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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  Great looks, value crummy reliability - 2001 Ford Escape
  By SoCal commuter - March 31 - 12:21 am

  Bought new 29,000 miles now. Have replaced SINCE WARRANTY ran out at 27,900: 2 power steering pumps, steering column, brakes at 26k, tensioner unit, tires, power brake assist motor, power steering hose, air filter unit, and 2 other engine repairs that details escape me now but each ran more than $200 in parts. Also, there is something in the engine manifold which cannot be fixed but is a "known issue" - theres a TSB on it - high-pitched squealing from manifold, Under warranty, about 5 breakdowns/year first three years. Always something new. Im going back to Toyota or Honda. This is the worst build quality I could imagine.

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  Comfortable and peppy - 2004 Ford Escape
  By dennisgo - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is very car-like small truck. It could have included some small conveniences such as: compass, trip computer, overhead console,12V outlet in the rear. I would recommend getting the lumbar support as the driver seat will do a number on your back on long trips.

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  Nice small family SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mindy - March 23 - 8:51 pm

  I purchased my Escape in August 2003 and I have had no problems with it. I really like the car, but I feel it is more of a family vehicle. I have heard the front side air bags make it much safer, so I would recommend them. (Mine has them, but I had to special order it). I am considering selling mine in the near future to buy a New Beetle, which I owned before the Escape. Overall, great car, not too tall for short people! :)

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  A good little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Holms - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my escape for a little over a year (1 yr 4 months) and it still alot of fun to drive. It has alot of pep and is a smooth ride. There is alot of wind noise, but not unbearable. There is plenty of room in the back for passengers. Some downsides are: 1.) it seems to really wear on tires. 2.) My sunroof switch seems to have a short in it, 3.) the cargo cover broke within the 1st 6 months.

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  This is my second one! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EscapeeInMI - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving an Escape since 2001 and love them! They are quiet, comfortable and quite fuel efficient. The changes to the interior in the 2005 models are great - the storage compartment and gear selector on the floor should have been there all along. I can carry all the things necessary for a family vacation since the cargo area is nicely sized. But it still looks like a grown up car when it is date night on Saturday. I feel safe in the car and never worry when one of the kids borrow it

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  Perfect for people who dont race - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Nikhil - March 16 - 2:30 am

  The interior is very slick with good utilities. Smooth ride. It is a family car with higher importance to safety rather than speed. Not to be used for street light racing. Fuel economy - 25 MPG which is not very good as compared to foreign models. Price - compitative to most foreign cars and almost $5,000 less than a CR-V

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  I am about to switch to a hybrid - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Claudia Schumacker - March 13 - 3:58 am

  My husband and I have traveled some fun retirement miles in our Escape Limited. I love the heated leather seats. We are ready to make the big switch to the hybrid. Gas prices are awful and I hear really good things about this Escape. The car is loaded and very comfortable on our long trips. The only remotely negative feature is the stiff bumpy ride and its a little too noisy. But, I wouldnt trade it for any other SUV.

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  much better than expected - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tekawiz - March 13 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed better than expected in all areas, especially in fuel efficiency. I get about 26 mpg. Engine performs well and is smooth for 4 cylinder. I can go over 400 miles on a full tank of gas. Plenty of power to get up exteneded hill climbs and performes well on winding roads. Turning radius is excellent, an unexpected surprise.

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  this car - 2002 Ford Escape
  By matt - March 7 - 6:01 pm

  This is quit possibly the worst truck Ive ever driven. The brakes are horrible. We had to replace the rotors at 32,000 miles. It handles like a barn on wheels. The CD changer went out and had to be replaced. The drivers window makes a horrible screaching sound going up and down. There are so many noises the dealership couldnt even figure it out for 3 months! The transaxle damper went out and it took Ford 4 months to get a part. Road noise is terrible and it eats tires. But its cute! I hate to say it but Ford could learn something from our foreign compitors. Oh yah DONT buy one!

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  Very Surprised - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Nick - March 7 - 12:10 am

  I decided to dive Ford another chance after years of driving different makes. I am pleased to say I am blown away. I purchased a base model (cheapie) and it has a TON of equipment already on it. The Escape handles well, is well put together (feels solid), has great power out of a 4 banger, and accommodates my 64" tall 350 lbs frame well with enough room to accommodate two car seats in the back seat! If you have not driven a Ford lately... DRIVE ONE!!!