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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  escape vs other small suvs - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Brad Spellman - February 6 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the honda crv and the mitsubishi outlander. Both of these vehicles were four cylinders and just didnt have the pep of the escape six cylinder. The interior is roomy and outside very stylish. Weve had one nine inch snow storm and one ice storm. The escape handled like a charm in bad weather. The extra power is well worth it despite a slight drop in full economy. So far Im averaging twenty five mpg on the highway and a very smooth ride at that

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  Happy so far... - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Red 01 - February 5 - 10:34 pm

  I purchased my 2001 XLT V6 used with 52,000 in 2003. I have 79,000 on it currently. Even though some people have been unimpressed with the Escapes reliability, I have not had any major problems. The only things I have had to repair/replace were the brakes at 65k miles, egr sensor, and the coolant sensor, and tires which all together comes to about $1,000. Not bad for a SUV with 79k miles on it. Hopefully nothing major will happen any time soon. I usually get 20 mpg average. What I have found though is that the engine runs MUCH better if you run it with 100% gas and none of that 90% gas and 10% alcohol junk ... trust me, pay the extra 3 cents per gallon.

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  4x4 xls 4cyl - 2001 Ford Escape
  By dm1600 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  really enjoy vehicle overall. power is a bit weak with 4 cyl, not a good trade off but saved $$$$ over purchase price. very comfortable for adults in front & back. now have 40k miles runs great and still tight. great value

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  ford escape 01 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By redzone98 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  great entry SUV, very quick, great engine, tons of TQ, fold down seats great when carrying alot of boxes / cargo, stock tires do wear a bit quickly,

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  From a Mountaineerv-8 to a Turbo I4 - 2016 Ford Escape
  By jim heidmann - January 28 - 1:47 pm

  Overall car is awesome for our needs. we use it to go to the White mountains in N/E Az. from Phoenix Az. so we go from 1000+ feet to about 7200 feet. Our first two trips we averaged 28.5mpg going up the mountain (with no A/C) and over 36 coming down with A/C. So of course are pleased with gas usage. (That compares to about 20 mpg average with the v-8 mountaineer, our previous SUV) The 1.6 has a tendency to downshift with anything but casual acceleration, but has enough power to feel safe in passing - U just have to get used to the roar as it downshifts. We have only about 2000 miles on the car with no problems. General comments: neglected to get cross bars and trailer hitch will have to add . LIke to carry a mtn. bike and need capability to use roof top so those items will be added. Wifes car- her likes: She loves the leather, visibility as she sits up higher than in our volt. Loves the storage behind the rear seats and the electric rear hatch. My thoughts: Great suspension -is tight - drives a little like a sports car with very responsive steering. FUN TO DRIVE Also love the satellite radio, good speaker system, and overall interior. I added rubber mats as I dislike the cloth. I also like to downhill ski - the front wheel drive works well in the snow

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  XLT Sport 3.0L AWD - 2005 Ford Escape
  By vbcwizard - January 24 - 10:29 am

  I had my ‘05 Escape Sport since Nov ‘04. It is very similar to the ’07 . I put 26K miles on it so far. Aside from changing the sway bar link kit (which is a wear item) it is a great little SUV. I had several high speed avoidance maneuvers and it performed like a champ! If I am easy on the gas pedal at acceleration from 0mph I do see 17 to 19 mpg city/highway. That is considered very good around where I live because of the high number of cars and stop lights on my local streets. No rattles\noises so far (btw, every car need to have its seals, hinges, and bushings sprayed with silicone at least once a year). No engine\transmission issues so far. Fit and finish is great!

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  Love my Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By southernbelle - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for about a week now. I love it! This is my first SUV and I doubt that I will ever go back to a "car" again! I enjoy the feeling of being up higher. The Escape is a very smooth ride. When I bought it, I felt that it was a good SUV and I hoped that my feeling was right. It was!!

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  Love at 1st Sight - 2006 Ford Escape
  By In Love! - January 19 - 5:27 am

  I traded in my 01 Civic for an 06 Escape and I could not be happier. This is the first car that I have bought that I was completely in love with. I love the style of the inside and outside and I love the handling. I swear mine handles like a sedan, especially when taking turns. Im single so I dont need a lot of room, but I can fit so much in my car. In my Honda, I couldnt even fit my nieces stroller in my truck. With my Escape, I can fit my nieces stroller, diaper bag, walker and high chair with room to spare, and of course my niece. I can also fit 4 passengers comfortably, which I cant say my Honda did. I thought the gas mileage would be an issue but its not, great on mileage.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Shane - January 18 - 5:16 pm

  I recently donate my car (98 Old Intrigue w/ 250,000 miles) and traded in a F-150 for my new Escape. It is the perfect compliment of the two vehicles. The ride is a lot better then what I expected from this vehicle. And it has seemed to handle the snow and ice well in these wonderfully short MN and ND winters. Im averaging 24.6 (through the first 4,100 miles) MPG with the V6 which has been the most pleasant surprise.

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  Excellent Value For Your Money - 2007 Ford Escape
  By vsinger - January 16 - 9:58 pm

  Bought vehicle with zero miles, drove through 2007 New Years Day weekend blizzard in New Mexico after putting on only about 500 miles - 2WD (front wheel drive) awesome in snow - went through over 50 miles of 6 - 12" deep snow with few or no problems. Nice ground clearance for small SUV. Lots of interior space - just slightly shorter than an Explorer, but same height and width. Unitized construction keeps weight down, allows 4-cylinder engine to do adequate job of propelling vehicle while returning about 25 MPG - and its not even fully broken in yet! Nice, big (about 20 gallon) gas tank means more miles between fill-ups. Comfortable, easy to drive on long trips, supportive, firm seats.