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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  Lemon or not a Lemon - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Bobby10999 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  In the beginning the vehicle was great. I did all the required servicing of the vehicle. But, after I had gotten to about 21,000 miles something went tottaly wrong. The head gasket blew, which caused me to be without my vehicle for 3 weeks. My local dealership told me they needed to replace the whole engine, since it was shot. Soon after the new engine was in place, i noticed some tapping noises at under 25mph. So, I took it back and at 25,000 miles the exhaust manifold had to be replaced. Now that I have 34,000 miles on it I am noticing more noises coming from the enginge compartment, along with sluggish shifting between gears. What is the problem now?

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  Love the Escape but not the engine - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Debidoodl - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2001 Escape XLT. It has a sunroof, 6 cd changer, great speakers, good speed. Only, at 50,000 miles, Ive already had to replace the master cylinder, power brake booster, brakes, and have 2 recalls fixed. Now, my engine light is on for the 2nd time in 3 weeks. How can I be attached to a car that is making me question why I bought domestic? Ive owned a Honda and Toyota, loved both of them, particularly the lack of maintenance issues. Im struggling with whether or not to replace this car, before I finish paying it off! Im just concerned about future issues if its had so many at 50,000 miles!

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  Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By wvangel - June 29 - 2:00 am

  When i went looking for a new car that night i never thought about coming home with a new suv I loved driving it when i test drove it i told my dad i got to have it , its so fun to drive and i love how the inside is made enough room for my daughter and i to go on long trips

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  Buyer Beware!!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Never Ford Again - June 26 - 2:00 am

  The first problem we had was at 2500 miles. The car overheated and air conditioning went out. From that point on anytime we were driving for more than 30 minutes the car would act as if it was overheating. The dealership couldnt fix nor could for. At 28000 miles Ford finally bought the car back from us a full value. This car has major potential electrical problems. Buyer Beware!!!!

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  Nice SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mustangman22 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  We bought this 6 months ago and this thing is sweet. The only problem is the dealer ship we bought it from. We have this werid vibration in the steering wheel and we have had it in there 5 times and the still havent fixed it.

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  Love my hybrid Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Patti Cornelius - June 24 - 2:36 pm

  Although I understand this vehicle is hard to get, if you are looking for hybrid technology I would highly recommend this vehicle. Most of my driving is done in the city and the nearly 40 miles per gallon really helps with $2.00+ per gallon gas prices here in California. This Escape is roomy and fun to drive. The quality, fit and finish is excellent.

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  Very solid SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Dave2121 - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle not knowing they were redesigning a couple months later but and pleased my with 04 Escape. Looked at the new ones but not much of a difference. Actually, the 04 has a better gas mileage rating on by 1 but with gas prices, that is important. Very solid, fun to drive, fast pickup, and with the Limited very comfortable. Great Leather seats.

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  Fun Vehicle - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Big MK - June 22 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle, fun to drive.

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  I Love My Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EnergyTurtle - June 18 - 8:13 am

  For having V6 and 4WD I think the gas mileage is great, I would buy this car over a comparable Honda or Toyota any day. Others complain about the mileage, but mine gets 24 mpg around town and 27 mpg on the highway with the 4A 3.0.

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  Love my escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By shirley c - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My Husband and I purchased a Ford Escape and we love the car,great handling ,great looks , great price. What else do you need in a SUV and not overly large on the road Thanks Shirley C