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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  Moderate Enthusiasm for Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jean - January 10 - 12:10 pm

  I now have 5000 miles on my Escape hybrid. Gas mileage is great (about 33 combined) but vehicle seems plasticy. Seats are very uncomfortable, interior cheap plastic throughout. Lots of rattles. Amenities available are few. Air conditioning system needs improved engineering. It handles well though and is agile. Fairly smooth ride for a small SUV. For the cost it should be a nicer, smoother vehicle that seems stable and well built - so I have some disappointment.

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Ford Escape
  By J. Sher - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I just got the Ford excape and I really enjoy driving it. It has a stunning look and drives very smooth while having a decent size engine. I suggest test driving this vehicle to understand the kind of performance and power it has. GO BUY ONE

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  went back for a second one - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Terence&Lori Keith - January 8 - 7:44 am

  This is our second Escape. Our 2002 model XLT was flawless and it fit our needs perfectly on the back roads of VT. We found that it held value and wanted to try the new model with the intelligent 4WD system . So far it has been excellent, great on all types of road conditions, spacious cabin and a car like feeling driving it. As of this review I look forward to another improved Escape in the future.

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  30000 miles - 2001 Ford Escape
  By gnomic - January 7 - 2:00 am

  A solid, reliable SUV for those who want SUV features without poor gas milage.

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  0000 - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mildred funk - January 3 - 10:13 pm

  So far this suv drives well. Handles well behind the wheel. Im short, so its easy for me to get in an out of. Gets good gas mileage. I dont like the wiper control by the shift bar at all. Love the power it has. Gets up an go. I love opening the doors, with ease. Stops on a dime.

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Fred J - January 3 - 7:32 pm

  Very good seats good support.

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  Only one complaint - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Dan - January 2 - 2:33 pm

  I have had no problems with the car except that it is not that great in the snow with the original tires. I recently put on all terrain tires and now it is great in the snow. I have put about 50,000 miles on it in two years and I have not had a single problem!

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  Great Little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Chris Easton - January 1 - 9:46 pm

  This SUV is like the "Little Engine That Could." I wanted a small SUV that can tow and the Escape is the perfect choice. It has excellent handling, a nice ride and the V6 has plenty of power. It also gets decent gas mileage and performs well off road. Reliability has been excellent, I just change the oil every 3000 miles and thats it.

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  Top over quality - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Gary - December 31 - 5:16 pm

  Find that the preformance and response could be improved. I found that overall the Escape was reliable and easy to handle on long trips, however I was a bit disappointed with the gas economy and the under sized gas tank required frequent fill ups. The Ford Escape was able to stay with other autos on the highway. I also noticed some road noise that could be a bit distracting I also discovered the rear wiper does not always clean the rear window in cold weather but streaks leaving gaps in the window uncleaned.

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  I Love My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Susan Colcord - December 29 - 8:17 am

  I recommend this vehicle highly to all from families with small children to "little old ladies". It has a roomy interior, is easy to get into, and the cargo space is adequate for traveling or a day at the beach. It handles very well in all weather types. Im getting 250-300 miles per fill up ... following the speed limit helps! It heats up quickly in cold weather. A bonus of owning a Ford is their roadside assistance ... comparable to AAA. To end, its a sharp looking SUV.