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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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Theresa - December 2 - 10:47 pm

  First thing I have to say is I bought the Sport model with the painted bumpers. I prefer the total look over the plastic bumpers. Next thing I did was purchased a very nice pair of chrome rims and some chrome accessories. It really did dress it up and I get a lot of compliments on the appearance of it. It does ride a little rough. Im glad to hear another reviewer mention the clunking noise with the brakes. I thought I was hearing things. Also, an option of an 8 cylinder would be nice. This is the second SUV Ive owned, but the first Ford SUV and I think Im keeping it for a long, long time. I love my Ford Escape!

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 Ford Escape
  By H. Mayo - December 2 - 7:10 am

  I recently traded in my Jeep Cherokee which I loved but had a lot of maintenance problems with it. I decided on the Ford Escape and it went through its first winter with no problems. I love the cargo space which is more than the Ford Explorer 2004 has in it. Enjoy. Definitely a great buy.

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  Great car, should have bought it sooner - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BRYAN - November 29 - 11:40 pm

  I have been debating for some time now on trading my 2003 G35 coupe and 1997 Chevy S-10 in. We wanted to consolodate vehicles. So, my wife suggested we start looking around. It was hard parting from my G35, and I was not sure that the Escape would be a good replacement (as flashy or fun). The vehicle that we purchased was a 2008 Limited 4WD that was pratically loaded. My wife sat in the front seat and was love at first site. Once I started driving it around town I fell in love as well and forgot all about my G.......(what).

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  Escape from low MPG BIG SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Jamel - November 29 - 6:49 pm

  Bought new Escape for my wife since we just had a baby girl. Sold my 2003 Ford Focus and 1996 V6 Mustang to get it. Gets great MPG for an suv 25mpg overall so far with only 500 miles on it. Shifts great. Ride is nice and high for only having 15 inch wheels. Love this car makes me want to trade in my 06 Ranger and get a matching Escape. Great SUV love it.

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  Transmission problems -get Extended Coverage - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dissatisfied - November 27 - 8:37 pm

  My transmission suddenly went at 63,000 miles. I didnt purchase extended warranty coverage when I bought the vehicle. Big mistake. It cost me $1,900.00 to have the transmission rebuilt by the dealer and $300.00 to rent a car for the week as the dealer didnt have a loaner. The dealer found a cracked piston and thought it might possibly have been a bad casting. I got no help from Ford. I am also having trouble with my instruments. They tell me I will have to replace the whole dashboard to fix these. The vehicle was just paid off last year and now I have big repair expenses. I feel Ford should put more quality in important parts of this vehicle. I feel the Escape is overpriced.

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  Excellent Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SoSaysU - November 26 - 6:30 pm

  Looked at all the small SUVs before buying the Escape. Great handling, visibility and power. Test drove both the 4 cyl. and v-6, and wouldnt consider anything but the v-6. Also didnt get sidestep bars as were a hinderance, more than a help, to entry on a test driven vehicle. Just took it on a road trip across the state for hockey tournament. Held all gear and passengers wonderfully and was comfortable on long drive. Averaged 19mpg fuel economy on trip. I have leather seats and moon roof, both of which I love. Im not usually a fan of leather, but they were way more cushy than the cloth seats, and figured they would hold up better, as Im leasing my Escape. Would get again-no regrets

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  Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rod Saborio - November 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle handles, feels and rides more like a comfortable automobile. It has the advantages of great clearance and, of course, four wheel drive. On the down side the fuel economy in the city is not very good. On the highway, allowing the overdrive to cut in, the efficiency improves dramatically.

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  Definitely Recommend - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ritchie - November 25 - 3:53 pm

  This is our first SUV and therefore we researched and test drove all competitors. Amongst mid-size, above average SUVs, this is clearly the best. We drove almost 5,000 kms (March Break trip) in the third week of ownership and have nothing but great things to say about the comfort, handling and performance. Very responsive engine performance and steering and rides comfortably on semi-rough roads (dont have any reason to take it off-road). My wife and I are 59" and 57" respectively and there is ample leg, head and shoulder room. Love the moonroof, heated seats, upgraded stereo system. Really like the simple, classy exterior styling unlike some of the competition. Reasonable storage room in rear.

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  Cheap Thrills - 2006 Ford Escape
  By coach2hockey - November 21 - 4:34 pm

  I picked up a base model Escape for $15,400 before tax and title and couldnt be more satisfied. I have a city/highway commute and average 29+mpg. Plenty of room in the back for hockey equipment and the split foldown seat allows for the sticks to lay flat without using up the whole second row of seating. For a 4 cylinder there is decent acceleration even with the A/C running. Why would anyone buy a car when they can get one of these?

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  As good as any other we tried out - 2007 Ford Escape
  By WvBigDog - November 21 - 2:34 pm

  Ive read different reviews but I must say that so far we are very pleased with this vehicle. I is not lacking performance, stability, style, or comfort. Like Ive always said its all a matter of opinion and mine on the Escape is "luv it!"