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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  My Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By SandraD - June 23 - 10:00 am

  People who are planning on buying an SUV that drives like a car should check out the Escape. It handles well and looks great!

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  Overall, a great car with tire problems - 2005 Ford Escape
  By EscapeinNY - June 21 - 8:20 pm

  I have had my 2005 Escape for a few months now and am very happy with it. I have had to bring it back to the dealer twice for tire problems. One of the front General Tires was defective (very wobbly ride) and the dealer replaced it with ANOTHER BAD TIRE! While this does not take away from the build qulality of the car, it is annoying to have to keep going back to the dealer. Aside from the tire problem, I have enjoyed driving the Escape. The newly designed front is a big improvement over the older models. The automatic 4X4 is a nice feature. I am tall (62") and sometimes feel a little cramped while driving.

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  My First SUV - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Barbara Ann - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I haVE ALWAYS had sport passenger cars so this was all new to me. I love driving up higher on the road now, and the handling on this SUV is great. It rides smooth, handles nicely. I am very satisfied with the truck and now I know I will never drive a passenger car ever again.

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  EXCELLENT SMALL SUV FOR THE PRICE - 2003 Ford Escape
  By HDPOTTER - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle since the first of August, 2003 and I am very well pleased with most all features of the vehicle. I live in the mountains and have to travel 50 miles round trip to the nearest town and I average around 18 miles per gallon. I also went on a 350 mile trip, which was over a lot of steep mountain roads plus going through several large cities/towns and averaged 25 miles per gallon, so I am very well pleased with my gas millage. The vehicle handled very well and had all the power that I needed, either pulling out in traffic or climing the mountains/hills. I have found the vehicle to be well build and a dependable vehicle up to this point.

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  My 05 Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Lon R. Thompson - June 14 - 3:33 pm

  I have wanted an SUV for a long time, and am very pleased with the comfort, ride, and performance of the Escape. It does everything it is supposed to do without any hesitation. The quality of this vehicle is amazing, and it is hard to beat the price in this level of SUVs. I have driven many different kinds of vehicles, and this is one of the funnest ones I have ever driven. Plus you can throw all your camping gear in it, with the dogs, and have an adventurous weekend, wherever you want to go. I rate the Escape with an A+!

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  Traded in my Juke - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Keith Owens - June 8 - 3:30 am

  Well, I was on the lookout for a used Rouge and stopped at the Ford dealer. Instead of the used Rouge he drove up in a Ruby Red 2016 Escape 4wd with Stone interior and the Chrome package. Lets just say I left the Ford dealer with the Escape. As much as I paid for the Juke I can tell you the Ford is much better quality. I do not get the impression that anything about the Escape is cheaply built in any way. It has been a while since I owned a Ford and I hope this one holds up to my expectations.

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  My 09 Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Glenn - June 2 - 8:50 am

  I had just gotten my new Escape XLT a few weeks ago. Let me start by saying its a sharp looking small SUV. I stayed away from the all wheel drive after hearing a lot of problems people were having with them. Well the 6cyl. Ft. wheel drive is great. The one issue is the transmission. The new 6 speed is nice but the gears settings are rough. The 1st. gear drags out and shifting could be smoother. For a 240hp V6 the power is there it just takes a bit to get it out. The sync is great, power windows, door locks, one touch moon roof, keyless touch pad, etc. All very nice. Overall a great SUV for the class & the price.

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  Looks good so far... - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mdf - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it and love it. I needed a larger vehicle that still got good gas mileage and it does! Plenty O room for 4 adults and your stuff in the back.

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  nice machine - 2003 Ford Escape
  By mortgage man - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 3 weeks now and I cant think of a single thing that Im not happy with. The build quality seems to be excellent. There are no rattles or squeaks - the car just feels very tight and glued down. Its very roomy inside and very versatile.

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  Solid and truck-like - 2008 Ford Escape
  By hoagsmokler - May 11 - 12:40 pm

  Ive never driven an older Escape, but I have heard wonderful things about them. I loved this the moment I sat in the drivers seat. I was concerned about the gas mileage on the V6 AWD, but its not too horrible. I wonder why they still have this old 4 speed transmission? That is one of the few downfalls. I have all the goodies, including XM and sunroof, but the standard stereo is absolutely awful! I knew Fords stereos were always poor, but they should realize that many people make a huge buying decision in the stereo. I went from a newer VDub, so maybe I am just being a snob on the stereo aspect.