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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  Just a few bugs.... - 2003 Ford Escape
  By PandalvsEscape - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Very cute little SUV for a small family. I would purchase another one and I am looking forward to seeing the new hybrid. The Escape is big enough that you feel safe, but not so big that you feel like you have to climb in.

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EDL - May 15 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND NEW CAR AND I LOVE IT. IT HANDLES GREAT. I RESEARCHED ALL THE OTHER CARS IN ITS CLASS AND THIS OFFERED THE BEST DEAL. ALSO IT HAS MUCH MORE INTERIOR SPACE THAN THE OTHERS WHICH I FOUND HELPFUL. PLENTY OF SPACE IN BACK FOR MY DOG.

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  GREAT SMALL SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CHAS G - May 13 - 6:33 pm

  GREAT CHOICE FOR SMALL SUV. ONLY 2 MINOR BROBLEMS. A/C ONLY COOLS WELL ON MAX. MACH 300 FRONT DOOR SPEAKERS BUZZ & VIBRATE. THAT SAID, THE IS A GREAT VEHICLE. I LIKE THE LOOK & THE LIMITED DOES SEEM UPSCALE COMPARED TO OTHER SMALL SUVS. I DEFINITELY RECCOMMEND A TEST DRIVE.

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  A very nimble SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pat ORiley - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I put the seats down and was able to fit 20 - 3cubic ft. bags of mulch in it. It has a perfect blend of power, from acceleration to passing. The steering is very nimble. Highway mileage is around 26mpg while the city rating is not what I expected at 17mpg. I am a 6ft. male at 170lbs. The drivers seat makes me feel like I am on top of the vehicle instead of inside it. The ride is smooth but leans while cornering. It seems to hold the road very well and is not affected much by wind. The engine hesitates during the first few minutes of operation and the transmission shifts up an down between 30 - 40 mph. The dealer changed the throttle body due to sticking.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By klondikecat - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very good during the blizzards of 03, worked better than Explorers, and other 4WD vehicles.

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  Go For It!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By JohnnyWalker - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Handles very well..responsive...great looking

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  Love escaping in my new Escape! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Rose - May 4 - 1:56 pm

  I absolutely love the incredibly roomy design with the great fuel economy I get with this car! Its big like an SUV and roomy in the front and back with lots of perks but still gets the great mileage of an economy car.

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  Sweet ride - 2009 Ford Escape
  By RON C. - May 3 - 7:26 pm

  Got a great deal then had them add running boards before I would sign. This is a very nice auto. The sage exterior and camel interior are excelent. Has every option but GPS and trailer hitch. Wife had to have heated seats, she is happy. Sirius radio and Sync are a lot of fun. Handles very well and enough power for me. From Ohio and looking forward to 4x4 feature.

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  Ahhh - 2008 Ford Escape
  By it is - May 3 - 3:00 pm

  Switched from awd to 2wd -- and Im doing alright (not needed in tx). Needed room for dogs, with better mileage than I got with my wagon. This is it! Worst case, my first mileage estimate is 27 mpg with 70 hwy/30cty. Better than expected! I had to find something under 20k, and used wasnt practical--I rack up the miles. It has my bare necessities, but I miss the seamless cargo space of my wagon (the Escape has gaps, with dangerous pins in them)--until my custom mats are made, Ill have to keep travel crates in the car. Other than that, why are they still doing drum brakes?

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  its my problem - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Itsmyproblem - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Driver side window replaced and back driver side window replaced. The front driver side light cover still needs replacement.Purchased 2 new tires before 25000 miles they were splitting and next to bare. Hood latch was replaced. Brakes have been replaced 3 times and rotors twice less than 65000 miles on the vehicle back breaks are continuous coming out of allignment. Alternator went out with under 65000 miles on it. I love all the space. # road trips since Ive owned it. Twice with a child and her toys and once with four adults. We all fit comfortably.I also find it to be very comfortable for sleeping.