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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  My wife drove it instead of her Maxima - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Well Pleased - August 12 - 2:00 am

  We have thoroughly enjoyed our Escape. It is versatile, peppy, fun to drive, and comfortable to ride. My wife liked it so well that she traded her 2000 Maxima for a 2003 Tribute, which of course is a cousin built in the same St. Louis plant and uses the same chassis and drive train as the Escape. I like the looks of the Tribute better, but the seats are more comfortable in my Escape.

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  "Leather" seating wearing out/cracking - 2001 Ford Escape
  By LifetimeFordBuyer - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Love almost everything - agree w/many others that gearshifter is too long and gets in the way of the radio controls and the "tilt" could be better. My main problem has been with the seating surfaces. Ive had it into the dealer 4 times because the "leather" is thread-bare in the seams or is cracking. Weve never had problems with 4 other Ford vehicles with "leather" seats. Anyone else having this problem?

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  Time for a change! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By newlyweds - August 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Escape to replace another Ford vehicle that I had also purchased new from my dealership. The first few months were great...lots of compliments and a really smooth ride. However, Ive needed to take the beast in countless times to rectify transmission problems particularly concerning the master cylinder. I was beginning to return to the dealership so often that many of the technicians and salespeople recognized me and knew me by first name alone. You know its bad when that happens. Currently trying to dump our lease and get into a comparable vehicle with another company.

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  Great little SUV - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ron L - August 5 - 12:10 pm

  I was looking for a smaller vehicle to replace my 96 Ford Windstar without giving up too much storage. The new Escape XLT fit the bill perfect. The new Escape looks tough and does a great job for what I need. I am getting about 25mpg and very pleased with the looks and performance so far. My wife who drives an Accord V6 coupe would not come near the minivan, now I cant keep her out of the Escape, which is OK, since her Honda is a sweet ride! The Escape 4cyl does just fine in this little truck, it wont set any land speed records, but it has no problem merging with traffic and cruising with the pack, while delivering over 24mpg. Overall we are very pleased with our Escape.

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  Love it so far...BUT... - 2006 Ford Escape
  By crostolinaste - August 5 - 7:53 am

  I just picked up my new Escape last week and I love it. I did have my eye on this model for some time and feel that I did a lot of research prior to the purchase. However, I discovered this last weekend on my first "roadtrip" that the air conditioning is inadequate -- it only blows the cool air through the dash vents, nothing below the waist. This is sort of an issue for me. At this point, Im not sure if I would have decided against buying this model based on this one factor, but it really is a huge disappointment. I will definitely be seeking aftermarket repair shops to see about overriding Fords inept cooling system.

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  Love it! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By robind - August 3 - 1:13 am

  I brought the 2008 Ford Escape as a late Christmas gift to myself! I have been driving my husbands ChevyS10 pickup so this was a nice change. I love the feeling of still sitting up high and love they way it drives. It is fun to drive. I absolutely love my moonroof! I am taking it on a long trip in 2 months from Florida to Connecticut and I am sure it is gonna be a much more comfortable ride than riding in the Chevy truck. I am actually looking forward to this trip. Gas mileage is about 19 in the city which isnt too bad. Not sure about highway since I havent really taken it too far yet on the highway.

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  Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Ellahsue - August 2 - 10:40 am

  Had it a week and am loving it. The pickup is better than you would expect for a hybrid. Although not loaded with bells and whistles, it has enough. Nice ride. Got 32 mpg on my first tank of gas.

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  Daughter Totaled the Explorer - 2004 Ford Escape
  By bobm - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I did a lot of research before I chose the Escape and am delighted with this vehicle. It easily offers the best performance in its class. Acceleration and handling can both be described as "quick". I really like the interior, it feels spacious and airy. Im glad I didnt buy one in its first year (5 recalls?) but at this point I have total confidence it will last a long time. And being a Ford, where everything seems to be on a fire sale, you cant beat the price. Mine listed at $27,715 with leather, mach stereo, moonroof, tow package, 16" wheels and more. I paid $21,888 AND in the Northwest theyre even throwing in two free SEASON ski passes!

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  2002 Midnight Edition - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Suzanne1976 - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I cant think of any complaints I have with my Escape. I love the way it drives and handles the road. Wonderful car!

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  Good Gas Mileage? - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tomanycars - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I like my Escape on all fronts except for one area. Fuel Mileage! No matter how lightly I use the accelerator and how easy to stop I make, the best it manages to get is 21 MPG. For all of the technology available this vehicle should get almost 28mpg. If Honda can build a 250hp V-6 for the Saturn VUE and it gets 28-30 mpg why cant Ford build an engine that gets comparable mileage?