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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  The Wave is here - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Jerry Williams - February 25 - 5:33 pm

  I was a certified master mechanic and a service director for three states. I have handled a lot of car complaints and driven a lot of cars and trucks. I ordered a new Ford hybrid about 6 months ago, and just got it. But it was well worth the wait. This is the quietest SUV, car, truck or anything that I have ever driven. It has to be an engineering breakthrough for Ford. It has power enough to pull up to 4,800 pounds (my boats and mowing equipment). I can tow it behind my motor home with all four wheels on the ground. I can get on the freeway very quickly. All the power you need. The warranty is 100,000 or 8 years drivetrain and battery.

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  park bench seats - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Dick Cahill - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had it 11 months and the seats are a little more comfortable then a park bench. The dome light switch should be on the dash. The trans seams like it is going out at 42000 miles shifts out of overdrive everytime you let off the gas at highway speeds.Very small inside for what I do. I am in sales and travel 4 states. I would trade back for my GMC Safari van in a heartbeat. The short wheelbase beats you up after you drive 300-400 miles in a day. The gas millage is okay but the tank is so small you stop for gas 2 or 3 times a day. Overall I would not buy it again!

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  A good compromise overall ! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Dozing4dollars - February 18 - 10:00 am

  Really FUN to drive! It is peppy and handles great for an SUV. It feels more like a sedan/coupe in performance than an SUV at times. It is a good compromise between a viable SUV and a decent handling sport sedan/coupe. If you are looking for a stylish, entry level, around town, SUV with excellent acceleration and handling performance, 4WD and superior cargo capacity, you have found it! It is very easy to park and manuever. Just remember-it is an entry level, smaller size, SUV in its price point. You can load it up with options but you cannot change its basic build materials and quality a whole lot.

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  2005 FORD ESCAPE - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kd890 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I like everything on my new escape, the thing i most Like is the interior design, easy to drive and so soft.

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  mykey feature is a huge pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Tammy - February 4 - 9:49 am

  bought my car used and only have one key. I was trying to reset some settings after an oil and tire change and accidently set my one and only key to the mykey feature. You have to have another key to act as an admin key when this happens to get the setting changed back. So now...I have to spend a ridiculous amount of money to replace and program another key just to remove this very stupid feature. It limits your speed, it limits the volume on your radio among other very, very annoying features. What would have been wrong with having to set a password like every other computer program on the planet....no, leave it to ford to have to make something so dumb an expensive fix.....HIGHLY DISAPOINTED WITH THE GENIUSES THAT CAME UP WITH THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  great but a few problems - 2003 Ford Escape
  By johnboy - January 29 - 10:00 am

  i love my escape but transmission went at 15,000, bearings at 30,000, back winshield wiper broke after 20,000.it is fast strong engine, always willing, strong feel to truck and perfect,size. feel bad i have so many miles on(30)it and Im not sold on how reliable its gonna be from here on in. (although first car i ever owned that i havent had to put on break pads, etc. with this high milleage. it has never let me down but im still leary about reliability. will not keep it past warranty! also it was great in the snow!!ok now i think i talked myself into looking at another one.

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  Ford Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By thecloser4 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This so far has been a great vehicle. would have liked to see perhaps a little more comfort in drivers seat.

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  fun to drive - 2003 Ford Escape
  By steve - January 24 - 10:00 am

  performance,reliabilty,gas mileage,all have been way ahead of what ive expected. This vehicle is fun to drive,practical and very comfortable.

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  marks escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By marksescacpe - January 24 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle and fun to drive too

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  Jeannes Review - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Jeanne1971 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it, cant say too much other than so far so good. It handles well, sits up nice and high, has a kick A*S stereo, nice amount of room on the inside, and is just cute. Havent had to fill up yet, so couldnt tell ya much about the mileage, etc. Now days, small cars are expensive to fill up! I would recommend this to anyone who may be seeking more room inside the vehicle. Its bigger but not overly big.