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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  Really like my first SUV. - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Rodney C. - December 22 - 11:53 pm

  I love driving my Limited Escape. It handles very well and has lots of take off power and speed. Its a lot easier to park than you might figure. It also has plenty of room on the inside. It has a lot of interior features, including a nice radio with a 6 CD player. The only thing Id like to have different on the interior is I wish the seats were a little thicker and the gas tank held more gas.

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  01 XLT - 2001 Ford Escape
  By howiez5150 - December 21 - 11:07 pm

  I owned an xlt 4X4 for 4 yrs and just turned it in on lease. It was my wifes car and it was the first car she has owned and like for over 2 years. We had it in shop a couple of times for minor issues, although it was making a weird transmission noise when we turned it in. Overall, very nice to drive and decent mpg considering it is a SUV. Definitely get the XLT version for a nicer interior design and stay away from 4 cylinder (it has no power). The v6 takes off and has lots of jump at any speed. We would highly recommend over other SUV in its class.

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  Ford Escape is #1 with me! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Herb Conlan - December 12 - 10:33 am

  The size is perfect and the style and "go" are exciting. Driving it is a real pleasure. The aggressive tires are noisy but it is not an unpleasant sound. Mileage is 20mpg and could be better but theres a cost to a large engine with lots of zoom. The interior is handsomly designed and the seats are very comfortable. Parking is simple because of its compact size. Cargo space is as much as I expect to ever use and lowering the seats for maximum carrying capacity is simple. Visibility is outstanding.

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  Cant wait to trade this in! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Momof1 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  I cant wait to trade this in and get rid of it for a Honda Accord. I purchased this in July. The interior is just plain cheap. If you are looking for luxury forget it here. The seats are so cheap I feel like my back is killing me when I get to my destination. I dont feel safe with my child in the back. The back doors seem to be really thin. I have had this stall several times on me. I just dont feel safe in this car it doesnt seem hefty and it is so cheap! The only good thing about it is the basic size and the CD player. Good gas milage but I would trade that for a little more heft in the doors that are feather light.

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  2003 Ford Escape XLT No Boundries Pkg - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pinkey - December 8 - 9:12 pm

  Had issues with the sending unit, gas pedal, radio broke (CD option to mix play) and rack on the No Boundries package started to pit. All covered under warranty.

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  And well have fun,fun,fun..... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Tim Hatfield - December 7 - 10:00 am

  The area where I live is nothing but hills.My new Ford seems to enjoy the climb as much as I do.My wife who has a history of getting carsick has not once felt ill while riding in the Escape.Im around 63" and I have plenty of room that doesnt take away comfort from my kids sitting in the back.The 3.0 V6 has the power when I need it.

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  Rethink Ford! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By The Cook Family - December 2 - 1:36 pm

  I want everyone to rethink Ford as their cars and trucks are just as reliable as their Japanese counterparts. I bought this to replace my 2004 Escape V6. I have to admit that the 2.5L has just as much pep as the V6 did in the 2004. The fit and finish is night and day between the two. I looked at all of the competitors and found this one to be much better in style, interior comfort and fuel economy. I read all of the reviews and did not understand why a lot of reviews claim poor quality and outdated design. Have you looked at the RAV4 lately. Interior and exterior are so ugly. I want my SUV to look like one otherwise I would have gotten a car.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Jenni - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I love this SUV.

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  good little suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By dee ann - December 1 - 10:00 am

  i just had a very seris accident with my escape- got push into a ditch vechicle did NOT roll (angle of ditch i schould) what did the Most damage to escape was i hit a no passing sign took out front bumper and bounced off the roof( had 2 week wait for new roof-line was down) i buy another one in mintue

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  premature brake wear and failure - 2003 Ford Escape
  By biltmore - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Our Ford Escape has only 12200kms. On July 31 2003 we were involved in a collision where the brakes failed in a panic stop situation. Dealership would not check the brakes under warranty so we are now involved in a law suit to recover damages due to the fact that there were two other vehicles in the collision. Brakes were spongy and alot of brake residue left on the wheels.This vehicle is driven in normal city driving situations+