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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  Escape.........to Hell - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Hiller - July 24 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is great. Except that the A/C is horrible. Ford needs to something about their air-conditioning in the Escape. Also, the seats are not comfortabl at all. I wonder if Ford realizes that?

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  Ill Take Another One Please! - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Tony Fields - July 16 - 4:30 am

  Fantastic ride. Strong, tough, no blind spots. Great vision from all angles. Rides like a car, behaves like a truck. Best size SUV on the market, price wise, and reliability.

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  GET YOUR BRAKES CHECKED!!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Peter C. - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Just took my Escape to the dealer for the 30k checkup - they told me that the ROTORS were shot (WHAT!! after 30k?)...will be following up with Henry Ford on this one....so get your brakes checked often..apparently the Escape eats them up. Other then this little $500 blow-up the Escape has been good to me.

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  stand back other suvs - here come ford - 2003 Ford Escape
  By - July 12 - 2:00 am

  bought the sunshine yellow with leather, sun roof, etc. what a great vehicle & easy to find in the parking lot!

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  47 thou and no problems - 2002 Ford Escape
  By cosob - July 9 - 2:00 am

  The car is a ton of fun to drive the 5-speed makes it hard to believe that you are driving an economical 4-cylinder. It rides smooth and handles like a car. You can park anywhere, and there is more room inside(for both people and cargo) than you would think. Gas milage has been higher than expected as well. A year and a half after purchase, I am very satisfied.

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  Failed transmission at 60000 miles - 2003 Ford Escape
  By RayDF - July 6 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is OK, but the automatic transmission had to be replaced at 60000 miles of normal use (at a cost of $2600). Is this another of the now- famous Ford transmission problems? I thought that by now this problem would be solved. However, it obviously isnt... Also, I wouldnt recommend buying a 2WD with the six cylinder: it consistently smokes the front wheels if you press the accelerator too hard. The 4WD wont have this problem. Alternatively, the 4-cylinder engine should be made available with an auto transmission.

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  Fun Little SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By TerriJo - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is fun to drive. It is spunky with plenty of power. The interior is nicely laid out, with more room than you would think. The seats are stiff, but hopefully they will soften up a bit after some use. I can fit plenty of things in the back. A stroller, a golf bag, plenty of groceries, and even my sons little bike. For the money this vehicle is a great deal.

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  fun, fun, fun - 2002 Ford Escape
  By paulawala - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. More interior room than I anticipated just by glancing at them in parking lots. The V-6 has nice pick up. A great looking SUV, not too small like some but not too big like others. Gas mileage is definately a plus.

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  Loving the new Escape! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Jamie - June 25 - 5:30 pm

  I just purchased my new 2008 XLT Escape last week and am loving it! The newer body style is what peaked my interest at first-not a huge fan of the older looks. I decided on a nicely loaded Escape over a standard Edge. I am very happy. The interior is different from what Ive had in the past, but took no time to get used to. I love the satellite. Very room and clean interior. Sunroof is nice and big. So far the FWD with traction has done well in some higher snow for me. The drive feels great and so far gas mileage is good. I love the convenience package features as well. I got the Kiwi Green color and absolutely love it, everyone notices and likes it. I am very happy with my Escape

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  Love my escape - 2012 Ford Escape
  By Bobby - June 23 - 9:56 pm

  I own 2012 (V6) XLT escape and love it it is really relaible and ride is great.