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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  2005 Escape XLT Sport - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Holly - October 31 - 12:56 pm

  Poor gas mileage, about 250 miles per tank. Tank is only 16.5 gallons. That is the only complaint I have.

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  Enjoyable driving!! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Robert Feaster - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Keep up the great quality that you put into your new units. The best thing you can do is to test drive a new Escape and enjoy all the great features the SUV has!

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  The Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By THOMAS M. KING - October 22 - 1:40 pm

  This is my second Escape. I owned a 2001 model and put a bunch of miles on it in a year. Traded for a Mercury Sable, and then traded it for a 2005 Limited Escape. Love the vehicle and recently drove a Jeep Liberty my wife had rented for her job. The Escape in my opinion is the better vehicle. Better ride and comfort.

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  Good SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JPoon - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Very impressive acceleration. 0-60 is very quick! Handling is precise and quick. Took it on a drive over the weekend to visit CA caverns, tried the 4WD feature. Very nice! Handled the steep highway hills very well too. Very responsive transmission. The 3rd gear goes all the way up to 80mph!! Dun screw with this car on the HWY! Braking is very stable and quick! The seats are abit hard The wind noise at high speed is quite irritating and there is some rattlng noise here and there. The license plate has 2 screws and when hit a bump, the plate just slaps on the metal making very loud noise.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Superfueler - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Ford Escape as a replacement for my 96 VW Golf. I wanted something that was a bit bigger on the inside, was better in the snow, and was more truck-like. The Escape was the perfect match. It has awesome power with the V6, goes great in the snow, has awesome brakes, roomy in the inside, and looks more macho than the RAV-4 or CRV. It also rides more like a car than a truck, unlike the Explorer.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Jenine - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I have this vehicle as a company car. It is great because I am always carrying parts in the back and I have enough room while the vehicle still remains car-like. The overall reliability has been ok, but the little annoyances make me want to go back to my Toyota.

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  Excellent Car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Hailey Mitchell - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I think this car is really great. It has good mileage and is very comfy. I like the way it is built and I am sure you will like it and its price.

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  04 Escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By baseball1 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the handling and the comfort of the 04 Escape. It is good in both the snow and on clear highways and is powerfull enough with the /Duratec V-6 for the highway to say with the flow of traffic or pass when necessary. Engaging the 4 wheel drive is easy and quick.

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  Escape - Not a Ford - 2001 Ford Escape
  By TWC - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Things to consider berfore buying: 1.Re-sale - Carmax offered me $18,000 for a 2002 XLT 10,000 miles with every available option (list new was $26,000). Resale is affected by recent poor crash test results in which Hyundai Santa Fe fared better. 2.Mini-spare tire on an SUV is stupid. 3.Drum brakes on rear (its not 4 wheel disc brakes) so braking is not one of its strengths. CR-V and Santa Fe have 4 wheel disc brakes and real spare tires. 4.Overall cheapness of the Escape. 5.Uncomfortable seats. 6.Thin paint Ford has become noted for. Obviously cost-engineered to the max by Ford. Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!

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  Good entry into the SUV Market - 2005 Ford Escape
  By INTERAVE - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I leased my 2005 Escape Limited due to the fact that the suv has so many good write ups and reviews. I love the way Ford is marketing the Escape on the Radio and Television commercials. Those commercials are almost as if you are buying a Mercedes or BMW. The Truck drives very carlike and I recommend getting the Limited edition because of all the immenites that come along with it. The engine is a bit noisy and the fuel economy could be better but all in all this is a very fine SUV for the money. Dont waste your money on any other Compact SUV. Ford Escape is the way to go in this catergory.