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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  Daves Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By s9817 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive always owned sports cars until the Escape. Its the most fun Ive had with a car.

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  Escape won me over - 2003 Ford Escape
  By "JR" - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Never owned a Ford.... never cared to. But then came the Ford Escape! Lots of BANG for the $$ and lots of room. Only Ford Id recommend!!!!! Thanks FORD!!

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  Great SUV, poor fuel economy - 2003 Ford Escape
  By dlfpsu69 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about it except for the poor gas mileage -- I get about 15 in highway driving. I got better mileage in my Explorer which I traded on this.

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  Offroad-tastic - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Offroad Lover - September 5 - 10:00 am

  quite simply fantastic piece of machinery.

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  2002 Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By litforever - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Exterior is delightful to look at, (black on black. only fault is the accumulation of brake dust, and a desire to have 18" rims instead of factory 16". On the interior, the MP3 player is a absolute joy on a road trip. The only interior fault is the mechanical knob on the seat that adjust the lumbar support, it has to be adjusted by a passenger if you dont get it where your want it before you begin traveling, and turning it seems to last for an eternity before one feels a result. For the most part this is the best small SUV on the market in my opinion.

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  Seats are killling me!! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By DBW727 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Actually bought 2 of the above models, after first was stolen. Little did I realize the uncomfortable ride was not just the new leather. Escape is very capable in bad weather, peppy with V6, and handles well. The interior is where Ford has really gone wrong. Cheap plastic door panels (really hurt elbows), awkward seat height, and shifter location make everyday driving less than pleasurable. The ultimate downer are the rock-hard seats that have caused back pain in both my wife and myself. Ford cheaped out, but forgot that vehicles should at least be moderately comfortable. If you can stand the seats, the vehicle has a lot of good qualities

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  Love it. - 2001 Ford Escape
  By nrea992 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Escape for 2 1/2 years and have enjoyed every minute of it. The interior is comfortable and functional, exterior looks great even now (the Turedor Red still looks brand new!) The gas mileage is averaging around 21 per gallon and the performance is excellent!

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  New 2003 Excellent - 2003 Ford Escape
  By PWABUSCH - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I spent major time looking and test driving Hyundai , Honda , Mazda etc. and reading reviews on all of them including Ford Escape. This smaller midsize SUV is about the very best "bang for the buck" . I used to have a Ford Explorer so let me tell you guys , this Escape is NO ladies SUV. Great ride , vision , mileage and plenty of power to tow my 18 foot LUND boat!

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  2002 Escape 4WD fun and feistiness - 2002 Ford Escape
  By NoJunk - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Good looking, handles great on ice and in snow. I use it a lot for backraod access to hiking trailheads and it outperforms other vehicles I have driven in similar conditions (e.g. Land Rover). Lots of pep.

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  Blown Engine 47K $4388 Quality is Job ? - 2002 Ford Escape
  By mightyjoe - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoyed my vehicle until the day the engine broke down and the dealership told me I needed a new engine. The Ford dealership told me that the oil pump froze up causing the engine failure and it was an obvious defect. Its a shame that Ford does not stand behind their vehicles.