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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  Best new car to date... - 2017 Ford Escape
  By Kate Paquin - August 11 - 6:48 pm

  The 2017 Ford Escape Titanium with the 300A (standard) package plus navigation and adaptive cruise control packages is the best new car to date. Our previous cars were two Hondas EX sedans, two G-20 sedans, a 2001 RX 300 Lexus which we still have and a 2005 Toyota Camry EXL, which we traded when we purchased the Escape. The more we use it the more we like it!!! It is the most comfortable car we have ever owned. The 10-way with lumbar front driver and front passenger seats were the first thing that got our attention. No other car in this price range has that for both front seats! The ergonomic design of the center and door arm rests is noteworthy. The new design of the console moving the gear shift down and putting the cup holders to the side plus the new electronic parking brake demanded that we chose the 2017 over the 2016 with multiple buyer incentives. Our only regret: We debated getting the 301A package and now really wish we had. At night in rural areas the headlights are not adequate. The HID lights in the 301A package would have made driving at night safer. Otherwise this is the perfect car for us as far as size, comfort, power, fuel economy and cargo is adequate for our needs.

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  Fun, fun, fun! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By dulangzvox - August 9 - 2:00 am

  A joy to drive. Comfortable ride with very good handling. Mileage outstanding on road trip from Portland to Reno. The wife drives the Escape the most, she is in love with it! Im disabled and this vehicle is perfect for me to get in and out of. I found it preferable to my pals Honda CRV!!!

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  2004 Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Lei - August 7 - 2:00 am

  We previously had a 1994 Ford Explorer and decided to try the smaller version, so we got an Escape this time. The gas mileage is so much better. We really love our Escape!!!!

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  Excellent - 2004 Ford Escape
  By cindergriff - August 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Perfect for small families that need reliable transportation. It is very comfortable and spacious, with lots of cargo room. But its also very fun to drive, and surprisingly powerful.

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  Last Ford Ill ever buy - 2004 Ford Escape
  By J.L. - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2003 New Ford Escape in Virginia Beach at Beach Ford.It was a nightmare. Very poor service and very rude service managers. Could not get a call back from the sales manager or general manager (I paid cash for the car). Milage is way below what it is supposed to be. Ford Corp would do nothing, Beach Ford would do Nothing.It got 14 miles per gallon the first year and has improved to a whopping 20 or so the next year. I have been very disappointed in the vehicle, dealership and Ford Corp. The passenger door would not close and the windshield leaked when I bought the car. Both Beach Ford and the national Ford did very little.

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  MY ESCAPE - 2004 Ford Escape
  By RODENBAUGH - August 7 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE. HAD A CHEVY TAHOE 1997 WHAT A NIGHTMARE REAR END FAILED 3 TIMES THE LIST GOES ON AND ON WITH THAT TRUCK.ANYWAY THE ESCAPE IS SUCH A GOOD SUV I CANT FIND ANY THING WRONG WITH IT.CANT WAIT TO HOP IN IT TOMORROW AND GO SOMEWERE IN IT RON

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  Liberty vs Escape-no comparison - 2004 Ford Escape
  By LJAS - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I received an Escape XLT as a company vehicle and was highly disappointed! It is more like a minivan than an SUV! The vehicle has a weak 4WD, boring and cheap looking interior, and does not seem sturdy. My new Jeep Liberty Limited on the other hand, has a nice looking leather and chrome interior, sturdy ride with a strong 4WD and is a pleasure to drive. There is absolutely NO COMPARISON! I dont know why the Escape is getting good reviews? It is a minivan with 4WD!

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  2004 Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tom B. - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Great running, fun to drive. Plenty of room for cargo. Mileage is good as I beat it up and down the highway at 80 with the air on and get 23-24 miles per gallon. If stayed of the pedal Im sure I could get better. Great American car! I would highly recommend.

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  best car i ever had until today - 2001 Ford Escape
  By myszia - August 5 - 2:00 am

  i LOVE my escape. its the ideal car for us, and has never given us a problem unlike our last car, a 2000 volkswagon beetle which was a complete lemon. everything was great until today, when at 37,000 miles our brake light went on and lo and behold we find out the master cylinder is dead....$600 in repair bills later im wondering if anyone else has had this problem so early in the life of their escape?

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  Incredible Buy - 2002 Ford Escape
  By ctownfan23 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck with the 3.0 v6, and the 4x4 package is awesome. Treat yourself to the leather package, and no-boundaries package, I did.