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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  Still a nice car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By J Becker - September 6 - 1:24 pm

  Vehicle is comfortable and it drives well. The mileage was high, but it was in good shape. I purchased this vehicle in January of this year and for the first four months no problems. In the last four months it is starting to cost me money. I have had to replace the tire rod in the front,and now I need to replace the cv-joint so the anti-lock brakes will work. The belts in my tires are bad, and there is always a light bulb going out.

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  Good little SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By JMM - September 3 - 1:03 am

  My wife traded her 2005 Focus in for this because we were having a baby and the car seat didnt fit well in the Focus. The car seat fits nicely in the back of the Escape. The Escape seems well designed for a family with a couple of kids. The AWD will be perfect for getting around in winter in Minnesota. The handeling is great. Gas mileage isnt the best in class. Its also missing some high end technology stuff, and side curtain airbags found in the 07 Japanese alternatives. You have to pay more for that stuff though. We test drove a Saturn Vue, and liked the Escape better. he Escape looks better than any other small SUV in my opinion. I am biased toward buying American

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  Best Fit - 2005 Ford Escape
  By olcrank - August 31 - 2:57 pm

  This vehicle does all we want it to. Also have a 4WD 2003 Escape w/no problems. These vehicles are the most practicle,easy-to-drive,comfortable on the road. I drove all kinds of SUVs and pickups over a 35 year career as a mine inspector in the central Mts. of PA (the last being a 2001 Escape). 45,000 miles of mud,dust,water and with regular maintenance no problems.Sure,it wouldnt go some of the places a Jeep could( didnt have the ground clearance)but I was impressed enough to replace two personal cars- a Durango and a Cherokee with the Escapes and have never been sorry.

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  The Honeymoon is Over - 2003 Ford Escape
  By juniper jenny - August 29 - 10:23 pm

  I purchased the car used with low mileage. I felt very safe driving it and it was a fun car to drive. It had a very loud ride. I paid a lot of money for new tires to make the ride quieter. Ive replaced numerous belts on the car and an alternator in 2005 right after my warranty ran out! The car has had 2 recalls in 2 years too. At 63,000 miles the tranny went. I owed $7,000 on the car and a new tranny was $4,000. Ford gave me a great deal on a trade-in and now Im trying out the Explorer!!

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  Pleasantly suprised - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Former Pickup Owner - August 27 - 10:48 am

  Back to the blue oval after about 12 years. Overall build quality is good, but interior has a little too much plastic. Seats are comfortable and handling is very good, reminds my of my old Honda CRX. Love the blazing copper color. Miss the power and height of my pickup, but not the gas mileage.

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  Awsome SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By nelson - August 27 - 12:08 am

  It has been very good SUV so far. I put a KN air filter and it runs better with it. NO major work so far, only oil changes and a fuel filter. Tires are loud. I would rather put Goodyear tires when the stock ones need replacing. I get about 19mpg around town and 24mpg highway.

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  Great Ride - 2010 Ford Escape
  By John - August 26 - 8:40 pm

  I have already logged about 2500 miles on my 10 Escape. I also own an 04 and the improvement in comfort and quality is significant. There is very little road noise and the vehicle handle smoothly. The Sirius and sync packages are a nice feature. The 2010 Escape feels roomier than prior models. Were very glad we bought another Escape. Ford has done a real nice job with this one!!!

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  Going Backwards - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Nancy - August 18 - 7:28 am

  I have been driving a Ford Escape Hybrid for the past 6 years and LOVE IT, so I naturally went looking to buy another one. Imagine my surprise. While it is a beautiful vehicle with lots of storage in the back, there is no place to put ANYTHING, including a cell phone in the front. They took away every nook and cranny. While I LOVED the Jukebox feature whereby I could upload all of my music to the hard drive of the car and easily access it, they took that feature away. They also took away the ability to play a DVD on the screen in the front seat of the car. On long trips, I loved taking a break at a rest area and mindlessly watching a DVD while I rested. Also taken away were the wonderful mirrors within mirrors so that I could see if a vehicle was in my blind spots. Now there is a warning light, but you cant actually SEE the vehicle. So, while there have been some wonderful improvements, I will miss those four features immensely.

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  Better choices available - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LG - August 15 - 7:13 pm

  I bought this as a dealers demo with 4,000 miles and the truck performed pretty good mechanically. Needed tires at 32,000 miles. The ride was very noisy with a lot of wind noise and road noise. After 30,000 miles the ride was very rough and the truck was all over the road on bumpy roads. I recently bought my wife a Kia Sportage and that vehicle runs rings around the excape as far as comfort, ride and standard features although the Excape does have a more powerful engine. There are better choices in this price range.

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  First SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By motionman - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ride is smooth, not too much body lean for a fairly hefty vehicle. Pick up is responsive. Interior is pleasant, comfortable, with the only major problem being the gearshift in the way of the audio controls (will be fixed on the 05 model.). Gas mileage is not terrible for a SUV this heavy with a v- 6. Exterior is well made, no cheap plastics or easily scratched paint. The four-wheel drive system is made for daily commuting/travelling..not made for four wheel off-road adventures. Interior road noise is noticeable, but not overwhelming. Overall, I am very satisfied with this vehicle, great performance for a relatively cheap pricetag.