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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  Weird noises and smells - 2001 Ford Escape
  By runnerboy - October 31 - 10:00 am

  At first the Escape was great. That only lasted about 2,000 miles. My wiper motor gave out on me coming down a mountain in a downpour, ended up a recall. Smelled gas with the air on, said the brand new air conditioning had bacteria and fungus growing in it, cleaned the cabin air filter, no smell, for a while. Noises in the front end, ended up being loose bolts in the steering, noise is back again. Low coolant light comes on, car out of warranty, Extended contract should cover, doesnt, waste of money, dont bother. Cant get road grime out of plastic underpinnings and the interior is looking really worn.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Davesw - October 31 - 7:00 am

  I am thrilled with this SUV. Its performace for cost is wonderful. Home run for Ford!

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  Good SUV for the money - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Sqoug - October 19 - 2:11 am

  My Escape has about 43,000 miles right now. I have had it since April 01. During that time it broke only once - DPFE sensor stopped working at about 20,000 miles and was fixed on warranty. (I noticed no problem driving with broken DPFE sensor. It is probably important only for some emissions stuff.) The only other visit to the dealer was for the seat buckle recall. With that record I would say that this is a very reliable car. Average gas mileage on a 6000+ mile trip from CA to MN and back was about 23MPG. I do maintenance on my own - engine oil, ATF, radiator fluid, brakes, filters. I think I will keep my Escape for a few more years. No real reason to upgrade.

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  2002 Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By pipelineguy - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Interior could use less plastic - needs padded arm rests/door panels. Overall a fun vehicle to drive. Gas mileage is decent. The only problem Ive had in 7000 miles is a faulty wiper arm.

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  2008 Ford Escape XLT - 2008 Ford Escape
  By David - October 17 - 10:36 pm

  Opted for the Escape over the RAV4 based on exterior design - looks more SUV like and handsome. Although the RAV4 has a stronger engine and better gas mileage. Always been a fan of Ford. First domestic I have bought in some years, lets see if the brand has improved.

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  My First Ford - 2002 Ford Escape
  By catwoman - October 14 - 11:00 pm

  My first FORD. Lot of car for the money - very happy with the car, fun to drive - to much wind noise. Overall, very happy.

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  20 inches on my midnight package - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Chris Atterberry - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought the midnight packege esape. Which is the black on black w/leather. FORD has crazy rates and rebates so affording this bad boy was easy. 0% for 60 months. Anyways I love the room size and fuel economy!! When i have 100k on it with the great market on the ecsape im looking to sell it for 8k! So look me u!

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  Escape Review - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jxk123 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Best Car I ever leased. I could not be happier. I read other peoples reviews and test drove the escape. It rides even better then I thought it would.

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  The best of the best - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Aspen37 - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The greatest car Ive ever drove and I cant wait till the 2005 comes out. Ill be the first in line.

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  Big truck feel in a small SUV - 2009 Ford Escape
  By joe - October 3 - 10:16 pm

  As a loyal Honda owner, I never thought I would buy a Ford until I saw and drove the 2009 Escape. Lots of power, quiet smooth ride, lots of room, good gas mileage (if you dont gun it). Sync is awesome as I have my cell phone & iPod running through the stereo system. Not sure how I lived with out it before I bought this truck. Plenty of room! When I took it for a test drive, the salesman was 65" and had a lot of leg & head room while in the back seat. The 6 cylinder can tow 3500 pounds. Bet the CRV or RAV4 cant do that.