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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  Buy this car. - 2005 Ford Escape
  By caveman41 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Much comforting than my older model Explorer now that I dont travel much. The Explorer was great for long trips and held so much luggage, but now Im downsizing and single, this is still roomy and holds alot of items in the storage area way back.

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  My new Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By goodoldboy71 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this now for about a month and I cannot drive it enough! It drives nice and handles almost like a car! I would tell anyone who ask to at least test drive one!

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  Great Truck! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Cheeseflyer - April 19 - 2:00 am

  What I Love: Fun to drive, powerful, great in the snow, great payload for hauling cheese, rear seats fold down flat. What I Hate: I leave the lights on all the time - The truck "dings" for 30 seconds before turning off the lights - very annoying!, poor gas milage (17-18 in the city, 20-22 on the hwy, disapointing) Overall - I LOVE MY TRUCK!!

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  Love it! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Rai2003 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I love my Escape! It has a peppy engine that makes driving fun. For a SUV, it gets great gas mileage. It has great cargo space, but it is not a huge SUV, so its easy to drive. Handles like a car! With all the rain and flooding lately, I have tried out the 4WD and I felt secure. It hugs the road!

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  Love my Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Katlvrkas - April 11 - 3:31 pm

  I bought my Escape brand new and love it! I have had 2 recalls, but they were fixed with no problem. The only other problem Ive had is that the power windows squeal in cold weather. Dealer has always lubed and once had to replace. Overall, Ive been extremely satisfied with the Escape.

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  Pretty good little SUV! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By craiginCT - April 11 - 1:44 pm

  VERY GLAD I got extended warranty: hydraulic clutch master cylinder went at 42,000 miles, tranny/shift cable got sloppy and replaced at 48,000, EGR valve at 50,000. BUT, those are the ONLY problems Ive had on this little gem! Gas mileage: best = 29mpg on last long highway trip averaging 65mph worst = 18mpg in 4WD in messy snow storm with the defroster blasting. Im 61", 190lbs. Drivers seat and legroom very good for most trips. STILL very impressed with handling! 50k miles and never needed alignment. Could be a tad quieter on road, but cant complain given its overall utility. Good range on gears, though I keep wanting 6th gear the 2.0L could have handled it on the highway and given even better gas mileage.

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  Sweet little truck! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By BarabooDad - April 9 - 4:20 pm

  Got my white suede loaded Limited I4 09 Escape. Great little truck! Seat feels good to drive in, and tons of buttons to play with, I mean use! Plenty of power to merge on to freeway or get in front of trouble, etc. My son likes riding in the back seat. Strong AC/fan and heater, too. The little touches like ambient lighting are cool, too. Didnt get the pretty but expensive Nav system. But the Voice Sync controls work great anyway. Linked my phone to Sync in less than 30 seconds, works great. Now I never even take my phone out of my pocket to make and receive calls. Love the Audiophile sound system, too!

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  Escape - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Nole - April 6 - 4:36 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It has great performance and tremendous space inside. After 15,000 miles I have not had 1 problem that required a return to my dealership. Ford did a great job with this vehicle. I just bought another Escape for my son in college.

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  A worthy choice - 2002 Ford Escape
  By jb - April 3 - 4:22 pm

  Our 02 Escape has been pretty good to us. We have had to bring it in for service multiple times on some recurring problems/nuisances that didnt affect the way the car handles (loose air bag light wires, driver visor mirror, jammed CD changer). Overall this SUV is perfect for our family of 4 (2 adults, two young boys). In hindsight, should have bought leather seats since the cloth gets too dirty with the kids. Plenty of cargo room for large stroller, luggage, etc. V6 engine is a must. V4 (tested, not purchased) was way weak.

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  Hard to find manual transmission SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Midwesterner - March 31 - 10:00 am

  We looked long and hard for an SUV with a manual transmission. The 2002 Escape has met our expectations and then some. Easy and fun to drive.