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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  Know Your Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By CWT - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ordered 2002 Escape XLT 4x4 with every option. Dealer didnt have one in stock, so couldnt see one before ordering. Expected interior to be similar to my F-150 SuperCrew Lariat...bad assumption! It is extremely cheap, uncomforatable, and noisy. (see suggestions below). This is a highly cost-engineered vehicle that is a latent entry designed to compete with the highly-successful Honda CR-V. In looking around, Ive discovered the Escape re-sale value is weak, and I would probably go with the Hyundai Santa Fe if I were to buy another mini-SUV.

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  Never buy the first model of a car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Brandy - July 28 - 7:10 pm

  I made the mistake of buying an Escape a few months after it came out. I loved it until it stalled on the interstate after only 25,000 miles. Now that it has 115,000 miles, I have replaced 7 sensors, the alternator, the radiator overflow cup, an engine valve, two sets of brakes, and two sets of tires. Not to mention it was recalled three different times as well. I had it tuned up three out of the four years I have had it, but it didnt help. I also hate the gear shifter being in the way of the radio since I have knocked it into neutral on several occassions while trying to change the station. Since this car has been so "reliable", I am switching to a Honda or Toyota soon.

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  Not happy with my Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By notahappydriver - July 25 - 3:24 pm

  I have had my Escape for a little under 2 years and I am ready to get rid of it. The acceleration is great thats about the only thing I like about it. It does not ride smooth and feels rough around the edges. The tires and wheels get covered in brake dust within a day washing them you can never keep them clean.

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  My 2008 Escape! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By bgreen2 - July 22 - 3:53 pm

  This car is great! I owned a 2006 and the lease was up.They have done a wonderful job (Ford) upgrading this vehicle. The satellite radio, instrument cluster, and the fun of the drive are my favorites. It handles like a dream.

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  Ford Owner Family - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Adirondack Color - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Very practical and fun vehicle. Just the right vehicle for the Northeasts quickly changing weather conditions. This unit has all the bells and whistles anyone could want in a package this size. Loads of cargo space with the seats down for stocking up on supplies.

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  Bad quality. - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Roma Ukhinov - July 19 - 1:35 pm

  One star for overall rating because of bad quality. The transmission control module was out of order after 1 week of owning of brand new car. I had to leave my new car in the service department for more than one week.

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  Hope the kinks are out - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Mike - July 16 - 10:28 pm

  Bought this car used and had problems from the day I picked it up. When I picked up Escape the remote mirrors did not work & the salesman had taken out the radio due to problems. About a month later the emergency brake froze (would not release). Then about 2 months after that the power moonroof would not open (no Escape for 5 days). No other problems after that (thank goodness). I was seriously considering selling this vehicle, but decided to hang on to it. Hopefully all the kinks are out.

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  Changes I would make - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jenifer - July 15 - 2:28 am

  The car locks should automatically lock when the vehicle is put into drive. There should be rear air conditioning for the back seat. The passenger seat should be automatic when needing to move back and forth. There have been two recalls to this vehicle. To spend $25,000+ you should get a car that has no recalls! Ford should compensate their customers on their recalls, especially when you spend that amount of money. Maybe replace the vehicles with a newer one or one with no imperfections.

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  What a disappointment! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By LazyGecko - July 10 - 1:51 pm

  I have been a long time Ford owner and when my wife wanted an SUV, I thought the Escape made a good choice. Reasonable price, nice styling and a manageable size. I figured the Ford quality would go along with it. At 80k miles, I have replaced the transmission (!) and several suspension components. The ABS and brake light has come on, and the master cylinder leaks brake fluid. Worse yet my 170k mile Taurus is 200% better in the Wisconsin snow falls than this piece of junk! The ride is awful. The seats are almost as uncomfortable as the vinyl wrapped plywood found in 1950s Cessna 152. Also, the seats stain with spilled WATER!

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  Never buy American AGAIN - 2004 Ford Escape
  By NSS - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car less than 1 month ago. My Driver side door has already fallen off! The pins (bolts) are put in the hinge with the head facing down. Well That is a stupid error on Fords part for sure. However, the interior is roomy enought to feel like you are in a larger SUV as compared to the RAV and the Honda. It has a powerful enough engine. And the stereo system is not bad for being a stock feature. Customer Service has so far taken care of the problem and even gave me a free rent car (if they didnt I would be more than angry)