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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  Vibration at Highway Speeds - 2006 Ford Escape
  By seadog2 - April 4 - 8:46 am

  Love the style and size and gas efficiency, but on the drive home from the dealer I noticed a vibration at 55mph - drove for about a month (thinking break in) and it never went away. Took to dealer and they "road force balanced" the tires - this appeared to hold for about 20 miles. Its back - apparently there are a few others who have experienced this (NHTSA reports and Usenet). No specific remedy! I will be going back to the dealer and giving them their 3 tries to fix - then its the lemon law. Other than the vibration - I love the little SUV. I test drove a couple of Escape rental cars and did not experience the vibration in those cars.

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  good car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By sfcasshaw - April 3 - 2:00 am

  the car is fun to drive. gets better gas milage the the ranger i use to have.

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  A Fun Car - 2004 Ford Escape
  By X Explorer Driver - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Awsome car for the city. Zips in and out of traffic and so far is great on gas. I had a 94 Explorer and it does not compare for fun. Cant wait for summer to go up in th Sierras

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  My first SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rodney Vaughn - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the comfort, speed and looks of my first SUV. I think that if you take one for a test drive you will also.

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  First Time SUV Owner - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jen in Atlanta - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love the Escape Limited that I purchased. Has all the bells and whistles, LOVE the heated seats. Its fun and easy to drive -- a great little SUV. The V6 has a lot of get up and go when you need it and the feel of sitting up high is pretty cool compared to my last car. Overall Im loving my first experience owning an SUV. The gas mileage could be better, but then in reality its about what I expected.

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  Escape Shortcomings - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Driver - March 31 - 12:17 pm

  Air conditioner under-powered. Headliner shows in rear view mirror partially blocking vision. Dust gathers around the rear hatch so one gets dirty when using the hatch. No mute on steering wheel results in distracted driving. Cruise control in awkward to work. Camera is small and intensity is poor. Passenger seat adjustment is awkward to use.

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  A comfortable, peppy, fun-to-drive car - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Tom - March 31 - 9:13 am

  After having driven sporty cars (last car a Mustang) for most of my life and having read your review I was expecting something much more pedestrian than the Escape turned out to be. It was comfortable from the get-go, handles very well and accelerates smartly. It is not choppy riding (try comparing it to a Focus SVT). Friends have commented on how smooth the ride is and how comfortable the car is. The power steering is well-balanced but could do with a bit less assist. I do not find any problem with the braking nor with gentle acceleration. Fuel economy is decent--not horrible but not super. In my case I use a gallon more fuel per week than I used to with my Mustang.

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  Strange road vibration - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Ralph - March 27 - 8:45 pm

  Basically, it is a fine SUV except when the speed reaches 60 MPH. Then an intermittent vibration starts. By 80 MPH it feels like the rear tires are totally out of balance...then it quits...then it starts again. Have been unable to find the reason even after all tires were replaced and rebalanced.

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  Great Mini-SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jaimbe - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I love my 01 Ford Escape. It is the best vehicle that I have invested in. No problems to report.

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  Satisfied but with reservations - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JimAmIsl - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This has been a fun vehicle to drive. I wanted a small SUV for short distance driving and this has been the perfect auto for my purpose. Back passenger seats fold down easily making room for plenty of cargo. Major problem at 24,000 miles...the auto transmission started to slip between gear changes. The dealer replaced the transmission and all appears to be fine. I believe there may be a technical bulletin by Ford for transmission problems with mileage over 20,000 for problems like I was experiencing.