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:

• 

  great small suv - 2006 Ford Escape
  By dennis danner - March 5 - 10:41 am

  My 2006 Escape runs and handles very good for a small suv. it has plenty of power but lacks fuel mileage. it is fun to drive and was great in the snow.

• 

  This truck is Horrible! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mary - March 5 - 10:37 am

  I leased this Escape in May 2005 and in August began hearing a creaking noise coming from the back. This truck has been in the shop a few times for a total of 3 1/2 weeks the mount needed work. I still hear creaking from the back, the window makes noise and the door creaks. This is the noisiest truck ever and I get 15 MPG! I am so sorry that I went from Nissan to Ford.

• 

  Handles well, broke down at 37,000 miles - 2004 Ford Escape
  By forddriver - March 4 - 11:53 am

  Handles well, plenty of storage. The cruise control is well-designed. Handles really well in poor weather, snow, heavy rain, etc. One small blind spot by the side view mirrors, but great visibility compared to other SUVs. Stopped running at 37K miles. Had to replace the MAF (a $325 repair). Didnt like that on a low mile vehicle thats been well-maintained.

• 

  dont know yet - 2003 Ford Escape
  By benni - March 4 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I bought this vehicle used. Its been ok. Going from a Saturn SL2 to this is pretty amazing. It sits so high. Getting in and out is wonderful. So far we are fine with this suv. I dont like where the windshield wipers are next to the steering wheel. The brakes make a lot of noise other than that it seems like Ford did an ok job with this one we will see in the future.

• 

  A good, economical SUV to drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By atg61 - March 2 - 11:05 am

  A good, economical SUV to drive and it serves most purposes. Although not a very powerful engine (4 cylinder) it easily makes up for it in fuel economy. Because of its size, it is nimble and can squeeze in spots better than your average SUV yet still is able to hold/transport almost the same amount as bigger SUVs without giving up a lot of space. The base XLS model is no frills but has options that you would not expect. A good value over all and I am quite satisfied.

• 

  Escape (FUN) - 2003 Ford Escape
  By fusion4you - March 2 - 10:00 am

  The escape is the perfect "SUV" for a family of 5. My personal vehicle is a F150 Harley-Davidson...so I take this thing out for fun. The 3.0 V6 and its small size make it fun to drive.

• 

  Engine shut off by itself when your drive - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Geody yap - March 1 - 11:49 pm

  So many experience that Im driving and were on a stop light or stop sign waiting to go and the engine will completely shut off by itself and here I am to push the gas pedal to go and the car wont go or drive, very dangerous and car behind me will honk or almost get hit me so I have to put the car on park and start the engine again just to go. When I do that the map radio will completely blank black no sound of music or your navigation will disappear. I wish I can return the car because it will get you on accident and its not safe to drive .

• 

  Decent Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Use It - March 1 - 7:32 pm

  Have 85K miles with no significant anomalies. Yeah, the usual CD sticking, wait till it cools down or use a credit card and itll come out fine. Still virtually all original parts including tires with decent tread still if you can believe that. This has been used off road a fair bit in serious snow and dirt, along with dogs/skis/bikes/canoes/kayaks/kids/lumber/rocks/bricks/etc. Have changed the tranny fluid every 40K or so and tranny is fine. Great vehicle so far. Good job Ford.

• 

  LOVE IT - 2003 Ford Escape
  By denise wong - March 1 - 6:10 pm

  I not only have 4 kids, but a dog too, My sons love to borrow it to go skiing, daughter just recently learned to drive in it. I have a screen repair business and with the seats down there so much room I can even haul the big screen doors. The comfort is great I take my dog to work each morning and he loves all the room. I get a lot of compliments on how it looks. I plan on keeping it for a long time. I totally think its an awesome vehicle. I have recommended it to several family members and friends. I love my Ford Escape.

• 

  grand escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Harold Anderson - February 27 - 11:24 am

  Fords reliability and technology is far superior. Sometimes parts fail but shouldnt give a bad name. Ford is truly American. Did not go for a bailout but survived on its own. My 2011 Escape is Great! So was my 1951 Custom, my 1967 Fairlane 4DR Hardtop and others.