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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  Bad Choice - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JerryG - December 27 - 2:13 am

  After owning Toyotas for years, I decided to buy the Escape. Bad choice. The quality is so inferior to the Toyota, feels like its going to fall apart. Tacky plastic parts. The leather seats are of low quality. Everything seems so cheap. The engines get up and go just isnt there. The gas mileage is terrible. This SUV lacks many of basic comfort and common sense features present in many other SUVs of similar size and price. Overall, it was a bad choice and will be traded in for a better SUV even though its only a year old.

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  Love the car on snow and gravel - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Glenn R - December 27 - 12:14 am

  This car is very fun to drive in the snow or gravel. It has a slight problem with losing the rear in cornering but only when turning too fast or going around the bend too fast. Quick reaction you have it back in line and continue. Just remember to obey the law!

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  A Great Little Truck - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Judy Pastuzyn - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little SUV It has more room inside then you would think. It drives outstanding.

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  A Fun SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Thedriver - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The Ford Escape has lived up to my expectations and has been a great vehicle. The engine is powerful enough to climb the grapevine at 70 MPH, leaving the large behemouth SUV class behind. The AWD transmission is solid.

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  The Best Compact SUV So Far - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Bob Crane - December 25 - 8:13 pm

  I owned a Honda CRV but didnt like the driving. So, I checked out Ford Escape and loved it during the test drive. The driving was completely different from my old CRV. I felt I was so miserable driving the CRV. Now Im more than happy with my Escape. The fuel economy is as good as CRV. I dont know why people say Japanese cars have better fuel economy than domestics. The fit and finish is awesome, too. Im 62", but still snug enough in my Escape. Oh, by the way, its much much quieter than the old CRV, and even my friends new CRV or RAV4 Ive driven. My friends envy me and tells me as soon as their CRV, RAV4 lease expires, they buy Escape

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  My second one! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Catherine Busso - December 24 - 1:10 am

  All the comforts of a larger, heavier SUV, but lightweight ... and easy to handle. I love the ease of opening the hood and the back. Its great for women! Its my second Escape Limited and has wonderful leather seats that heat up.

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  Cheap & overpriced! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jdevens - December 19 - 10:25 pm

  Will get you from a to b thats about it. Trading it in on the Nissan Pathfinder I should have bought. Had an 01 & 03 Pathfinder -- should have stayed with them! Have an 05 Escape with 11000 miles and I really DO NOT LIKE this vehicle. Has been reliable & exterior looks great -- everything else is cheaply made, poorly assembled -- terrible materials on the inside. Ford wonders why nobody wants their cars?

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  Best SUV Ive ever owned! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Mike - December 19 - 8:23 am

  Ive been driving my Escape for about 3 months and I can tell you this. This is the best buy with your money. This is the true money saver. Very quiet interior and the fit and finish is second to none. My kids like the cool exterior design, although I dont like the grille much, but overall its a strong SUV with a very good feul economy and cargo space. The new instrument panel over the old model is greatly improved and the price is virtually unchanged. The driving is so much fun between my work and home. I should have bought this earlier. Ford seems to find out what customers really want except 5 speed auto.

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  I love my ESCAPE - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Corrupted Coroner - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought it with 3 miles on it and now have about 9000. No problems at all. Great on gas. Its easy to handle. I went from an 02 Ranger to this 04 Escape and I am glad I did.

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  Crash Record - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sarah Carlson - December 13 - 12:59 am

  I was in a head on crash with this vehicle and it performed beautifully. It was raining and I was going 40 miles an hour when someone went in front of me. I have been in sales for 35 years and I bought this vehicle because of the crash record. My air bags came out and disk brakes did their job and seat belts worked well too. I am alive because of this vehicle and I am getting a 2006 XLT Sport just like I had. I love the engine and we are a Ford family of 3 new vehicles. Thanks Ford for my life.