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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  Nicely Upgraded - 2009 Ford Escape
  By lived 2 tell - January 25 - 10:23 pm

  My new car arrived in 12/09 replacing an 07 Escape The 07 was totaled in a catastrophic accident and I lived to tell about it. Thank you Ford for your safety engineering. The 09 4 cylinder has comparable performance to the 07 with a v6. The interior is comfy and controls are easy to use. The 4 cylinder is a bit loud but not awful. I sit and idle for portions of the day (in the cold northern winter) and the mileage is still respectable. This 09 is a nice upgrade over the 07.

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  06 Escape XLT keeps it real..... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Michael - January 25 - 10:07 pm

  Redesigned in 2005, I love my new Escape. Really like the shifter on the floor. Very quick little truck. Build quality has stepped up. Test drove vs. CR-V. Honda will do very little with trimming price because list is not much above invoice. Ford is better at trucks, SUVs, and Japan is FAR better at cars. Get the moonroof and upgraded sound package (Sun and Sound). Black exterior w/ tan leather! Beautiful. Solid vehicle. Smooth ride and no float. Very pleased thus far. What are you waiting for?

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  Love my Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Laura - January 25 - 7:24 pm

  This is the second Escape I purchased new. The first one was in 2001 it was an excellent vehicle! I put 106,000 miles on it and never had a problem and it never left me stranded. I upgraded to the 2006 this year. I dont get as good of gas mileage with the V6 on this model, but it is so fun to drive! Lots of power and so easy to park. Perfect to travel in, and lots of leg room in the back. It is awesome, I would recommend a test drive if you want a smaller SUV.

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  05 Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By 5hybrid - January 25 - 10:19 am

  Been a great vehicle. Much better than the 04 Escape I replaced it with. No problems so far. Going to purchase a second one for my daughter.

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  04 XLT 4X4 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By denman - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Nice vehicle for the size. Not too big or too small.

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  So far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Daniel Allocca - January 22 - 11:45 pm

  Just bought an 05 Escape with only 12K miles. Got the XLT V6 with leather and am loving it. I considered sportier cars but decided to get 4WD and need the cargo space. Fuel mileage has been about 20mpg. Acceleration with the V6 is great. Plenty of power off of the line, and can even be fun on the highway. I fit in the car very comfortably at 6 foot 250 pounds. Overall great car. Some interior materials feel cheap, especially the door handles. Fit and finish is pretty good. My first American car purchase and am keeping my fingers crossed for long-term quality.

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  Escape 4x4 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Damian - January 21 - 11:33 am

  The bad thing, you need to check your blind spots at least twice. Dont be in a hurry. If you are 6 and heavy set, this is not the car for you. Other than this, great look, excellent power house and handling.

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  Where did quality go? - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Mike Noel - January 14 - 10:23 pm

  After owning foreign-made cars for several years, my wife and I thought wed give American-built cars a try; so we bought Fords - an Escape for me and an Expedition for her. We hardly can keep them out of the shop. Ive had a rattle in the dash that is now in for its 4th fix this year. Also, each morning when I start the car, there is a "screech" of metal on metal that my Ford dealership tells me theyve never heard before. They are trying to fix it. For us, no more American-made cars. We are going to go back to Toyota and Honda.

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  You usually get a few pits with cherries - 2003 Ford Escape
  By newsuvdriverman - January 14 - 7:45 am

  Recent purchase. Im (initially) very favorably impressed with the package. Good power (I dont remember the 89 Sables 3.0V6 having this much OOMPH to it -- or dual cams/24 valves either). Steady ride, smooth handling, and good braking. So far, the gas mileage seems A-ok. This vehicle is just the right height for ease of entry, exit without any strain, or backache. The seat adjusts very well for the driver. This has a "throaty" sound that feedbacks through the cabin to let you know that youre driving a SUV thats got some zip potential. The turning radius is good, and visibility is very good. The vehicle looks very good, and sits very well. Options are all very nice. I strongly recommend it.

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  Were very satisfied with our Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Escape - January 13 - 12:39 pm

  We bought it for my wife and she likes how it looks, and the response when driving it is very good.