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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  More than I expected - 2006 Ford Escape
  By zookeeper - September 3 - 12:44 am

  Looked at small AWD vehicles and picked the Escape based on ride, looks and mileage. In the four months we have driven the Escape it has done everything I had hoped for and more. We saved on gas usage by half over our other vehicles and other than oil changes it has not seen the dealer for any reason. The fit and finish on the car was perfect and even with the four cylinder the performance has been great.

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  I really like it! - 2007 Ford Escape
  By First time Ford - September 1 - 9:06 am

  This is my first Ford so I was a little apprehensive and I also went from a V6 to a 4 cylinder, but it has more power than I expected and Im enjoying the gas mileage. Its quite roomy for a compact SUV and the new warranty made the sale. I really like the styling and I like that it handles like a car, but youre riding up high like a truck. As a single person its what I need - the look and feel of an SUV without the enormous price of one.

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  Want to Love It - 2004 Ford Escape
  By RU - August 31 - 10:09 am

  This car IS comfortable. But weve had problems since the beginning. At 5k miles it did not start at all - finally, after the FOURTH time, Ford replaced the computer and some other parts, it now starts. But the brakes squeak and grind even after having new pads and rotors replaced three days ago (42k now). Engine does not run smooth and has a hard time changing gears. Other problems (airbag light fixed 2x, broken electric window, smelly air conditioning, etc.). We want to love this car - as it IS comfortable- but were going to start looking at more reliable options this weekend. Also, we live in the DC area and have not been happy with the service.

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  Love the Power - 2002 Ford Escape
  By MoniSi - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I reviewed and test drove several mini- utes before making my decision. Standard equipment coupled with pricing made the Ford Escape an excellent choice for me. It is comfortably equipment with enough engine power as well as interior power features.

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  Sporty & fun to drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Ron Christopher - August 31 - 10:00 am

  We just returned from a 1,200 mile drive on vacation. This suv/truck/ sports car was an absolute pleasure to drive. We averaged a little over 20 mpg which is great for this strong V6. I highly reccomend the leather seating, the no boundries roof rack and the 16" sport wheels & tires, it`s gives the vehicle a little more class.

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  Hill Country TX Review - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Canyon Lake, TX. - August 30 - 10:49 am

  Prior to our purchase, we test drove Chevy HHR & Equinox (neither impressed us), Suzuki Grand Vitara (lacked performance) Saturn Vue (lacked style) Jeep Compass (poor quality). Were happy with the Escape. Handles the hill country well, excellent quality, ride, performance. We also like the appearance over competitive makes. Nice features, but gas mileage in our 4WD model is not impressive (16 mpg) and we need darker window tint to handle the Texas sun. Impressive driveability on wet & dry roads.

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  Great Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JohnG - August 30 - 9:52 am

  This vehicle has met my expectations since my very first test drive. It was great to feel the smooth acceleration as I stepped on the gas and listened to the mighty little 3.0 come to life. It handles the road and curves like something that you might expect in a European concours. Its been loyal and fun to drive and my girls, the 100 lb. yellow labs, love it too!

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  Great small SUV - 2007 Ford Escape
  By Jerry R - August 30 - 6:38 am

  The Escape is a relatively inexpensive, fun-to-drive small SUV that also happens to get pretty decent gas mileage. It has more cargo room than I had anticipated which has been a very welcome surprise.

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  great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By marosavage - August 27 - 6:00 pm

  Fun suv great mileage and reliable transportation.

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  Great to Drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Stan - August 24 - 10:53 am

  Very agile, peppy 4 cylinder, well designed interior & dash, lots of room and passenger friendly & comfortable.