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:

• 

  Limited - 2009 Ford Escape
  By David - February 6 - 7:56 pm

  Got a great deal, has all options and it cost me 28k, 5k less than expected. The navigation system and sync work very well, and if you get bored you can do voice recognition training so your car understands you better, though its not neccessary. The ambient lights have several colors and are a nice touch. Suprisingly the performance is close to my 07 Fusion with the same engine. My only complaints are that the rear seats dont fold completely flat, and that the front seats are a little tough on the lower back, but then again I havent really looked for the lumbar adjustment.

• 

  It keeps getting better - 2001 Ford Escape
  By - February 2 - 10:00 am

  When I first bought my Escape I was very impressed with the performance of the V6 engine. I while back I used to have a Mustang GT and the Escape is as much fun to drive plus gives me all the room I needed for a family of 5. After having it for a year I decided to make it even more fun. I added an S&B free flow air cleaner and a Superchips performace chip. Now the thing flies. You have to ease off the gas to keep the tires from spinning. I plan to add a Borla exhaust next. It is extremely light for an SUV and has more than enough power for most people. If you are considering getting the Escape I would definitely recommend it.

• 

  Lemon:Transition at 16,000 miles! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By jj - January 22 - 12:36 pm

  The first time my 2001 Ford Escape XLT broke down, it was a result of the Serpentine belt falling out of my car due to a loose belt. The second time my Escape left me stranded onthe highway, was due to the V6 transmission. At 16,000 miles my car needed a new transmission. Ford Motor Company promised me an extended 100,000m/ 6 yr. powertrain warranty at no cost. I have yet to recieve the paperwork from Ford I now laugh at their "Committment and Quality" commercials.

• 

  Not bad - 2005 Ford Escape
  By drlee - January 15 - 1:13 pm

  Not bad for an American car. I really bought it because my son works for Ford so I got a great discount plus the fact that my 94 Ford Ranger got me $2,000 more for a trade-in than Honda or Toyota would have given me. Sits high, fun to drive, great in snow! Overall Im very pleased, but wish it would get better mileage.

• 

  Perfect Work Vehicle - 2008 Ford Escape
  By jwappraisal - January 8 - 9:03 am

  After gas prices went over $3.00 a gallon, it was time to trade in the 2006 F150 V8 (16-18mpg) for something with better mpg. I use my vehicle for work and travel quite a bit so gas prices are very important. My 2008 Escape is getting 23-26 mpg and is saving me a bundle on gas.

• 

  THE SEATS ARE ROCK HARD - 2004 Ford Escape
  By TYLER JAMES - January 4 - 2:00 am

  ITS NO THAT BAD

• 

  Small ute with a big attitude - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Rick - January 3 - 7:50 am

  So far we put over 6K miles on our 08 Escape. We absolutely love it! It has been the perfect replacement to our aged gas loving Astro van. Geting the EPA rated MPG. For a I4 FWD we have taken it to some bad roads and some mud and it handles it with no problem. It makes you fell like your in a Explorer. Its on the slow side with the I4. We clocked it a around 10-11.5 seconds to 60. We only had one problem. A weld in the gas tank. (baffle) broke and was causing an quite squeak. The dealer replaced it under warranty and gave us a free oil change in less then 5 hours! This car turned a GM family in to Ford buyers for life if we continue to be pleased.

• 

  Hybrid for the highway driver - 2005 Ford Escape
  By CJS - January 3 - 12:46 am

  I thought I was going to buy a Toyota Highlander, but after comparing the two wound up with the Escape. This is my first American vehicle and Ive been surprisingly happy with it considering how much Ive hated some US-made rental cars. The interior controls are comfortingly similar to the Mazda I gave up (probably due to the fact that Escape was originally a joint Ford-Mazda project). The shift between gas and electric is imperceptible unless youre looking at the tach. The CVT and regenerative brakes give the car a slightly different feel than other cars, but not in a bad way. I do a lot of highway driving (24,000 miles a year) and have 6,000 miles in 3 months.

• 

  Love My Escape....... - 2001 Ford Escape
  By rugger11 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought my esape as a birthday present to myself. Love how the vehicle handles. Great pick-up. Most SUVs are made for big people but this vehicle is comfortable for my small frame.

• 

  Detail Quality are poor - 2002 Ford Escape
  By slug90 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  All of the big things one buys a car for, engine, handling, comfort, reliablity are there! This car is fun. It has a peppy engine that takes me over a twisty mountain road 10 times a week. However.. There was no eye to detail. The rubber stoppers on the rear window fell out in weeks. The big rubber stopper on the driver door fell out a month later. The gromett that holds the seat belt buckle reachable by the driver broke within 3 months, the compartment holding the garage door opener broke at the same time. Whew thats a load. I thought you all might want to know. Ford didnt seem to care!