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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  Very Pleased - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BABs - August 3 - 4:50 pm

  Ive had my Escape 3 weeks know. Traded in a 2 door coupe for more room and more comfortable seating. The Escape has plenty of room and the seating is very comfortable. I very happy with the MPG so far - 27.4 MPG (mostly highway driving). Love it!

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  So far, so good. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By cowpie - July 31 - 2:00 am

  15k so far and only a couple of minor problems. Has great acceleration for a v6 and we get 22-24 mpg. Wife loves the heated seats, backup beeper and the moonroof. Enough room in the back for the kids.

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  does its job - 2004 Ford Escape
  By van to escape - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2004 escape since last september. It drove very well through a lot of snow this past winter. I am a little disappointed with the gas milage gettin 18 mpg up until 10000 miles and now it seems to be staying at 20 mpg. This is with a lot of city driving. The only problem Ive had only happened a couple of times. When trying to start the car, if it did not start on the first key turn I had to pump the gas to get it started. Overall I am happy with the car. The drivers seat is very uncomfortable on long drives but it is used mostly to work and back and to shuttle the kids. My husband doesnt like riding in it because of the small size.

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  Manual Transmission Rocks! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By aet - July 23 - 10:36 pm

  After a week and a half Im very impressed. If Mazda had had the right colors I would have had a Tribute because I really enjoyed my 05 Lapis Lasuli blue one - but a tree fell on it while I was driving. So the Escapes exterior color and other features were attractive. It has more room than some compact SUVs. The 5 speed manual really makes it perk up performance wise and I think the combination of 4cyl and manual will save me a little gas money. I just feel more in control of the car with manual. Im waiting to see if the standard tires Continental Crosstrac wear out as fast as they did on my Tribute - 30,000 miles even with servicing.

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  Then and Now - 2001 Ford Escape
  By siya46 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Delivered 11/01, 87000 miles now. It was a perfect downsize from an Explorer and the 2xfwd is just fine for Michigan winters. Have kept up with recalls. No maintenance problems other than replacing 1 front stabilizer bar (it was "thunking" on bumps. Plan to run it 2-3 more years.

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  2004 Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Linda M - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2002 Escape. My daughter was broadsided, and the vehicle was totaled, but she had no injuries thanks to the side air bags. Loved the styling, dependability and price of the Escape, so we bought a 2004.

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  Happy with our 2004 Ford Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By SReno - July 17 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Escape for less than a month. We purchased it basically after checking Consumers Guide, Edmunds, etc. So far, we are very happy with everything about this vehicle. We are getting about 25 mpg. on long distance driving. Ford always knows how to please the consumer.

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  All before 20,000 miles - 2002 Ford Escape
  By TinkerM - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Well, the first thing was the battery it went within a month would not hold water, had to wait until they got another from Mexico? And when installed they left it filthy. Second was the drivers window, when lowered was rubbing on panel had to be replaced. Third, a recal for staling at 40 or over MPH we inquired and were told it was not a 2002 problem as with the 2000s and 2001s. And the most scary the bearings were going out on the front wheels. We noticed on right turns around bends going over 40 a noise, thank someone above we did not let it go. We swore no more American Cars and now are back to that.

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  The Best - 2006 Ford Escape
  By pknox - July 15 - 6:50 pm

  Having driven a larger SUV with an automatic transmission and larger engine, I much prefer the manual transmission Escape for its maneuverability, size, comfort, and fun. The gas/mileage is also a huge plus. Also having owned Fords, I only hope this automobile lives up to my previous experience with Ford quality.

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  Great smaller SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Average Joe2 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV overall. Had no problems through 3+ years of ownership. Has great pickup speed and better fuel efficiency than many SUVs. Comfortable ride and fun/sporty to drive. 4x4 is just as good if not better than my previous full size SUV.