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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  Ford Escape XLT - 2002 Ford Escape
  By pj2300 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! We are so glad making this purchase. Powerful V-6, handles like a car, great hauling capability. Will more than likely be a repeat buyer.

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  Happy Owner - 2003 Ford Escape
  By adgrrl1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Over all, I have enjoyed leasing this vehicle for the past year. It has a V6, so there is good pick up. Its large enough to haul stuff, the back seat folds down flat. I carried four 6 foot tables and 10 folding chairs in it! Yet, I can still easily parellel park it! I can cart my Golden Retriever in comfort.

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  Perfect SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By GGreenman - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV that has answered all of our calls. Gas mileage has been consistantly in the range of 19 to 22. Once we got rid of the OEM Firestones that came with the veheicle its been unstoppable in snow. We bought the Escape new and other than a couple of factory recalls we have had "0" problems, we would not hesitate in purchasing another Ford Escape.

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  Great Value, Great Fun - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Anke2000 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car! It is an SUV, but small, has tons of room inside, yet handles and feels more like a compact. Although it only has 4 cylinders, since it is a standard, I get incredible control and manouverablity. I like that I sit high enough to have a great view all around (enhanced by windows everywhere -> the blind spot is minimal), it is not so hight that I need to climb up into it. All around a really great deal for such a "small" package.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - April 16 - 7:00 am

  Just what I was looking for. Replaced my 1986 Bronco II (255 K miles) with it. Hope it does as well.

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  So far - 2008 Ford Escape
  By atx - April 15 - 1:56 pm

  Switching from a Subaru Outback to this is refreshing. It feels lighter than the ru ever did, and gets 8 mi/gal more (judging from the first fillup). Drove CR-V, Rav, and the new styles had horrible visibility! Escape still has it. And the price is so much better! I got a new base model for the same as a high-mileage used of the others. While it is reported to be more sluggish, I dont find anything fatally bad about it. It suits my needs as a dog trainer, without breaking the bank at the pump.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Luke28900 - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I was so impressed by this car. It never lets you down.

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  Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By fox - April 13 - 12:23 pm

  Car drives great. Only complaints are the sound system with the cd and tape are not that great and the shifter is annoying. I could also use a light besides the dome light in the middle of the car. Acceleration, breaking, mileage are all very good at this price.

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  Escapin - 2003 Ford Escape
  By ugasteve - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have only had it a month but have enjoyed it thoroughly. Have taken it on a few 150 mile trips and it has handled it well. Good pickup with the V6 and it handles well too. My first SUV and I love it. Reccomended over many of the other mini suvs. Drove the others but enjoyed this the most.

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  Great experience - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dwarren - April 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this used. The biggest surprise was the power the V-6 provides. Loved the sporty look. It also has a sporty feel. First time I took off the Gs pulled my head back with barely a foot on the accelerator. I also was pleasently surprised with the sound system. It is the "Audiophile." The leather is in great condition and the seats are exceptionally firm. The quality is obvious throughout. Very happy.