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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  2001 Ford Escape 4x4 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By karenpatt - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ford quality is unreliable. I have had transmission issues. All hardware seems to go at 40K mark, tires too. Multiple transmission issues. I feel like a Toyota would be a great alternative to this SUV. Looks great, drives horribly.

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  WOW! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By deeedeee - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Had my mind set on the Saturn Vue. Also drove the CR-V, Outlander and Rendevous. Nothing compares for power, options and comfort in this price range as far as I am concerned. I got a 201 HP engine, moonroof, 4WD, 6-disc changer and power seats, and ABS all for the same price as I would have paid for the FWD V6 with no extras in the VUE. I love my new truck.

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  Sonic Blue First Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jomomma - June 7 - 10:06 am

  My 78 year old mother bought this sonic blue hybrid SUV. She is still trying to figure out some of the technology, but loves it. Seats could be a little more "cushiony"; pretty firm, for an older lady with not much fat (and me too), more plumpness in the seating would be nice. Was told it has "intelligent 4WD", meaning it puts itself into 4WD when it needs to; would be nice to have a light or something on the instrument panel that shows when it is actually in 4WD. But so far we love this little hybrid SUV! Oh yeah, sometimes there is a pretty loud "thump" when the electric engine kicks in, like while sitting at a light, that kinda freaks you out, I thought what the heck just hit my car?

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  My SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By H. Joven - June 7 - 5:46 am

  I drive 20 miles to work and back every day. I also drive to Chicago 60 miles round trip three times a week, My Escape has never failed to perform for me. The gas mileage is above average with 24 combined city and country mpg. I also carry a good size load in my cargo area weekly. My husband and I enjoy its guts and the features we chose.

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  nice car - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Mimi Doan - May 28 - 8:29 pm

  comfortable, great ride, lovely to look at and delightful to own.

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  My Review - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Sunzhine99 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Ford Escape. She rides like a charm. Comfortable too. My only downfall about this vehicle is the gas mileage on her. 250 miles to a tank.

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  Most for money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By windy124 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Have tried other suvs, but this one better. Its smart looking, handles great. The only complaint would be the console. I would love to be able to lift it into a backrest for the front seat. Feels solid when driving, and takes curves very well. Husband has trouble getting into and out of vehicles due to his hip replacement, but this one is very easy for him. We will continue to buy this product as long as it continues to perform as it is now.

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  love my escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Charlize - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Escape..and there isnt much Id change about it! If I could though, I guess Id get heated seats, if offered, and more towing ability. But I truely love driving it..being a woman, its the perfect size, I dont feel like a burly man driving it!

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  Big SUV feel in Smaller Size - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SueCar - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Escape XLT has a solid feel on the road. After driving several other SUVs such as the CRV, I noticed it sits higher off the ground than other smaller SUVs. It has the optional setting so you can set it on 4WD all the time or set it on the sensor. Its 6 cyclinder engine gives it better pick up and power. The Escape also feels roomier inside than other smaller SUVs. My Escape is running about 23.5 mpg, which is a couple of mpg less than the CRV, but mine is a 6 cyl vs. the CRVs 4 cly. My final price also was a few thousand less than what the Honda dealers wanted for the CRV.

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  ford escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By gerald shepard - May 21 - 10:00 am

  love the car- only fauly is -no outside temp. reading