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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Why I love my 2005 Ford Escape XLT - 2005 Ford Escape
By Tammy Laeno - April 1 - 10:00 amThe 2005 Ford Escape XLT is good on gas. Its fun to drive. I love the design. I previously drove a Dodge Stealth sportscar and the transition was very easy which surprised me. Since the Stealth is a small sporty vehicle. This compact SUV was an easy transition for me. I have not noticed any problems and the mileage is good. To fill it up is only $25 in Detroit, MI.
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Poor Gas Mileage - 2005 Ford Escape
By Mike - March 29 - 10:46 amThis vehicle has great comfort and exterior style. I find it hard to believe that FORD could not design this vehicle with better gas mileage. I am only getting 20 miles per gallon either in city or highway. This perhaps would lead me to a foreign vehicle for next purchase. FORD can do better. I come from a FORD family, and do enjoy this vehicle, but am utterly concerned with the gas mileage.
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Excellent - 2005 Ford Escape
By Allycat - March 21 - 10:00 amI have knee problems and having a SUV makes getting in and out of the vehicle so much easier. The Escape gets better gas milage than the Taurus I had previously. The Escape is a great vehicle, easy to handle and goes where you want it to go. I have been going to the same dealership for years and they have never let me done with service or sales.
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2005 Ford Review - 2005 Ford Escape
By Mr Ford - March 21 - 10:00 amThe escape has surpassed our expectations of a small SUV. We love the quick responce it has along with nice handling conditions. We get 18 mpg in town and 24 mpg on the highway, this is with the A/C on (live in Florida). Only have 3 faults with it, seating material cheap, to small gas tank,and tires are noisey (contitrac). Out of the 3 I would consider the gas tank the most important,it needs a 20 gallon tank. I would recommend this SUV to anyone. Ford does have a better idea.
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General - 2006 Ford Escape
By Arthur Burford - March 19 - 7:00 pmAn adequate vehicle which serves my needs. I wouldnt consider it exceptional, but I think it compares favorably with other vehicles in its class.This vehicle came equipped with running boards, a feature I would have insisted upon. However, I find the running boards to be a detriment to entering and exiting the vehicle ... for children maybe? Also, the cup holders are behind the console shift lever -- between the lever and the front storage compartment, making them extremely difficult to use. Speedometer markings are difficult to read. Vehicle has on a couple of occasions gone into passing gear arbitrarily.
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Great in Snow! - 2001 Ford Escape
By rshoe - March 17 - 2:00 amIve had the Escape for almost two years. Very few problems. No major problems. Great ride in good weather. Really does great in the snow. A few rattles in the front suspension. Tires had to be replaced at 35,000 miles. Nice CD player/stereo. Automatic transmission seems to switch into overdrive too soon. Interior pretty comfortable. Good power. Gas mileage about right for a compact SUV.
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Foxy Totally Black Grammy Mobile - 2017 Ford Escape
By Ron Eggers - March 14 - 5:49 amI have got more comments on our new Escape than I have on my previous 4 Escapes. This is my Favorite by far!
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Unbelievably Powerful - 2003 Ford Escape
By SUV MMan - March 12 - 10:00 amI came out of a 1997 Isuzu Trooper and I could not be happier. The Escape combines a great interior with outstanding handling and performance. I looked at a Jeep Liberty and I could not believe how cheap the vehicle was made. I still have headaches thinking about the shoddy workmanship with the plastic trim that is glued onto the body.
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love it! - 2001 Ford Escape
By Sylvia - March 7 - 10:00 amthe 4-wheel drive option is excellent, handles like a car. Comfortable, roomy and must have.
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I LOVE IT! - 2003 Ford Escape
By Pprecious - March 7 - 10:00 amThis SUV is awesome. It does not feel top heavy. It drives like the perfect car, with enough room to haul what I need. Would not trade it for anything.
