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:

• 

  Much Improved Over Older Ones - 2009 Ford Escape
  By David S. - May 9 - 2:46 pm

  I owned a 2001 Escape for eight years and liked it very much. This new 2009 is vastly improved over the originals. The ride is now quiet and smooth, the AWD is much better than the 4X4 I had, the computer controls the car in the Chicago area snows to where I cant really get it to spin the tires in the snow. The stability control system works as described. The Sync system is just wonderful and fun, kudos to Microsoft and Ford, it works flawlessly. It seems bigger, 450 pounds bigger and roomier, has 20 percent more horsepower, yet Im getting about 20 percent better gas mileage. I believe Ford did a great job on this vehicle and I believe it to be a lot of quality vehicle for the money.

• 

  n/a - 2002 Ford Escape
  By escapee - April 28 - 9:56 pm

  This is the best of both worlds!!! I drive mostly in the city, congestion, tight parking, etc... The Escape drives, and handles well, performs well too! Gas milage only about 18 (CITY) I did get 24 (HIGHWAY) ONE time! This vehicle has never been back for service, other than oil change, It is even better than the 2001, that I had, that was wrecked with 16K on it! My only complaints are small... I would like to see a lighted ignition switch, (Its hard to find at night) and I would like a little better ride, like the NEW Explorer! Definately the MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK SUV (in my opinion)

• 

  What A Find! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Wayne TW - April 24 - 1:13 pm

  Wow, what a find! Normally I do not like Ford products, but this Escape has changed my mind. Beautifully designed and a real kick to drive. Wife and I both just love it totally. Though I am tall, 62", I get in and out easily and have plenty of headroom. Totally feel comfortable. Wife totally love it. It will be around for a number of years to come

• 

  2008 Ford Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By TC - April 24 - 9:23 am

  I love the Ford Escape. Had a 2006 Hybrid and traded it in because of high miles put on it. More interstate driving than I anticipated. I loved the hybrid. Have v6 now and love it. Easy to drive and park. New design with reduction of wind noise is another reason I traded. If I had the extra money I would have bought another hybrid when purchasing a 2008 model.

• 

  Excellent pick-up after changing the throttle body - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Mike - April 24 - 2:01 am

  My daughter bought this car brand new about 6 years ago. I drove it several times, with no pick-up, noisy as it accelerates, being a 4 cylinder, I thought this was normal since I never drove a 4 cylinder car before. Last week, after 72,000 miles on the car, the throttle body was changed and the pick-up was a difference between night and day! This car never performed like this before. After I brought the car home from repairs, I asked my daughter how did it perform going to work the next morning, and her comment was "Amazing!!!". It looks like this part had issues from the start.

• 

  All-around excellence - 2004 Ford Escape
  By CliffG - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Picked up my 2004 Escape Limited (silver exterior, black interior) in Sept. 2003 and it has been a great vehicle thus far. The ride is smooth and I really feel connected to the road while I am driving. A nice, classy design to boot. The leather interior is top-notch, and the MACH stereo system is far and away better than my brothers stereo on his 2003 Eddie Bauer Explorer. Love the heated seats!

• 

  Love it!! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By cindyc97 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a first time SUV owner as well, and couldnt be more pleased with my purchase....awesome car!

• 

  Great vehicle - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JimJimmy - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. Its looks are so much better than the extreme looks of the competition. Its just an all around great suv for the price.

• 

  What a great "FUN" SUV!!! - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Reza Garajedaghi - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I have only had it for a day, but what a great car. Everyone who has seen it has loved it and I have already taken 12 of my freinds for a spin.

• 

  My first year in my Escape Hybrid - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Michael Bares - April 4 - 1:56 am

  After a shaky start in my Ford Escape Hybrid Im now pleased with my purchase. I knew that the gas prices would soar this year and wanted to be the first in Denver to have one so I found mine on eBay and flew to NJ to pick it up. I must say that Ford did respond quickly to some major trouble in the beginning -- my entire high voltage battery module had to be replaced after a couple of months and they did take care of it. Now I find the vehicle is running beautifully and fuel economy has improved to around 30mpg combined city/highway. The only misgiving I have now is having gotten a personalized plate (B-GREEN) Too many people want to talk to me in traffic and even some take pictures.