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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  Transmission Defect - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Betty - February 17 - 3:06 pm

  My Model is the 2016 Escape Titanium FWD (front, not 4-wheel) 2.0 L GTDI Echoboost Engine 6-SPD Selectshift Auto Trans, with a sticker price of $33,624.99. There is a bad "shudder" in the transmission which is felt and heard when going from reverse to drive. My dealer says, after I had it in for repair 2 times, once for 4 days, "Ford Motors is aware if this ISSUE in these models. However, they are not authorizing any repairs at this time", giving me no time frame as to when a solution might be found. I only have 1200 miles on this vehicle, and owned it for less than 90 days. My dealer (Sanders Ford, Jacksonville, NC) is offering me no solution, buy back, or promise that I might be broken down on highway or what this means for my investment. Service manager referred me to the Ford Hotline Consumer line to "open a case" on my particular vehicle, this was more of the same run around that it will be fixed as soon as the engineers come up with a solution. Then told me to try coming to a complete stop and very slowly take off, and I wouldnt feel the "shudder", which I loved being told to drive it differently to accommodate their defect. I am livid with Ford Motors, and the dealership who is still selling these 2016 Escapes right now from their showrooms and lots. Are they telling buyers today that there is an "Issue" with the transmission ? Did they know of this issue when they sold me mine ? Cannot get a timeframe on how long they knew of this issue, but know I bought one of the first 2016s from Sanders Ford. Looks like I am stuck with this vehicle and at their mercy, but I surely am going to spread the word about not being told and it having a warranty that they will not or cannot use to repair transmission. Next step is going to be the BBB in our area for misrepresentation of this new vehicle, sold with a known defect. Apparently, this "Hot Line" is just a drop box for these issues until they get enough complaints, then they issue recalls. Meantime their unsuspecting buyers/customers are making payments on something that may or may not be dependable. Ford had a "better idea" so they thought, about the Pinto, which they put people off for so long that many people were burned to death..then they recalled ! Think they would learn. Dont think I will ever be happy with this car, no matter how it ends, and will never buy another Ford.

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  Love my escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By pfaulx - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle! Very dependable.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mcjones - February 15 - 4:53 pm

  This is the first truck I have ever owned so it is hard for me to compare a non-HEV truck to this one. I have been very impressed with the gas mileage and performance. I am averaging 33 mpg combined driving in the summer and 26 mpg combined driving in the winter. The mechanism that switches from full electric to hybrid when accelerating from a stop is very impressive. It is as seamless as could possibly be expected. I am not a very fast driver but I can report that this vehicle accelerates very slowly compared with previous cars that I have owned. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking to use less gasoline and can afford the extra cost of the hybrid vs. standard Escape.

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  Dont spend your money - 2001 Ford Escape
  By escapefromtheescape - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This is a nice looking car that performs well. The quality is persistently poor. The car has had a leaky roof, broken rear gate latch, malfunctioning rear storage cover, broken cigarette lighter, extremely rough running, herky jerky engine, broken spark plug coil, a recall for seatbelt tensioners that did not work, and the seats stain easily even after Scotchguard. I will never buy another Ford again.

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  Escape has served well - 2001 Ford Escape
  By C.Bral - February 14 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV. Im buying another one this year! This car has held a pretty good resale value as well.

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  Problems, Problems - 2003 Ford Escape
  By bizmark - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle brand new, right off the lot at a dealership 50 miles from home. Within two days there was a problem--the vehicle had a hole in the radiator right off the lot! With less than 10,000 miles a front wheel bearing went out. And now the thing kills sometimes if your foot is off the gas. I have to drive it with my right foot on the gas and my left on the brake when it is acting this way because every time you take your foot off the gas--even if moving in traffic--it will kill the engine. I had similar problems with a Ford in the past and now I think I wont ever own another one.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2001 Ford Escape
  By cobra4414 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Best suv for the money. HP is under rated. This suv runs like a deer, handels very well in all weather conditions.

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  Not too bad - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mollic - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Escape because it was the first SUV I drove that was fun to drive. But, theres little things I would change. The V6 isnt as powerful as I would have hoped. My 1993 GMC Jimmy had MUCH more power in its engine. The fuel economy doesnt seem to be as good in practice as on paper, and Im anxiously waiting the Hybrid. Interior design could use a spruce up, too.

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  Love this vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ken Collier - February 4 - 5:03 pm

  I love this vehicle. The gas mileage, the look of the vehicle, the fold down rear seats and the quiet sound when the vehicle is in motion are some of my favorite things.

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  My Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robert Amlaw - February 3 - 3:56 am

  The Escape is an awesome vehicle. The fuel economy is outstanding. I really like how quiet it is when in electric only mode. It gets everyone looking at you when in electric mode. You can only hear the wheels turning from the outside of the Escape when it is in electric. It is outstanding in the snow. I live in Worcester, and there are a lot of hills. The Esape Hybrid goes right up them all even when they are covered with snow. It is so nice that it knows when to shift into four wheel drive on its own. You cant even tell when it goes into four wheel drive. The CVT transmission is so smooth. There are no shift points. I highly recommend it.