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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  Happy with the Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By 99Aggie - April 7 - 2:00 am

  We bought this so that we would have a vehicle where we could carry our son and groceries at the same time. We also bought it for added safety as compared to our other car. We are very happy with it. It can really take off, the power is great. Only problems have been the stock tires, which we just replaced, and a repair needed on the throttle control. Of course this was not under the warranty and the dealer had it for 3 days for a simple fix. Overall we love our bright yellow Escape.

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  Among the best compact SUVs - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CarnutWZ - March 28 - 10:00 am

  So far this vehicle has suprised me since day 1. The ride is firm but never jarring and the V6 really moves the SUV with some authority. Highway cruising is a breeze as the engine loafs at 2500RPM at 80MPH. The ride comfort on moderatley smooth roads comes at the expense of a little body lean in quick turns.. although handling is ultimately secure if your not trying to zip around a corner at excessive speed. I test drove a few competitors and found they came up short in more areas. Cargo space is versatile and just big enough for my family and luggage.(I have one child). There is no wonder why Escape is the best selling small SUV. With the HEV coming..there is more of a reason to buy

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  Ecstatic Ford Lover - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Bridgitte. - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my new SUV. I am a very tall person so the head room is beyond exceptional. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone with small children. My daughter loves the back seat. She can see everything now.

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  Transmission Problem - 2003 Ford Escape
  By LED - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We have driven this car approximately 3000 miles, with no problems. It is a pleasure to drive in the snow and ice, and has a lot of nice features. However, at 10,000 miles the transmission went out. Three different Ford service departments have told me that the problem is that a transmission cooler is installed on the Escapes that causes the fluid to "gel" in cold weather, and "Ford is working on the problem". Since then I have talked to two other owners who have experienced the same problem.I would not recommend buying this car until they fix this problem.

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  No regrets here - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Melissainva - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I conducted a lot of research before committing to purchase the Escape. I drove all the comparable vehicles (Liberty, Saturn, Santa Fe, etc.) and the Ford had the best handling response, most fun to drive and met all my needs - V6, cargo space, appearance, mileage, 4WD, and so on. If anyone is interested in the compact SUVs, I would highly recommend the Ford Escape be considered. After test driving, I think youll find yourself wanting to make a purchase.

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  2005 Escape Review - 2005 Ford Escape
  By cb - March 24 - 12:13 am

  Ride feels very comfortable. Interior feels larger than exterior dimensions of the vehicle would indicate. Steering is very responsive. Ergonomically, things are designed very well. Exterior is nicely designed as well. Dashboard and instrument panel is clean, intuitively easy to use, without being too cluttered. Very nice sound system.

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  Engine shuts off on hwy at random. - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Nate - March 22 - 2:46 am

  Taking to the dealer to get resolved multiple times they say its fixed and end up giving the vehicle back,shuts down multiple times on the highway.Almost causing multiple life threatening accidents.

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  Mileage not up to expectations - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ann - March 22 - 2:33 am

  I have been driving my hybrid Escape for 2 months. I love how it handles and accelerates but I have been disappointed in other features. The gas mileage is rated at 29 to 32 mpg. The highest I have gotten so far is 24.6 mpg for any city/highway combination. Ford has said it takes 10,000 miles of driving to "break it in". I paid a lot of extra money for the high mileage feature and now may not get what I paid for. Also, the interior fabric and door covering is of a lesser quality. Mine was wrinkled and I had to take it to the dealer to be steamed. I love the low emissions and the way it drives. If the mileage increases, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a midsize SUV.

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  Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Pito Perez - March 21 - 2:00 am

  this car could be a lot better, and it could be sold for a lot less, and it could hold its values better. Ive only owned it for 1.5 years and its already lost 47% of its original purchase price!!!

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  la review - 2001 Ford Escape
  By James Moylan - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Some power could be sacrificed for better gas mileage. Nice ride and interior layout.