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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  Why I love my Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Donner - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles well and rides great. I have owed several ford vehicles and this one is one I would purchase again. It also gets great gas mileage in town and as well as highway.

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  Decided best of comparable models - 2004 Ford Escape
  By M2004 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  After much research between the Escape, Liberty, and CR-V, Ford seemed to offer the best features and reviews amongst the three. ABS, Gas mileage, and mechanical performance were my priorities I test drove the Liberty first, then the Escape. I knew that the Escape would perform better for city driving, and if that is what you are going to use the vehicle for mainly, stick with Ford. The seats take some getting used to, though there are a number of adjustment options. Overall, as a first time SUV, the Escape is great and is a good transition between a coupe/small sedan and truck. The car overall feels pretty strong.

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  Enthusiastic about the Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By upstategodess - August 19 - 2:00 am

  have researched and test driven most suv in this class. started out looking at the explorer decided it was too much for me, took the escape for a test drive and fell in love.

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  Fits me - 2004 Ford Escape
  By rcadwell - August 17 - 2:00 am

  this is my first SUV. I like the compactness of it, yet lots of storage. Feels good on the road, although, it does feel bumps more than Im use to. The V6 is the only way to go for get up and go. I love the way the drivers and passenger seats feel on my back..very supportive. Gas mileage is something to get use to. But Ill sacrifice a bit for the feel and cargo capablities of this car. Highly recommend it.

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  Best of Breed - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Escapist - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Theres not much that I dont like about my Escape. It has plenty of power for my (admittedly basic) needs, while providing an overall smooth and comfortable ride. It does great in the snow, hauls butt up Snoqualmie pass with four adults, boots, gear, and lunch in back and skis on top. I love the exterior look, 16 inch wheels are the best. Beats the snot out of the Jeep Liberty for way less $$ smaller than a Cherokee or Explorer and I like it that way. Has an annoying creak (not crack) in the rear window havent been able to find the source.

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  Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By elaina - August 15 - 12:00 am

  This is a really fun vehicle. It is just the right size for long road trips, running errands, and every day use.

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  Could be better - 2004 Ford Escape
  By martilk - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Seems reliable and comfortable enough, but has a horrid turing radius and a puny gas tank. The leather seats seem like naughahyde.

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  Great vehicle - 2004 Ford Escape
  By VickieW - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I love the Escape. Its not to big and just the right size to carry stuff and get in and out of parking spots. My husband has the F150 4x4 four door, way to big for me. I cant judge the size of the F150, but have no problems with my Escape.

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  I love mine! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By leisuretravel - August 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought my escape as soon as the 2005 models came out and I got it fully loaded ....I love it...Im a small woman with a big dog and a son and a husband, it accomodates me perfectly. I had a small convertable before and my son could never see anything from the backseat because it sat so low. Now he sees and comments on everything(hes six). Ill always buy Ford!

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  good ride - 2002 Ford Escape
  By bamroz - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Reliable, powerful vehicle that has a good look to it. Vehicle has nice features, but too much plastic.