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 2003 XLT - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Pikal - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall good. The doors feel like tin and dont close easily enough. Gas mileage not nearly as good as expected, 16-21 mpg. The horsepower is very good. Overall the SUV is fun and reliable.

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  Escape XLT Sport - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Wayne - October 30 - 9:43 pm

  Very good handling and comfortable on long trips. Milage is great for the type vehicle. I would definitly get another. Foir myself, an all wheel drive. I would want a bit larger engine, though. Then, off to the mountains bowhunting I go!!

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  Good SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Vicky - October 29 - 6:16 am

  Love the car. Went through a lot of problems with Ford dealerships themselves but worth it for this SUV. Great gas usage. Very impressed with that.

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  Transmission Problem - 2003 Ford Escape
  By fordescapevictim - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Three months after I purchased it, the transmission started to break down. The Ford dealership attempted to fix it but cannot. They claimed the computer module has to be reprogrammed so they did, but the slipping problems still keep reoccurring. I dont think this SUV is ready for prime time. Remember, you dont get compensated for the inconveniences you suffer plus headaches.

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  2003 Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By M. Warren - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Car has great performance, handles very well. Fuel economy is average for class 20 mpg overall.Driven mostly on highways but has been on the beach in sand and in the snow, performed well on both. The only problems with vehicle were a dirty throttle body that was cleaned and a sensor was replaced for the back-up system.

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  Great Little SUV - 2001 Ford Escape
  By eddie6505 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Have owned my XLT 4X4 for almost 1.5 years now and have been very impressed. No problems so far and I have 50,000kms. Have used it for some off roading and although it doesnt have a low range it still performed admirably. Would recomend to anyone!

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  Wonderful little SUV. - 2003 Ford Escape
  By fun to drive - October 23 - 2:00 am

  With 10K miles on it, my wife and I are loving our new Escape: the combination of small size outside and great interior space, the fun driving experience, the "Mach" radio upgrade, etc. Build quality is excellent - no glitches at all. Ride is a good mix of car and truck -- not nearly as tippy as the little Toyota and Honda we tested. My only complaint is my own fault -- I ordered 2 wheel drive, not 4 wheel. The Escape can really accelerate quickly from a stand-still, but with only 2 wheels to transfer the power to the ground, I cant enjoy this as much as I would like.

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  good suv - 2003 Ford Escape
  By RICKSTER - October 22 - 2:00 am

  since i had it its been reliable and comfortable to drive with plenty get up and go more room than it looks

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  GREAT CAR! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By SPUNKY3283 - October 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS SUV IS THE BEST OF THE BEST. GREAT POWER FROM THE V6 ENGINE, AUTO FOUR WHEEL DRIVE, AND GREAT GAS MILEAGE, WOULDNT GIVE IT BACK FOR ANYTHING!

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  Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Vasaflicka - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun, zippy "baby" SUV which I purchasded in February 2001. The ride is surprisingly smooth. It gets the same mileage as a Ford Taurus station wagon with abt. 25 mpg on the highway (17 mpg in city). I love the choice of 4WD in the winter. I would highly recommend it to drivers of all ages.