, and both ran through a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2009 the powertrains were improved greatly, as the four-cylinder made 171 hp while the V6 pumped out 240 hp. Although a five-speed manual transmission could be had on the XLS, it's a rarity and as such, nearly all Escapes used a six-speed automatic. There was also a hybrid version of the Escape, which is covered in a separate review.

In reviews, we've found this Escape's strengths to be its wealth of high-tech features and peppy performance. Downsides included poor braking performance, an awkward-to-fold rear seat and a somewhat dated feel compared to newer rivals. That said, this generation of the Escape (as well as its Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner twins) remains worthy of shoppers interested in a well-rounded compact crossover.

The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001, and its basic exterior and interior design remained unchanged through '07. It was initially available in XLS, XLT and XLT Sport trims that were joined by the leather-lined Limited a few years later. Ford Escapes were equipped with a rather anemic base engine – a 2.0-liter four that made 130 hp -- until '05 when it was replaced by a 2.3-liter four that made 153 hp. This first-generation Escape also offered an optional V6 that made 200 hp. Although the four-cylinder engines could have a five-speed manual, most had the optional four-speed automatic that was standard on the V6.

Considering how many of these Escapes were sold, shoppers should have plenty of opportunities to be choosy and find a used model that suits them. First-year Escapes were tarnished by numerous recall notices. Though likely resolved at this point, going with a 2002 or newer model might be a good idea. Potential buyers of this first generation of Escape should note that its interior materials were of poor quality, with cheap, hard plastics everywhere.

User Reviews:

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  This truck is Horrible! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary - March 5 - 10:37 am

  I leased this Escape in May 2005 and in August began hearing a creaking noise coming from the back. This truck has been in the shop a few times for a total of 3 1/2 weeks the mount needed work. I still hear creaking from the back, the window makes noise and the door creaks. This is the noisiest truck ever and I get 15 MPG! I am so sorry that I went from Nissan to Ford.

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  Cheap & overpriced! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jdevens - December 19 - 10:25 pm

  Will get you from a to b thats about it. Trading it in on the Nissan Pathfinder I should have bought. Had an 01 & 03 Pathfinder -- should have stayed with them! Have an 05 Escape with 11000 miles and I really DO NOT LIKE this vehicle. Has been reliable & exterior looks great -- everything else is cheaply made, poorly assembled -- terrible materials on the inside. Ford wonders why nobody wants their cars?

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  Hybrid Rip Off - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Moe - November 8 - 8:10 am

  I paid $10,000 extra for a Ford Hybrid Escape that doesnt come close to the advertised mileage. The Ford dealership doesnt want to hear from me anymore. They chose to insult me instead and say the difference in fuel economy is due to my "heavy foot". I have offered to have the dealership take my car for a month and prove to me that the Ford Escape Hybrid is capable of getting the 33 to 38 mpg that it is advertised at; however, they will not do that. Basically they have told me to pursue the lemon law. Ten thousand dollars buys a lot of gas even at todays prices.

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  Weird noises and smells - 2001 Ford Escape
  By runnerboy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  At first the Escape was great. That only lasted about 2,000 miles. My wiper motor gave out on me coming down a mountain in a downpour, ended up a recall. Smelled gas with the air on, said the brand new air conditioning had bacteria and fungus growing in it, cleaned the cabin air filter, no smell, for a while. Noises in the front end, ended up being loose bolts in the steering, noise is back again. Low coolant light comes on, car out of warranty, Extended contract should cover, doesnt, waste of money, dont bother. Cant get road grime out of plastic underpinnings and the interior is looking really worn.

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  Never buy the first model of a car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Brandy - July 28 - 7:10 pm

  I made the mistake of buying an Escape a few months after it came out. I loved it until it stalled on the interstate after only 25,000 miles. Now that it has 115,000 miles, I have replaced 7 sensors, the alternator, the radiator overflow cup, an engine valve, two sets of brakes, and two sets of tires. Not to mention it was recalled three different times as well. I had it tuned up three out of the four years I have had it, but it didnt help. I also hate the gear shifter being in the way of the radio since I have knocked it into neutral on several occassions while trying to change the station. Since this car has been so "reliable", I am switching to a Honda or Toyota soon.

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  STEP AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Marty - July 4 - 1:23 pm

  My Ford Escape is self-destructing as I write - the CD player wont eject without help from my license, the rear wiper doesnt work, the right inside door panel is coming off, the shift indicator light works once in a while, the alternator had to be replaced at 24K, the right rear door doesnt shut without being slammed (this was supposedly fixed by the dealer), the doors are hard to open - feels like the door handle is going to break off (probably will soon), the left running board is separating from itself and its difficult to shift out of park when parked on a hill. The defrost only works with the visors down, the a/c is inadequate. Could go on and on, but am out of room.

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  This SUV is a piece of junk. - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tunes06 - June 14 - 11:00 am

  This vehicle is junk. The rear door seal fell off. The CD player refuses to give back CDs. The rear wiper motor quit. The sun roof sticks. It has been recalled twice. And now the transmission has totally failed at 61,000 miles. Ford refuses to acknowledge that there is a problem but checking the NHTSA site reveals I am not the only one with this problem. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  this car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By matt - March 7 - 6:01 pm

  This is quit possibly the worst truck Ive ever driven. The brakes are horrible. We had to replace the rotors at 32,000 miles. It handles like a barn on wheels. The CD changer went out and had to be replaced. The drivers window makes a horrible screaching sound going up and down. There are so many noises the dealership couldnt even figure it out for 3 months! The transaxle damper went out and it took Ford 4 months to get a part. Road noise is terrible and it eats tires. But its cute! I hate to say it but Ford could learn something from our foreign compitors. Oh yah DONT buy one!

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  A lemon right off the lot - 2004 Ford Escape
  By John - February 8 - 3:09 am

  I bought a new, left over 2004 Escape. Within two hours of leaving the dealer the accelerator would not release and I found myself going 85 mph on the highway with the speed increasing. I managed to put it into neutral and pull over to the side with the engine racing. A tow truck was called and took me and the car back to the dealer. I found out Ford Motor Company had recalled 2002 through 2004 Escapes to fix accelerator problems, but my dealer had failed to fix it before selling it to me. He is claiming ice build up was the problem, not the accelerator cable. Either way, a car that dangerous should not be on the road.

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  premature brake wear and failure - 2003 Ford Escape
  By biltmore - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Our Ford Escape has only 12200kms. On July 31 2003 we were involved in a collision where the brakes failed in a panic stop situation. Dealership would not check the brakes under warranty so we are now involved in a law suit to recover damages due to the fact that there were two other vehicles in the collision. Brakes were spongy and alot of brake residue left on the wheels.This vehicle is driven in normal city driving situations+