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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  so far so good - 2005 Ford Escape
  By stumagoo - August 27 - 2:33 pm

  Not that much of a downgrade (roomwise) from my Explorer Sport. Handles good, blast package worth the money for the sound system. Not tons of power but knew that was an issue before buying (better on gas). Average 20-21 mpg with 24 being the best with just over 3000 miles on vehicle.

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  Love it - 2005 Ford Escape
  By NET - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, smooth.... Love it. Take a test drive if you want a small SUV.

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  Enjoyment - 2005 Ford Escape
  By freiberg - August 22 - 12:20 pm

  With only 1100 miles, the fuel economy is between 18 and 21 all city driving. With the 3L V6 it is more than responsive for a small SUV and is just a lot of fun to drive. Agility is another quality that I truly enjoy in rush hour traffic.

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  Rocker Arm & Lifters - 2002 Ford Escape
  By TonyaSM - August 22 - 2:00 am

  My Escape has been a great purchase for my rural area. Goes great in the snow. A few minor problems, bad alternator, bad CD player & windshield makes a clogged draining sound after a rain. The popping sound in the front wheel was the rocker arm and ball joint. Its all been replaced under warranty and she drive like new again.

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  Mostly Great Little Truck - 2002 Ford Escape
  By geffiner - August 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Escape for a little over a year now and there have been a few bumps in the road, but they have been fixed as quickly as possible. 4 months after I bought my car, the clutch Master Cylinder had to be replaced (that took 10 days), then 2 months later it was in the shop because it was leaking differential fluid, the dealership fixed that within a day. But then in June, 7 months later it was back in with problems with the differential and it turns out that had to be replaced too. Other than that no problems, and I love this vehicle besides.

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  Phila - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Bizz33 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Constantly experiencing stall out problems

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  Speedy - 2001 Ford Escape
  By smitch - August 18 - 2:00 am

  My Escape has been 100% dependable. The AWD sure is nice in the Wisconsin winters. I have switched to AWD at speeds up to 50 MPH without a glich. The V-6 engine is peppy enough for me. I dont go around "chirping tires" but its easy to do on this vehicle. During this past winter the low coolant light came on, and the coolant wasnt low. I never did get a good explanation on that one.

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  Escape1 - 2002 Ford Escape
  By jim g - August 15 - 2:00 am

  I drive a vehicle very hard and this Escape has handled the stress quite well. It has a great turning radius and the engine power is very responsive in passing situations.

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  01 Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Tazdog - August 14 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is used mostly for around town commuting but recently took it on a long trip(2600 miles). Was very impressed with the performance, comfort and the fuel economy, 24.5 mpg. There was plenty of power for passing and there was no drop off going up hills(6 cyl). Four adults and luggage fit very nicely.

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  Piece of crap - 2002 Ford Escape
  By loulou - August 14 - 2:00 am

  An insightful warning to anyone considering purchasing this vechile..... dont do it. I bought brand new and have had to replace the engine, the steering column (twice) the door locks, repair the air conditioner, power outlets. The chip has been reprogrammed too many times to count....... and it still has problems. This thing is a death trap.