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 Buy - 2003 Ford Escape
  By foxchsr - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the ride, comfort and pleasure of owning this vehicle. It is all that I hoped it would be!

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  This vehicle is awesome!!! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By aceron76 - November 30 - 3:31 pm

  The gas mileage is not as good as advertised. I get about 15mpg. But this thing looks sharp and drives nicely.

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  Small SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Matts Review - November 30 - 1:13 am

  After driving the Ford Escape for the last month in snow and Michigan winter I realized that Ford could make a few upgrades for 2006. The 4WD system on the Escape is very limited and needs some serious improvements in my book. I bought the Escape because I need a 4WD vehicle that handles well in the snow. This vehicle is about a 5 out of 10. It basically handles like a FWD car and lacks the sure footing of a true SUV. Ive called the dealership twice now to make sure that I in fact bought the 4WD model which they tell me I did. Besides the above complaints, I do like the Escape and think it is a fairly good SUV which is built with quality in mind. Handling and performance are ok.

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  Great MPG in a SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Alan Koff - November 28 - 2:43 pm

  It was time to look for a vehicle with better gas mileage while providing my first priority, roominess! My 2006 Grand Cherokee, my third, only got 15.5 MPG around town, about 75% of my driving. I need room and a hard rear floor for scuba tanks, coolers, spearguns, golf clubs, telescopes and, oh yeh, business samples. Also, Im 63" and the new Ford Escape fit as well on me as my much thirstier Grand Cherokee. I mentioned I was looking for much improved mileage, so when I saw this Vista Blue 5-speed I said lets take a test-drive. A winner in terms of what I was looking for. Sold! My first tank averaged out to 22.8 MPG and I probably did only 20% highway. Very pleased.

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  Great little vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jeffrey Scott - November 28 - 6:16 am

  We have two Escapes and this is the second "set" of them that we have purchased and we love them. They are a great small SUV and we can use them for just about anything. We are going to try the new hybrid model next year!

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  Great SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Jo Ann H - November 26 - 4:27 pm

  After driving my escape for over 15,000 miles the first year I must report that I am problem free. It is still a pleasure to drive. The 4WD made it easy to drive in last winter snows. The Escape has plenty of cargo space especially with the rear seats folded down.

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  Warning! Faulty Left front Strut - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Big Dan - November 25 - 1:30 am

  Bought it in Jan. 05. We love it! However from the beginning a thump has been heard coming from area of left front-end. A road trip to Scott City, Kansas revealed more noise. A terrific dealership there determined the left strut may have been improperly mounted when the car was built by manufacturer. They replace and corrected mount and everything has been perfect since. The next time we trade Im taking the Escape and buying my wife a new one.

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  Disappointed - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tonyyy - November 24 - 3:27 pm

  Check engine light keeps coming on for problem after problem. Most recently, at 51k, engine misfire. Had to replace ignition coil, ignitor - that didnt work. Ended up at dealer service ripping apart the whole engine to replace a bad valve - big expense. Big disappointment. CD player gets CDs stuck all the time, luggage rack needed repainted after only 10K, powered seats not working properly, really not enough head room for me at 64". Nice looking vehicle, but Ill be looking elsewhere next time.

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  The Escape Means Well - 2001 Ford Escape
  By djphilosophy - November 24 - 2:40 am

  I have treated this SUV with loving care & maintenance. It has all the fun things people want in an SUV, including space & performance. Unfortunately, the transmission died at 46K miles, has had 5 recalls (one involving the seatbelt receptacle!), & the local Ford dealership has been horrendous with service. I dont know who to complain to, but I know I will never buy Ford vehicles again! And the Escape had so much going for it. American automakers seem to give only a 60% effort into making a great car. Their cars come out half-baked! They look great on the outside, but all fragile on the inside.

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  Great Redesign - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JohnnieG - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This Escape handles great and is fun to drive. On the open road it handles better than some of the larger SUVs. The 4 wheel disc brakes makes stopping very easy. The sound system sounds very rich, very little road/engine noise. I was looking into the new 2005 Equinox but this SUV has much more to offer.