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:

• 

  Engine trashed at 2400 miles - 2002 Ford Escape
  By airbearma - February 15 - 2:00 am

  One of the biggest points on me buying the Escape was the "supposed" reliability of the Duratec 3.0 V6. I had this engine in my 96 Taurus for 175,000 trouble free miles. At 1400 miles, I changed oil and checked all fluids personally. At 2450 miles, I had an 1/8 inch oil slick in my antifreeze reservoir. Dealer is replacing the motor with a new one.

• 

  My Second Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ara - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Ford Escape. I am a musician and camper so I appreciate the interior space. I find it quite comfortable and easy to handle. It does however have some road noise and isnt the "smoothest" ride, but after all, it is an SUV. I have the XL package with 4 wheel drive which I have never had to use but feel its worth it just in case. I would buy another unless the price goes too huigh for what it offers.

• 

  A lemon right off the lot - 2004 Ford Escape
  By John - February 8 - 3:09 am

  I bought a new, left over 2004 Escape. Within two hours of leaving the dealer the accelerator would not release and I found myself going 85 mph on the highway with the speed increasing. I managed to put it into neutral and pull over to the side with the engine racing. A tow truck was called and took me and the car back to the dealer. I found out Ford Motor Company had recalled 2002 through 2004 Escapes to fix accelerator problems, but my dealer had failed to fix it before selling it to me. He is claiming ice build up was the problem, not the accelerator cable. Either way, a car that dangerous should not be on the road.

• 

  2005 AWD ESCAPE LIMITED - AWESOME !!!! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By SIDENISE - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I just luv my new Escape. This is the first SUV Ive owned cuz the others really did not appeal to me. I receive alot of compliments on my Escape. Everyone seem sto luv the Metallic Gold Ash exterior color. The Mach sound system is one of many of my favorite features.

• 

  This Thang Aint No Joke - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Cherbox - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle Sept 2000 when they first came out. I have driven in the snow, but the snowstorm of 2003 proved to me "This Thang Aint No Joke". I had no problem pulling out of piles of snow and I have to drive on the prkwy and I put this sucker into 4x4 and made it safely home.

• 

  A good little SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jaychuk - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for a bout a month now, and I still love driving it. We also have a GMC Jimmy in the family and I like driving the Escape even better. It handles great on ice and snow (which is very important here in the Great White NOrth).

• 

  I love my car! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By texmt - January 13 - 10:06 am

  I previously owned a 2006 Ford Escape. While i liked it, there were some things that needed to be improved. It wasnt comfortable for a long trip and was noisy. The 2010 is much more comfortable and quieter. I have the sun and sync package and I love. I now find driving a joy with this car. Yes, it may not have as much cargo room as its competitors but it has plenty enough for me and my 2 dogs and costs much less. I really love this car and plan on taking more trips now that I have it. Got a great deal on it too. The Sync package is wonderful.

• 

  a nice car.... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By xrobotox - January 13 - 10:00 am

  no problems yet, but that probably comes car to car, feels good, but the gas milage is not as it tells you. We got the v6 and mpg is nowhere near 23/28. Nothing super great about the car, the power is nice though, it can pull its own.

• 

  owner - 2003 Ford Escape
  By luckyguyinla - January 13 - 10:00 am

  excellent suv for a long travel such as across the country. I live in Ca drive to WA ... i feel like im in control of the car. it look big n have alot of room to moving around

• 

  i like it - 2010 Ford Escape
  By m and m - January 7 - 2:43 pm

  Traded a Lexus rx330 for it. Pick up is a bit slower, but very good. Love the car. My wife, who claimed she would never drive a Ford, also bought one. She also loves it. She traded in a Benz with no regrets. Love using reg gas.