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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  Escape is an excellent vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Markc50 - October 2 - 10:20 pm

  I searched on the internet for a local dealer who had an Escape with the 4 cyl. and manual trans. I found one 30 miles away and it is worth the drive. In what I call suburban driving, I get between 25.5 to 27 mpg. Depending on who drives the most, my wife or I. On a trip 70 % highway I got just under 30 mpg. 29.9 to be exact. Very enjoyable to drive. Road noise comes from the tires. With the air on it is a little pokey, but just rev it to 3000 rpm before shift change and it is fine. No squeaks or rattles in 1800 miles. Rear seats are easy to fold. Removable head- rests go under front seats. It is FUN to drive, easy to park. Has a nice exhaust note. Would recommend the Escape to anyone.

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  A Hybrid Driver - 2005 Ford Escape
  By uniongodess - September 26 - 12:23 pm

  The Escape is great, very fun to drive. It handles very well, the suv is the perfect size for daily tasks and for long trips too. The 32mph average is great.

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  Just a great vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Chuck Ripple - September 22 - 10:46 pm

  Just fun to drive...a great vehicle!

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  Amazing - 2003 Ford Escape
  By nightfossil - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I went from a Ford Mustang to the Escape and could not be more happy. I loved my stang but I needed more room for camping and fishing. The Escape answers with a carlike ride a very peppy V6, excellent handling and comfort, very quiet interior, and room as promised. I do not usually go far off road, and this (2WD!!!)SUV easily handled the trail.

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  euro-drive built in the USA - 2004 Ford Escape
  By chasp2 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Escape for the last six months with some 11000 milesw on the odometer. It is a very good car for two senior citizens. Easy to enter and quick on the freeway. We could just contain enough equipment for three months in Florida. We could easily climb western mountains in the rockies as well.Themilage on the west was 27 mpg.

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  2002 Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Tell3131 - September 15 - 9:26 am

  The 2002 Escape 2WD XLT Premium is a fun SUV to drive and has plenty of cargo space. The only complaint is the shift mechanism for the automatic gets in the way of the way of stereo controls.

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  It is fun to drive it! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By L.Castillo - September 13 - 4:00 am

  For starters its the first time I dont see the car I am driving all over! Its unique since I got a rare exterior color one. Unlike Priuses that are all over it seems. But in what matters, it is still an SUV. I fit inside and I am a big guy, and uphill, it does NOT cower. True, one has to learn how to drive all over again, not be heavy on the gas or the brakes. There is assistance there that was not available before. What I cannot understand is why Ford is not gearing that Kansas plant to produce more of these babies. Until Toyota brings out the Highlander (overpriced if you ask me) they had the market for themselves! I love it, period! p.s. I have THE red one.

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  Pretty Good Little SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tink7796 - September 10 - 10:26 pm

  This vehicle handles very well in the snow and in the everyday around town driving. However it is VERY VERY VERY sluggish on the highway or going up hills. Also the cruise control is not very good (you will either go 5 mph under or 5 mph over where you have the cruise control set). If you are looking for a vehicle to commute in, TRY THE 6 cylinder or another vehicle all together! If you are looking for a cheap, reliable SUV to get around town in, this is the one for you.

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  What a blast to drive!!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Kirk Bailey - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a lot of so called "mini" Suvs but none as fun or powerful (with the V6) as I have with the Escape. My son and I go into the back country quite often to camp and fish, so I wanted something that didnt eat up gas and that would get us where we needed to go. The ride is car like so it doesnt beat you up getting to your favorite place yet has enough ground clearance for most off road adventures. I have had no problems with the mini brute but kinda wish it had been built on a frame. Overall, we love it and alot of people ask about it all the time.

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  ford escape - 2004 Ford Escape
  By aperr - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive Plenty of room for me,wife,two kids,stuff Good acceleration Good braking Rear seats confortable Front seats very stiff feeling More control knobs should be lighted Gear shift is awkward Overall, would recommend