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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  Cant go wrong with this one! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Pablo Suarez - March 17 - 10:36 am

  I have been in the automobile industry for over 30 years and after living in three continents and after owning Hillmans, Opels, Fiats, Citroëns, Toyotas, Hondas, Hyundais, Mopars (Chryslers), GMs, and Fords, I can say that this SUV is the most satisfying vehicle I have owned so far. It meets all my current needs almost perfectly. It is the right size for me, fit and finish are great, it is quiet, performance, for a 4 cyl SUV, is brilliant, it has all the right features and it averages 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG in the highway. If you are on the market for a small SUV, go ahead and test drive them all, you cannot go wrong with this one!

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  Excellent Escape 2001 AWD - 2001 Ford Escape
  By matthew516 - March 15 - 9:27 am

  I have no complaints. My 01 Escape has almost 100k miles and everything is still in like new working order. Hardly any squeaks or rattles. The 4 wheel independent suspension and AWD make this SUV outstanding in all conditions. GOOD QUALITY!

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  Performance - 2005 Ford Escape
  By linda pico - March 15 - 6:26 am

  I just love the way my Ford Escape handles. I was a little disappointed that it didnt have cruise control as a standard feature; however, I am still very happy with my SUV.

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  OK if you are not demanding - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jonathan Devens - March 15 - 3:06 am

  2005 Escape - itll get ya there, but if you are a "car" person, or have high standards, stay clear. CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP - interior is awful! And the price, while reasonable, is not as cheap as it ought to be for what you get. Exterior looks great, some nice features, but terrible interior. Also, auto transmission performs terribly - hesitating after shifting w/ poor overall shifting. All other operations are fine. I should have looked at the vehicle closer - I never knew they could make a dashboard out of a slab of rock hard plastic. Now I know!

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  The Family Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By stinkins - March 14 - 5:56 pm

  Between my mother and I, weve had this Escape since 2003. We both love it. My major problems is that my fuel economy has been tanking since about 40000 miles or so.

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  Great SUV - We love it |8>) - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mr P - March 11 - 10:53 pm

  After doing a lot of research, and test driving, we decided on the Escape. The 2005 improvements sold us, but the dealer bent over backwards to make us a deal. Toyota and Honda dealers were not interested!!! With X-plan and rebates - we shaved $3700 off the sticker and then got top dollar for our trade-in. Chose the sport for looks (wheels- tires-steps), but side air bags were mandatory. Mileage is OK, but until engine is broken in, it will be hard to tell the actual MPG. Right now it is about 17 in town. Highly Recommended.

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  Not bad for a FORD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By goodnewsauto.com - March 10 - 9:36 am

  I am a dealer and bought this car to get me to North Dakota from Missouri. Drives very nice. Very peppy. I am not a Ford guy, but this is not a bad little SUV. Mine has 95000K on it and seems to still be very tight. I have not had any problems with it so far. It is for sale though - only because I need money!

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  Transmission Failed - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Angel M - March 8 - 2:41 am

  started Having transmission problem at 3K miles Dealer couldnt figured what it was! they replace solenoid, pump, clutches, reset computer Etc. no luck i had to turn it in to a Lemon ! 32k was too much anyways my lady got it while i was out of the country!

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By subarktika - March 1 - 11:45 pm

  The first thing that impressed us with the Escape was the interior space. Driver and front passenger have lots of leg and head room. Like the way the rear seat cushions can be removed and also like the height of the cargo area. Ours has the No Boundaries Roof Rack which has been great for hauling bikes.

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  Quality and worth the money - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Phil - February 23 - 2:17 pm

  I talked my wife into buying the Escape XLS 4x4. We felt it the car would be nice as a future family car. My parents own 2002 Ford Escape XLS and have been quite pleased. So far, its been a dream driving, performing well in snow, wind and sleet. Great purchase below $20K, we even able to talk the saleswoman into installing fog lights at no additional charge. This vehicle will perform great anywhere in the country.