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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  Failed transmission at 60000 miles - 2003 Ford Escape
  By RayDF - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is OK, but the automatic transmission had to be replaced at 60000 miles of normal use (at a cost of $2600). Is this another of the now- famous Ford transmission problems? I thought that by now this problem would be solved. However, it obviously isnt... Also, I wouldnt recommend buying a 2WD with the six cylinder: it consistently smokes the front wheels if you press the accelerator too hard. The 4WD wont have this problem. Alternatively, the 4-cylinder engine should be made available with an auto transmission.

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  Escape from Ford, literally - 2002 Ford Escape
  By escapeohio - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The Ford Escape could be a very good vehicle IF Ford had worried about some quality control. Problems:the drivers side mirror vibrates so badly that it has been fixed 4 times, to no avail, the CD changer ate six of my discs, a constant droan from the transmission, the dashboad controls have cracked, numerous rattles and squeeks, the left door window came off track,engine stalled. Also of note is that Fords customer service through dealers is horrible. Everytime I have taken the Escape in for a repair the mechanics have broken something else. I dont receive this poor of service from my other cars manufacturers, BMW and Nissan, respectively.

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  Look Elsewhere - 2003 Ford Escape
  By American made - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Clumsy seating. Poor console setup. The future of American engineering at its worst. Transmission problems within first 2 months (dealer replaced it, though they were hesitant). Two tires needed replacing, due to bubble developements. Not very happy so far. I should have compared other similar vehicles, before jumping the gun.

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  Work vehicle - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Fred - November 14 - 8:19 pm

  This is my work vehicle. It has 12k miles. It is poorly built... The doors dont give the satisfying thunk of a Volkswagen or even a Fiat. Or even an older Ford... It just feels cheap and the door rattles when you close it. There is a lot of soft touch materials but they feel cheap and about 1cm of a strip of vinyl trim piece on the door is always coming untucked from the surrounding hard plastic trim. The seats are unsupportive and unsuitable for long shifts like mine or road trips but they should be fine for most I suppose. The vehicle makes weird vibrating noises around the muffler occasionally, when idling to the point that Ive gotten comments from people. It makes weird buzzing sounds sometimes that come from the dashboard that make it bothersome to sleep in if the vehicle is running and the radio isnt on. The AC has been replaced because it wouldnt cool. The starter was replaced because the vehicle refused to start unless you would press the gas pedal as it was starting. Strobe lights would come on and a message on the dash would appear that the key was not detected. Despite the repair it has not been fixed and still does it when it hasnt been driven in a while. Look at vehicle dependability studies from JD Powers, and you will see Ford is near the bottom-- only Dodge does worse. Even Land Rover and Fiat come ahead... Unlike some other people I am not bothered by the Dual Clutch transmission. It has its quirks but Americans are just too used to slush boxes. The vehicle handles well for a "SUV" and suspension, and steering, is something Ford has massively improved in comparison with the previous generation but the build quality still isnt there with any of the foreign makes.

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  Lemon - 2004 Ford Escape
  By hate/escape - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Escape almost 2 months ago. It has been in the shop 5 times! Almost a total of four weeks. The SUV wont start (3 times). They cannot figure out why. Mechanics even called Ford to find out if they new why (which they didnt). Service engine light came on to reveal emissions problems (twice). I am fed up with it.

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  Overall Disappointment - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Cruising - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Month 2 in the shop electrical problems Month 5 front wheel bearings needed replacing Seats very uncomfortable side bags are not standard air conditioner slow to cool exterior side bar steps are unnecessary poor quality speakers independent suspension makes it wiggle on the highway Cabin very noisy on the road Key ignition is in the wrong place Ford stands behind warranty but who wants so many repairs the first year

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  mykey feature is a huge pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Tammy - February 4 - 9:49 am

  bought my car used and only have one key. I was trying to reset some settings after an oil and tire change and accidently set my one and only key to the mykey feature. You have to have another key to act as an admin key when this happens to get the setting changed back. So now...I have to spend a ridiculous amount of money to replace and program another key just to remove this very stupid feature. It limits your speed, it limits the volume on your radio among other very, very annoying features. What would have been wrong with having to set a password like every other computer program on the planet....no, leave it to ford to have to make something so dumb an expensive fix.....HIGHLY DISAPOINTED WITH THE GENIUSES THAT CAME UP WITH THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Unreliable - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Nicholas stinson - October 9 - 9:42 pm

  This car was amazing at first I loved it but the more I use it the worst it gets, 120000 miles and the ac has gone out twice now and this time it is a compressor, the seat belts don’t work at all they don’t even retract and the driver seat has already ripped. The Bluetooth half the time doesn’t even work and the highest package stereo is horrible the speakers pop at low volume due to not getting enough power out of head unit and amp. The stereo also doesn’t get any louder when you turn it past 4/6ths the volume after that it is pointless. Also things rattle inside the doors non stop from the radio and also from outside rough roads.