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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  04 escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By mrak - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy the interior space and comfort. Have not owned it long enough to judge overall reliability. My favorite part is that it is nice to ride up higher than in a car.

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  What can go wrong next? - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Emac - June 18 - 2:00 am

  At 64,000 miles, I had to replace tie rod ends and my transmission. Dont know if I should sell and cut my losses or just keep replacing parts!

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  Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By jknaul - June 16 - 10:53 pm

  Combined city/highway driving, I am averaging 32 miles/gallon. In city I have averaged about 35 miles to the gallon. This is more than I expected, even with its rating of 36 city, 31 Highway.

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  Loving My Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By truckin girl - June 6 - 2:40 pm

  I recently purchased my Escape after driving a 03 Honda Civic EX for a year and a half, which I hated. The Escape reminds me of the 01 Explorer Sport I had before the Civic which I loved but it was leased and had to be returned and they no longer make it so I got the Civic because it seemed nice. I longed for an SUV again and I looked at all the smaller ones from the Liberty to the XL-7 and I found that the Fords seem to be the most comfortable and best designed. I was a little leery about returning to Ford because there was a gammit of problems I had with the Explorer, but I loved it so much. I think the Escape is by far the best in its class. It had the best ride and the nicest features.

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  I would buy another one today! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Sarah - June 1 - 11:16 am

  I have owned my 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 for the last 5 years. We bought it used with about 90,000 miles on it. Now I have only put 30, 000 on it myself, but it has been a great little truck for my family. It fit two carseats comfortably in the back, with easy access to them through the side doors. The drivers seat is comfortable and adjustable. My only issue was the placement of the ignition keyhole. My husband replaced the battery with a great cold-start one early on, and it has started every single time in cold Ohio winters. He did the brakes regularly, and the only other issue we had was with the coil packs. Once we replaced those, the car ran perfectly. It handles easily and feels very small compared the the mini-van we just had to invest in. I am looking forward to owning one again someday!

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  I would buy another one today! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Sarah - June 1 - 11:16 am

  I have owned my 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 for the last 5 years. We bought it used with about 90,000 miles on it. Now I have only put 30, 000 on it myself, but it has been a great little truck for my family. It fit two carseats comfortably in the back, with easy access to them through the side doors. The drivers seat is comfortable and adjustable. My only issue was the placement of the ignition keyhole. My husband replaced the battery with a great cold-start one early on, and it has started every single time in cold Ohio winters. He did the brakes regularly, and the only other issue we had was with the coil packs. Once we replaced those, the car ran perfectly. It handles easily and feels very small compared the the mini-van we just had to invest in. I am looking forward to owning one again someday!

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  I like my Escape... - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Cindy Sykes - June 1 - 2:00 am

  so far, so good, just 6 months together.

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  If your Escape Stalls after 36000 - 2004 Ford Escape
  By MJKZD - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Stalled Once. Good thing it was under warranty. Im friends with the service/finance manager where i purchase my Escape.. Ford has an open TSB about this problem.. They tell me this problem happens with 02,03, Windstars and Tribute.. If your Vehical stalls after 36000, even with fords best extended service plan, YOU will pay for repairs. Ford and Easy Care, if thats whos providing you the warranty, considers the replacement 6 items on your engine a upgrade not a failure, so therefore ford and your warranty company will not cover this. Ford is not taking responsiblity for bad workmanship. Other then that, its a nice SUV.

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  Initial Impressions - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bulwark102 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a fully loaded 2005 Escape Limited 4x4. The early 2005 was purchased $350 over invoice. My first impression is this is a solid and good looking vehicle. The engine is powerful and responsiveness is acceptable, but I found other vehicles I test drove (such as the Honda CR-V) were a bit more agile. The engine is loud at higher RPMs and the automatic transmission feels sluggish as it searches and engages the next gear. I feel very comfortable with the interior styling, indicators and controls. I will follow-up after my first 10K miles.

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  Ignition problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By esmb - May 25 - 5:23 am

  The key sticks in the igition. We have to wiggle it out. Took it back to the dealer 3 times. Even changed the igition. Did not help. We were told by someone there that the escape and some other brands are using a forign tumbler and that is causing the problems. So the problem cant be fixed unless they change back to American. If anyone has any ideas please email me. esmb@aol.com