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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  Just Love It - 2001 Ford Escape
  By FireEmerald - September 25 - 10:00 am

  I have found this vehicle to be great to drive and ride in. It handles perfectly in the city, on the highway, and on rural roads. It is extremely comfortable even on coast to coast drives. Best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  MPGs - 2004 Ford Escape
  By doogster - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this truck for 6 days nows - I drove 339 miles on my 1st tank of gas and it was spread out evenly between hwy & cty miles. The reason I got the 5-speed manual 4cyl was for the "estimated" 28MPG. I can tell you I drive my vehicles very easy and I never "jack-rabbit" start. I ALWAYS get more then the estimated top end gas mileage but, this first tank of gas yielded me only 24.8 MPG. I was VERY UPSET! I hope that this is because the truck is new and will have to break in... but I cant imagine that is the case. Other than that. The truck rides nicely and with all the rebates I got out of there with a brand new truck for $15,300. Not too bad.

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  Likable SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Good SUV - September 20 - 5:59 pm

  Ive never really been a Ford advocate, but I think they got it right with this vehicle. This thing does great loaded for 4 full size adults in the Rocky Mtns. As a matter of fact, it runs better in the mountains than my Mitsu Galant GTZ sports sedan. The vehicle clearance and stock tires are great for offroad. Ive had this vehicle offroad several times with no issues, and the AWD works great in the deep mud and rocky trails. The Mach Stereo is surprisingly good. Overall, I would recommend this car to a friend or family member.

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  Reliable, but.... - 2007 Ford Escape
  By escape driver - September 20 - 1:10 pm

  The Escape appears to be reliable transportation. But not much else. Driving this used Escape from Enterprise, I can see where Ford cuts corners to keep costs down. Plastic interior looks cheap. And it is. The sound actually echos around inside the hard-shell interior. Motor is weak. A/C is strong. Very good A/C. Wheelbase is too short for a vehicle this tall and this heavy. The car bounces and porposes down the road. It feels tippy. Would not give this car to an inexperienced driver. ie: teenager. Poorly designed cargo area. There is a metal arm on each side which extends 7 or 8" into the cargo space when the seats are down. Rear seat forward tilt only. They do not fold flat.

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  Ford Escape XLT AWD V6 (No Boundries) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jennifer Dobey - September 19 - 11:10 pm

  Ive driven several vehicles and the Escape is by far best one yet! The ride is incredibly smooth with little outside noise filtering in. The seats are comfortable with built in lumbar support, but they are narrow in width. Everything else is wonderful! I am extremely satisfied and would recommend anybody to put their money down on this vehicle! Its fun, sporty and handles well in the snow. However, I wish the AWD system could be handled manually instead of it being automatic when the wheels spin at different rates.

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  Ford Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jim Steinhilber - September 19 - 1:50 am

  This is my 11th car. I am more satisfied with this car than any other I have ever had. Enough said?

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  2005 Ford Escape Limited with 20 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By davidjsmith - September 16 - 10:00 am

  This 2005 Ford Escape Limited is the first SUV Ive Bought. I dont think you could find an SUV that is this quiet. There is no tire or wind noise. Interior is awsome, with premium leather seats, heated of coarse.Lots of pep with the 3.0 V6, and the gauges and controls are very nice.

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  Hoping for improvement to future models - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jennych - September 7 - 2:00 am

  A good buy. Very comfortable ride, good acceleration. Built with safety in mind. Better styling in our minds that Honda CRV and Toyota RAV 4.

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  Escape 2002 with V6 FWD - 2003 Ford Escape
  By John4funmf - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Compared to other cars in the subcompact SUV class, the Escapes V6 engine has the power and performance to lead the pack. Although our familys lifestyle including Summer camping trips traveling via unimproved roads and Winter ski trips in Western New York, we did not feel that we need 4wd. The front wheel drive version has been enough to get us where we want to go. An added benefit is better gas mileage with the FWD. On highway, we average 25 mpg and in city 23 mpg.

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  Execellent Value - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Joe - September 6 - 8:42 pm

  Great styling, nice comfort and hadles well especially in snow. The vechile is has been inexpensive to maintain.