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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  This Escape loves the feel of the road! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By CwbyNChgo - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I had an Explorer before I traded it in for this Escape. I looked at all the smaller SUVs.... This one handled better than all the others and after putting over a 1,000 miles on it in a month, Im glad I bought it. It truly is a pleasure to drive and handles like a charm. I got the price I wanted for my trade- in AND for my new Escape. Just do your homework on the vehicle, then stick to your guns.

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  Try and Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By KCmade - October 22 - 10:16 am

  The new style 2008 Ford Escape is much more masculine than the past designs. It looks rugged and feels solid, however it clearly is much quieter than the ones in the past. Theres plenty of room all around but entry seems about an inch or two too high for my bad knees. I can deal with that because overall, for the most part, this is a winner. Dont give up on Ford yet.

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  FORD Escape 2005 - 2005 Ford Escape
  By myescape - October 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and it fits me perfectly. My wife and I both enjoy riding it.

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  Unreliable - 2011 Ford Escape
  By Nicholas stinson - October 9 - 9:42 pm

  This car was amazing at first I loved it but the more I use it the worst it gets, 120000 miles and the ac has gone out twice now and this time it is a compressor, the seat belts don’t work at all they don’t even retract and the driver seat has already ripped. The Bluetooth half the time doesn’t even work and the highest package stereo is horrible the speakers pop at low volume due to not getting enough power out of head unit and amp. The stereo also doesn’t get any louder when you turn it past 4/6ths the volume after that it is pointless. Also things rattle inside the doors non stop from the radio and also from outside rough roads.

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  Not worth buying - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Alyssa - October 8 - 2:02 pm

  You can get a lot better cars than this for the price. Ive had to put at least 3k in for repairs within the first month of buying it. Although I do feel really safe in it, I have to fill up my tank every week, and I dont drive a lot. I regret buying this car and its put me off of all fords.

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  Not worth buying - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Alyssa - October 8 - 2:02 pm

  You can get a lot better cars than this for the price. Ive had to put at least 3k in for repairs within the first month of buying it. Although I do feel really safe in it, I have to fill up my tank every week, and I dont drive a lot. I regret buying this car and its put me off of all fords.

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  Frustrated With This 2001 Ford Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Capricorn - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had to take it back to the shop for a recall item & some minor stuff. Minor has now started to become major. Before you buy this, think about quality. I can assure you that Ford doesnt care once you go pass the warranty period. Ive had to get the spark plugs replaced, #1 engine coil, tires & brake pads. Im still having an acceleration & misfire prob which I was told that the malfunc was somewhere in the #1 cylinder. The tech said it could be anything. That stupid eng light has been on more times than I can remember. Hard for you to get to some of your spark plugs & coils-its gonna cost to remove that eng intake & replace those expensive coils.

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  Performance - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Escape4ME - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I find the Escape to have a rough ride. I previously owned a 4x4 2dr Sports Explorer and the comfort level was much superior. With the Escape you seem to feel all the bumps in the road. Also, the steering wheel has buttons, plastic type,built into the sides of the steering wheel and my fingers from time to time get hungup or caught inthem. Otherwise I am a happy camper.

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  Love this car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Honda Girl - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive only got 3,000 miles on this car, so Ill have to put in an update later this year, but I love this car. Its fun to drive, easy to get in and out of and has plenty of space for everyone. Its my first Ford or SUV and I do have a fear of reliability issues but I hope for the best. Ive had problems with my Hondas and Toyotas so they werent perfect either.

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  I Love My Escape! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - September 28 - 3:53 am

  After buying 5-speed manual Honda cars for 30 years, I decided to look at an SUV with a 4 cyl. 5-speed manual. Honda offered automatics only in the 4 cyl., so I looked at several other makes, and the 2008 Escape was by far the best looking with many features that are standard. Cruise control and mag-type wheels were the only options I had to get. I love sitting up high and having all the cargo space. It is a dream to drive! Thanks Ford for offering the 5-speed manual transmission!