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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  Awesome - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Zac - June 10 - 8:34 pm

  We bought our Escape in December and we havent had a single regret. A month after we bought it it snowed over a foot of snow and we needed to drive over a mountain pass around 9500 feet. The car just plowed right through. There is a bunch of space in the back which is nice for cargo or friends. All in all the experience has been great. We are planning on getting another one in the future.

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  Wish I had 2 of them.... - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Dave B. - June 7 - 4:47 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and is ideal for "running the beaches." It is also extraordinarily sure-footed in the snow. Handles well on the highway as well as the city and the V-6 has power to spare. Wish I had bought 2 of them!

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  Ford Escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Kimberly - June 4 - 4:13 am

  We had minor issue with the AC, fixed based on a notice from Ford that thankfully our mechanic saw. Overall I loved it. The four wheel drive and handling was great, it was sporty looking for an SUV, and had pretty good gas mileage for being an SUV. The interior was comfy with heated seats and plenty of storage.

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  My 2001 is so fun! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Marci - May 31 - 7:31 pm

  I purchased my Escape and havent looked back. It has enough power for me (got the V6)and my husband. He also loves it. It only had 47,000 miles on it and talked the dealership down to a great deal (after 2 days!). We live in northern California and already drove it down to southern California and it drove like a dream (I wouldve liked a little better gas mileage though). Its perfect for someone going from a car to an SUV. Its not too big and yet has PLENTY of room. You also have a good seeing height. Recommend it. Love it!

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  Great Little Truck - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Matt - May 30 - 9:30 am

  This is my first SUV. I was looking for a car and the Escape caught my eye. I tried the Escape then the Explorer. I am 63" and my head rubbed the top in the Explorer, I had plenty of room in the Escape. The XLT model had all of the amenities that I wanted, not cluttered with useless things to jack up the price. I was sold after I drove it. It really drives like a Car AND Truck. I am very happy with it. On to get another soon, to replace my wifes car.

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  Ford EscapeFun to Drive - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tigerman - May 26 - 9:46 am

  Just recently bought a 2002 Ford Escape. Fun to drive, comfortable, excellent looks. Rear seats extremely comfortable. Excellent 6 Disc CD Changer radio. Sound quality awesome.

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  looking for less jolt - 2003 Ford Escape
  By zoran windrich - May 22 - 9:58 pm

  We bought ours brand new from the dealer and from the start it fit the bill. It was sporty, higher than some cars so you felt safer in it, until my mom started driving it. We did not realize it then but the car lurches forward when the accelerator is slowly pressed. For a grand mother with over forty years of driving this is a problem. She feels scared that maybe she will hit someone unexpectedly. We are selling it it has only 4000 miles in perfect condition.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By ARSchnarfs - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my car, it is so amazing. Its great to drive, well designed and just all around fun.

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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By cheechee - May 20 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this vehicle to use as both a recreational and passenger vehicle. We recently moved to a different state. We found it to be a very comfortable, if not cozy ride. Considering all that were hauling, we got good gas mileage. Out boat is longer and taller than our vehicle, but it hauled the boat with no problems at all. This is such a smooth-riding vehicle, you honestly would think you were riding in a luxury car.

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  first 1000 miles - 2004 Ford Escape
  By r silva - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 99 Explorer. Big difference! The ride of the Escape is much better than the old style Explorer and I think a little better than the new ones. The Escape has a little more road noise. My wife and I could not justify the $ differance when compared to the Mercedes, BMW, Lexus or Toyota. We test drove all and almost went with the ML320 but she changed her mind when we went back to retest drive an Explorer and she saw the Escape Limited on the lot and asked to drive it. The Escape just fit.