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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  i LOVE IT - 2002 Ford Escape
  By KAYRON THOMPSON - May 1 - 2:00 am

  i HAVE HAD MY ESCAPE FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW IT RIDES VERY SMOOTH. ITS REALLY GOOD ON GAS AND COMFORTABLE WHEN TRAVELING MY KIDS LOVE IT ALSO

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  first time buying used car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By schoolbus - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the first time I decided to let the other person take the depreciation. I have owned this car for 14 months and its been great. It had come off a lease and was in prefect shape. I had the dealer throw in a 100k warranty but havent used it yet. I did, however, use the factory warranty right away for 3 minor problems. The car is a little bumpy since it is a SUV but has a lot of pep (V6) and handles quite nice. I only use it for local driving and going to the mountains. My husband hates the chrome yellow color but I can always find it. I dont think I will ever buy new again.

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  I Love My Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Patty Fremont, Calif - April 27 - 5:06 pm

  I bought this Escape after owning an Explorer for many years & I love it. I did a lot of research on this vehicle and came to the conclusion that this was my Explorer but smaller & hoping that it had better gas mileage. No real problems to report as yet, except the rear brakes screech when backing up, the dealer says this is normal? I work for an auto shop & my boss would shoot us if we told a customer that! (the neighbor has a 2008 Escape too & his rear brakes do the same thing)I have a 100k warranty & still have the 36k warranty.Overall a great deal. It drives smooth, pick up could be a little better, but it is comfortable and drives very nice.

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  Soccer Mom Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Anastasia Garnett - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Sturdy, affordable vehicle with capacity to hold passengers comfortably. Ride is adequate for the price.

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  Great Little SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ca_giraffe - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my red Escape from Barber Ford in Ventura, CA. It is the XLT, Popular 2, 2WD. It also has a sunroof and sidestep bars. I had rented an Escape prior to purchasing my own, and found the car to be affordable, fun, and practical. I have driven my Escape 12K miles in the past three months, and it has performed well. I am 6 1", and appreciate the power drivers seat. I have not had any problems with my car, and would recommend it to others.

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  Ford Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By T Jaspers - April 25 - 3:00 am

  I love my new Escape Hybrid. The GPS Navigation system, map, icons showing when the gas engine is running, electric engine is running, both running and battery charging are really neat. It also tells you your mileage over last 15 minutes, and how many kilometers till your tank is empty. My model doesnt have automatic headlights which I miss. But its other features make up for that loss.

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  About time - 2008 Ford Escape
  By df - April 24 - 3:20 pm

  Have had pickups and large suvs past 20 years. Finally gave up f150. This Escape is so fun to drive, comfortable and quiet cpmpared to CR-V and Rav4, loaded and only cost 21000, v6 and 4wd. So far 22 mpg, better if cruise not used. Interior finish is neat, and exterior is sharp and finish is superb. We like this so much we are thinking of trading wifes Expedition for another.

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  Pams Ford Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Pam B - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I am surprised how much fun the Escape is to drive. It handles well. It feels solid when you are driving it. The interior is very roomy. It has plenty of room in the back seat for 2 car seats.

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  Economical, fuel efficient, roomy lil SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By astromike - April 23 - 12:16 pm

  Editors get paid to find weak points in all vehicles. Overall I think the Escape is a "sleeper" in todays gas guzzling SUV, 4.00/gallon gas world we live in. I mean this lil SUV is known for been fairly good on fuel (19-26 mpg) and is fairly inexpesive. Yea its not perfect but the fuel efficiency alone is the prime reason I got it! As thats hard to find in an SUV. Decent factory sound sytstem, and plenty of room. I love my 08 Escape, its fun to drive!

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  Going back to Jeep - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Rottmom - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 97 Jeep Wrangler for this pile of cheap junk. Not even 11,000 miles and this car needs new tires badly. Everything is plastic and fiberglass. Gear shift position is downright dangerous if youre reaching for the radio. WORST is the 4-wheel drive which really doesnt exist. I cant wait to unload this mediocre dangerous vehicle. Dont forget the recall that just came out. Ford dealer doesnt have evening or weekend service hours.