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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  A true winner - 2001 Ford Escape
  By scape2 - October 3 - 6:26 pm

  I own a 2001 black XLT V6 4wd and its been great! Use it for skiiing, fishing, biking. Not one problem. performance is excellent.

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  should have kept my 10 year old nissan truck - 2016 Ford Escape
  By T Massony - September 27 - 7:02 pm

  I get 17 mpg in mixed city/hwy. well under advertised mpg. Dealer says nothing can be done, since no indicators show error.

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  4 years and not one problem! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By cascole - September 21 - 5:58 pm

  I love my Escape. I was nervous about it being the first model year, but I took the plunge. Ive never regretted it. The Escape has great get up and go, is fun to drive, sporty & fits everything I need it to. Best of all -- I have not had a single problem with it in 4 years & over 70K miles! I hope to keep mine for another year, and may even go with another Escape when I do finally decide its time for a change.

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  Pretty happy so far - 2002 Ford Escape
  By F. Mario - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car 7 months. It looks great and people always check it out. Escape is fun to drive and peppy. Lots of room for passengers. The 4WD is great in the snow, useful for Buffalo. Have not found gas mileage to be as advertised though.

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  BLONDIE - 2002 Ford Escape
  By shoessel - September 18 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle rides smooth, like the interior and exterior design, great fuel economy, like the sound system

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  Best Entry-Level SUV On The Market - 2002 Ford Escape
  By JohnnyH - September 14 - 6:24 pm

  I have owned my Escape for over two years and never had a problem. The engine is very responsive and doesnt do a bad job of pulling 2 Jet-Skis. The Escape is surprisingly sure footed in winter conditions for its size. The Mach sound system is great. I have been very happy with the car.

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  2001 Ford Escape XLT 4x4 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Karen P. - September 6 - 1:22 pm

  Excellent 4x4 by Ford. Very roomy, handles well, great off-road and on. Superior in snow. I test drove both Toyota RAV4 & Honda CR-V and this was by far my choice. Handles better and cost was definitely a winner. You should consider it.

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  Love, love, love it! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By JMS - September 3 - 8:56 pm

  This is my 2nd Escape. I have an 02 that was bought new also. I love the new features. I knew I wanted another Escape when we started thinking about getting a new vehicle. It is the perfect size for us! I am 52" and my husband is 6 & it fits us both. My daughter had outgrown her booster seat and the upgraded safety features such as rear shoulder strap on the center back seatbelt, side airbags, and the sensor that turns the front passenger airbag off if the passenger doesnt weigh enough on this model that were not on the 02 make it safer for her now that she doesnt have a carseat. I love the way it drives, so much smoother than the 02. There are too many improvements to mention them all.

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  My Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Desiree - September 1 - 12:50 am

  So far, very happy with vehicle. Very responsive, gas mileage not bad if you drive sensibly. (I average 20 mpg which is a combination of mostly city and some highway driving). Air Conditioner works very well! Stereo system pretty good as well. Perfect sized vehicle for my needs. Vehicle has firm ride.

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  Economical but a bit cramped inside - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Suzi - August 31 - 4:33 am

  Its too bad that you dont get more for $25k.