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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Best SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
By Schwendy - October 22 - 2:00 amYou simply could not design a better SUV! Though it is called a mini SUV, you would never know from the inside, with plenty of leg and head room for all passengers. The features I feel set this car aside form the compedition were its great looks, interior space, great acceleration, and very responsive steering. It hanles much more like a car than a large sluggish SUV. It doesnt hurt you at the pump either, with about 21 mpg average in the city with the V6 engin. I can honestly say I dont have a single complaint after 6 months and 11,000 miles. If your in the mini SUV market stop looking and buy a Ford Escape! You wont regret it, I promise!
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Best SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
By TigsZBest - October 22 - 2:00 amI bought my Escape because it was very comfortable to get in and out of. I have a physical disability which makes driving a car very hard for me. I needed something higher, but was afraid of getting a SUV. After I test drove the Escape I knew it was for me! My friends and family were very amazed that I found something that I felt so comfortable in. It is a joy to be able to go out and have a comfortable and easy handling vehicle to go in.
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Smart buy - 2011 Ford Escape
By Eugene Brinkley - October 19 - 7:19 amthis has been and still is a great car. would recommend anyone to buy this model.
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? - 2003 Ford Escape
By RONALD - October 19 - 2:00 amIT IS A GREAT SUV I WOULD RECOMMEND IT AND WOULD BUY IT ALL OVER AGAIN
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Brake Noise? - 2008 Ford Escape
By flnycus - October 17 - 4:40 amI love my new 08 Escape. It looks great, its fast and spacious. Gas mileage in the city has been about 19.8-21mpg. Excellent smooth ride on long trips. We have done 3500 miles in it. One problem - the rear makes a "rocking" noise when the vehicle is just about to stop. The dealer has it for a 2nd time and cant work out what it is? The rear brakes grind when you press the pedal when in P or N. Has anyone else had this problem? Very annoying! I may have a lemon? They should have put 4 disc brakes instead. Overall I love the SUV but this problem is driving me crazy. To date they have replaced the mirror motor on the drivers side, replaced a broken seal on the rear brakes and the left axle!
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Fun to Drive - 2003 Ford Escape
By PooJo - October 15 - 2:00 amIve been real happy with my decision to buy a 2003 Ford Escape XLT. It is so fun to drive, I make up excuses to go to town! I had a 2001 Honda CRV before, and this Escape is much more roomier & luxurious than the utilitarian feel of the CRV. Plus the Escape is one of the few small SUVs with NO BULKY SPARE TIRE hanging off the rear of it, and as a result, it only has a 16 gallon fuel tank. A sacrifice I was willing to live with.
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Value is great - 2018 Ford Escape
By Catrina Sandford - October 14 - 4:48 pmThe colors, technology, comfort and price of the car are great!
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Nice Little Ride - 2005 Ford Escape
By Mustang Dude - October 14 - 10:00 amThis car is a fun SUV. It can hold lots of cargo as well as people. The motor is very peppy and seems to want to go with little effort. I love the new headlights on the 2005 as well as the new center floor shifter.
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so far so good - 2001 Ford Escape
By pakamama - October 13 - 2:00 amzippiest car i have evr driven.. acceleration on the V6 is heavenly. spacious enough for a family of 4 plus a load.
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Newly purchased - 2017 Ford Escape
By Christopher Prescott - October 9 - 5:53 pmThe Ford Escape was 4th on my list but moved to the top of my list after researching the escapes ratings, available ford rebates/ incentives and test driving it. Best advice is to do all your research before purchasing your car and make sure you shop around at multiple dealership. Went to 3 dealers with the exact same car with options I wanted. Cost me a couple of extra hours but was able to negotiate $2,300 lower than the first dealership with 0% interest.
