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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  My car - 2001 Ford Escape
  By IcePrincess - March 18 - 2:00 am

  I think this vehicle is great. I have to drive 200 miles 2 days per week and since its mainly freeway, I can go the 200 miles on 1/2 tank of gas.

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  My Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Halle - March 16 - 1:06 pm

  The Escape Hybrid looks great, is comfortable to drive and gets great gas mileage compared to my last suv. I wish the fit and finish were a little better. Quality of materials on the inside is on the cheap side but still looks ok. Ford skimped on things like lighted vanity mirrors, auto door locks and more convenient audio controls. Apparently the Escape has a few common defects which are disappointing that Ford continues to ship them without resolving the problems (seat belt sensors and air bag module). My new car sat at the dealer for 6 days during my first month waiting for a part. Now it is happening again. Also a problem with brake rotors.

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  ESCAPE - 2001 Ford Escape
  By GREGORY - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I have no complaints with escape. The only problem was it shut off four times.Took back to dealer & after fourth time I think problem is solve. Over all I like escape very well & would buy again.

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  Waste of Money - 2002 Ford Escape
  By poorchoice - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Very disappointed. At 40K, I needed new front brakes?!? the windows screech like nails on a chalkboard when in cold weather. I had to have the moonroof fixed.

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  Starting to show its age/ - 2001 Ford Escape
  By darcy98 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Weve got 33K miles now and things are starting to go wrong. The drivers door is sticking, the car stalled at 45 mph and its getting harder to start in cold weather. Overall its a good vehicle, but I wouldnt get the V-4. Stick with the V-6 and dont pay more than $22,000.

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  Great little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By KJBock - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Other than the rattles from the rear, which were fixed by the dealer, my Escape has been relatively trouble free. Drives like a car, with good handling and plenty of power. I would recommend this vehicle for anyone.

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  I wouldnt choose it again - 2003 Ford Escape
  By cschaeffer - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Pros - Easy to handle, good gas milage, and good stereo system. Cons - Noisy when driving, rides rough, accelerator sticks, cheap interior, doors dont shut all the way unless you practically slam them.

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  Good deal for the $ - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Donald E. Potter - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I have found this SUV to be all you could want or expect for the size and money. Handles great, good power, comfortable, clean profile. Very good A/c and heat, CD player and radio ( sound sys leaves something to be desired with windows down). Not a luxery SUV, but has all you need and more. CONs: cheap tires (Generals, which I had found to be good prior to this?. As stated, for the money, a very fine SUV.

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  Love this one, will never buy any other - 2003 Ford Escape
  By sistrkate - March 9 - 2:00 am

  I looked around quite a bit and drove several of the smaller SUVs, and narrowed it down to the Jeep Liberty and Escape. For interior room and exterior looks, the Escape won hands- down. I love this SUV and would do it all over again. Very little to complain about except it seems to drain the gas tank all too often. V6 engine is more than adequate and stereo is great too!

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  2002 Ford Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Wannebo - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Great clearance, speed, maneuverability.