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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  2002 Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By jkr - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I really like my ford Escape in an all around package its hard to beat. Very fun to drive! Easy to see out of,easy to move about- park

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  Poor choice - 2003 Ford Escape
  By K PRIDE - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Before warranty was over, Ford replaced entire plastic panel around bottom of vehicle (faded). Battery failed & was replaced. We just went out of warranty (38,000 mi) and the gas pedal has started sticking when you take it out of park. At 40K mi, the CD player has quit working. Sorry, but its out of warranty! Sorry, FORD, you lose in the long run!

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  2002 Ford Escape Overview - 2002 Ford Escape
  By M.A.F. - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I REALLY AM FOND OF MY ESCAPE, HOWEVER, THE GAS MILAGE HAS BEEN A DISAPOINTMENT.THERE IS NO WAY THAT THE TRUCK IS GETING THE ADVERTISED GAS MILAGE.I AM ALSO SOMEWHAT DISAPOINTED IN THE PAINT FINISH. THE FINISH SEEMS TO SCRATCH QUITE EASILY.

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  We love this little guy! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Sharonxtxr - December 20 - 2:00 am

  We are so pleased with this small SUV, our first but not last. We have already used it for a motel, love the seat warmers and extra handles for the older generation. Love the heating and air conditioning system too. So simple.

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  Good Vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Brice rhodes - December 13 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 Ford Escape XLT 4X4.I am very happy with my Escape.I absolutley love the exterior look and it rides very well.I think the interior could be a little more modern.I am not too happy with the fuel economy.I get about 18-19 mpg most of the time.Overall it is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Totally surprise with the performance... - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Cesar from Austin, TX - December 8 - 2:00 am

  We recently got a 2016 Ford Escape S (base model) and Covert Ford here in Austin, TX gave us a great deal for the car. We just went to Dallas to visit my son and were totally surprise with the performance (very agile and fast). We just had 1,500 miles and on it and averages - - 26.4 miles/gal (city) and 31.8 miles/gal (highway) - - I thought the gauges were wrong but it confirmed it when I fill her up. We didnt have all the bells and whistles but it has enough features we need to have a smooth/leisure travel - - bluetooth, back-up camera, usb port. We do keep our cars for a long time - - so, I do not regret adding a 7/100,000 miles extended warranty on it - - definitely gonna drive this to the ground.

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  MyEscape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By unhappyford - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought v6 in April 01, Paid the 1st visit to the service dept for a check engine light by Aug 01. This started a series of diff lights coming on at diff times and many visits to the dealership-(thank goodness for warranty).Each time Id take it in and theyd fix a light of the month but no guar it would be "fixed". 27,0000 miles later and 10x to the dealership in 2 yrs was all I could handle. After it being in the shop 8, 9, 11 03 I traded it in and got a Nissan. The less than reassuring attitude from the Service Dept and Ford left me no choice but to find a reliable means of transportation for my family.

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  Sweet Sorrow - 2002 Ford Escape
  By rjc - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Maybe isolated. I traded in my Escape before the 3 year/36000 mile warranty. Had multiple electronic issues. Dash lights would go out, stereo lights, brake lights.They were fairly minor but I wasnt about to keep after warranty expired.Would Still have car otherwise. Its fun to drive, milege wasnt too bad

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  Snow and ice test drive. - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Fond of Fords - December 2 - 9:53 pm

  I set up an appointment to test drive a few models at my dealership. The night before as well as during the drive, it snowed, it sleeted and it froze. The Escape handeled as if it was high and dry. The I4 engine was comparable to a Six .The 4wd wouid not let me skid. All the toys are fun. I can not wait to go long distance. Even to my mother in laws. I will write again to update.

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  Good Mileage and Fun to Drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jim in DC - December 1 - 2:56 pm

  I expected to get better gas mileage, but did not expect the actual mileage to be within the "published" range. However I AM getting between 29-33 mpg on a regular basis. The display module showing constant fuel economy, and the GPS navigation make the vehicle FUN.. Also the sound system is much better that I expected from a factory built-in. All in all, a really fun vehicle to drive, with good gas mileage (and a lot of questions from potential buyers everywhere I go).