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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  Bought it for my college age daughter - 2016 Ford Escape
  By David DeBord - May 23 - 5:12 am

  This is my second Escape bought for a college aged daughter. The other one is two years old and we really like it. Big enough as an SUV to feel she is safe on the road, good safety features. She is a techie person so she loves the Bluetooth system, GPS, and USB interface between he radio and her ITunes file. Plenty of room for getting things back and forth to college. Good get up and go with the EcoBoost fuel system. Stylish in her eyes. And Dad likes driving it when she lets me.Bought as a Demonstrator so got a good discount.

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  The Perfect Small SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Ron Rickard - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The Escape delivers Style, Comfort & Performance comparable to SUVs made by BMW & Mercedes for about half the price of those high end models. Its the biggest bang for the $$$ in its class. Three of my customers that rode in my Escape this past year were very impressed with it and asked my oppinion of the vehicle. All three of them were so impressed that they bought one and all 3 are very happy with their Escapes.

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  The best - 2004 Ford Escape
  By BeezyBop - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Never will go back to a car again.love it. Great in the snow

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  Good Escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Frank Shivery - May 11 - 5:51 pm

  Have owned my 2011 Escape XLT since July 2012. Overall it has been a good reliable vehicle. I have the 3.0 V6 Engine which gets surprisingly good MPG. No big complaints as this little SUV has held up well. There was an issue with the A/C which the dealer fixed under warranty and the throttle body was replaced last year also free of charge. Car has remained problem free since. No electrical issues, have just really only done regular maintenance on it.

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  My 30 day review - 2002 Ford Escape
  By gravydb - May 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive only been driving this vehicle for 30 days, so keep that in mind while reading. Overall, I am very happy with this SUV. Great acceleration with the V6. I test drove a Honda CRV and I thought the engine was going to burst while I was trying to merge onto a highway. No thanks. The Escape looks good, handles better than most cars Ive driven, and has plenty of interior room for being a "mini" SUV. There are only a few minor things I think should be improved, but if I could only pick 1 it would be the seats. They need to be a bit more contoured and supportive.

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  Awesome, But Defective - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Don C - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Its FAST! It beats most cars, never mind SUVs. The factory 6 CD stereos almost perfect! I love the aggressive styling, spacious interior and high seat height. However, next time Im buying a Toyota or Honda. The CRV and Rav4 are under-powered. The Rav4 is too small. The Highlander and Pilot are too big and cost too much. Unfortunately, my Escape spent over three weeks at the dealer for repairs the first year. The front axles were dangerously defective, damaging the front tires. There was a rattle in the hatch that took three visits to cure. The hood release cable snapped and... you get the idea.

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  Finally, A Nice Ford Vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Kerri - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my new vehicle. I was a little hesatant to buy a Ford due to their past problems. However, the Escape has a nice ride and fuel efficant for as well as a SUV can be. I was also pleased by the way I was treated by the Ford dealership that I went to. All in all, I am extremely happy with my new purchase.

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  ExcellentSCAPE - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Bite me, Chevy boy - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is our first SUV, and were extremely pleased with it so far. Weve had it three months, and have nearly 6,000 miles already. Its a blast to drive because of its willing engine and capable handling. We love how it sounds, how it smells, how it feels, and how it looks. We highly recommend this vehicle (especially with the Appearance Package).

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  best all around small suv - 2001 Ford Escape
  By tdr - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Pulling power and handling are the tops with this small suv, in fact out performs alot of mid size suvs in this area. Surprising interior room. Have pulled 18 tandem axle trailer with 3 four wheelers; no problem even in the Arkansas Ozarks.

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  real escape review - 2003 Ford Escape
  By KWR71839 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Having an escape as my first car, i was a little skeptical at first. But getting behind the wheel makes me feel safe and in control. With the engine of a large SUV and the size of a compact, this car has some definite power if you know how to use it. Not a difficult ride, smooth and enjoyable. The escape is a definite recommendation for a test drive.