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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  First Two Years - 2001 Ford Escape
  By norg759 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Two years are almost up. 24000 miles and just some thoughts. Had to replce the tires at 23000, front end out of alghnmt. Check engine light came on and was fixed by dealer without problems. All in all, a good little truck (wagon?) that my wife loves and I would buy again.

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  2005 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Buyamerican - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had no complaints at all. It has reasonable acceleration, but I always prefer more. 85% US parts beats the foreign junk competition and supports our US companies and workers. Drives like a car, not a UPS truck like the ugly CRV. Plenty of room on the inside for taller people and the interior is significantly nicer than the 04. Plenty of cargo room, especially with the seats folded down. Gas milage hovers around 19 for city driving.

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  Gotta Luv It - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Fordlady - March 5 - 4:46 pm

  Well I have had my escape since May 2001 and I Love it. I have had a few problems though with the Alarm and Key systems. They had to replace the "brain" of the car soon after we took it home bc of a malfunction with the digital key system. The wind noise could be better but I dont notice it too much bc of the great stereo system. All in all a fun and safe car to drive that has its minor flaws.

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  Escape 2002 - Recommend - 2002 Ford Escape
  By tabouelle - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I was impressed by its good behavior on the road, even at speed around 90-100 mph. It does much better than the other SUVs I have driven. Inside fabrics and materials looks good and solid.

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  You need an Escape too! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Iona Escape - February 28 - 1:43 pm

  I love my Escape. It handles well, seats are very comfortable on long rides, and short ones too! It handles very well in the snow and I didnt even purchase the 4-wheel drive feature. The 6-CD feature is very convenient for listening to audiobooks -you dont have to switch after every CD is done. Put the first 6 in and enjoy the story. The hatchback is very easy to use - lightweight, easy to close. The back seat could use some extra leg room, but is a comfortable ride otherwise. The fog lights are awesome, my old vehicle had fog lights - you couldnt see a difference - these are very bright. Other than the expensive fill-up these days, Im very pleased I chose my Escape.

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  Look Elsewhere - 2003 Ford Escape
  By American made - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Clumsy seating. Poor console setup. The future of American engineering at its worst. Transmission problems within first 2 months (dealer replaced it, though they were hesitant). Two tires needed replacing, due to bubble developements. Not very happy so far. I should have compared other similar vehicles, before jumping the gun.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Missy - February 18 - 1:56 pm

  I am very pleased and happy with my purchase. I went from a small compact car to the Ford Escape and was very pleased with how comfortable it is to drive and how safe the vehicle makes you feel. I am a mother with small children and they are very happy with it as well. Very well recommended.

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  Handles like a sports car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Afterburner - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I wanted an Explorer, but when I drove the Limited, I was hooked. It comes with everything. No complaints. I have yet to see another one on the road and its great to see heads turn. Its fun driving something no one else has.

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  My first SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Georges SUV - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Great for long distance as well as for commuting. Cargo space fits all the camping gear my partner and I need for an entire week of backpacking! Great sound system and a 6 disc in dash changer! A lot of neat options are available.

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  Got a lemon - 2008 Ford Escape
  By john - February 11 - 2:33 am

  I got a lemon. My Escape was great for the first 6 months and now it seems to be in the shop every week. Back hatch mechanism failed twice, had to replace condenser motor because of a transmission leak. My temperature and door lock options on the convience package change on there own and ford has no fix yet. Fog lights are filling up with water and shorting out.