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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  Fed Up with Ford - 2010 Ford Escape
  By calguy1 - August 24 - 10:42 am

  This is my 2nd Ford in 5 years and my 4th transmission. I had a Ford Fusion that had a transmission fail 1,500 miles past warranty and was stuck 250 miles from home. Ended up working a deal with a Ford dealer in Los Banos and bought a 2010 Ford Escape with 38k miles. 3 months later the transmission failed. Got a new tranny from factory (no cost) and now a yr later it has failed again. Dealer looked up history and learned this will be the cars 4th transmission. There seems to be a lot of forums and posts about how bad Fords transmissions are. Car is no good if the transmission doesnt work. Wish I limped into a Chevy or Honda dealer down in Los Banos.

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  Throttle body - 2010 Ford Escape
  By gofish5998 - August 16 - 6:45 pm

  Two weeks ago my wife bought an 2010 Escape with 39000 miles. The sensor on the throttle body went bad & left my wife setting along the road. The guy at the Ford garage said he had replaced five of them in the last two weeks & there probably wont be a recall. None of the Escapes had over 44,000 miles on them. Lucky she bought it from a local car lot & he took care of it.

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  Mine is a 3.0 V-6 not 2.5 - 2012 Ford Escape
  By frdrang03 - August 14 - 4:19 pm

  This is my Wifes SUV and she loves everything about it we have put 6000 miles on it since buying new in February. This car is Awesome in the snow and on Ice considering its hard to stop anything on Ice. We tried everything we could to get it to spin out in a snow storm, I know your thinking Idiot, but I wanted to push it limits I Have Road raced cars for 8 years and I couldnt get it to spin out the Advance trac, ABS, and stability would allow me to over accelerate it actually directed me back on the road. I hard to describe in detail but it outperforms my buddys Subaru in AWD performance, and fuel economy. This a great little SUV and it make me proud to see a American

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  Dont buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By ch6 - August 12 - 8:29 pm

  I was so excited to buy my second Ford Escape, first one was a 2001 that I drove forever. I bought my 2008 Escape 18 months ago and at less than 90,000 miles needed a new transmission. Guess what?? The new transmission Ford put in doesnt work either!!!! I also need $3,000 additional dollars to put into including a new air conditioner, oil pan and the ABS sensor needs fixed. The word around town when you talk to transmission mechanics is that the 2007, 2008 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute are bad news! Others who work at Ford plants say the Escape is called a parts car, aka they make it knowing that parts are going to need to be repaired quickly If you have this problem please call Ford

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  Pretty Good Car until 130K! - 2002 Ford Escape
  By dragonfly58 - August 3 - 12:42 pm

  Purchased my Escape used w/80K miles on it. Three years later w/150K Im now having BIG problems. Before it hit 130K the car was great! No problems, fun to drive, but now having big problems with E-Vap codes, check engine light always on, fuel hoses replaced, plugs/wires/coils burnt out, back seat release broke, falling apart all at once, cruise control wont work, CD player died, interior falling apart. Mileage horrible, no where near projected, getting 17-19mpg at best. Drivers seat wearing out, no cush left, but lumbar adjust ok. Have always had problems w/cargo door staying locked for days on end, the pits when groceries loaded & you gotta unload over back of seat.

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  2011 Ford Escape - Lemon - 2011 Ford Escape
  By fedup31 - July 23 - 10:08 am

  Purchased end of June 2011 brand new. Has been in the shop 4 times for back window leaking, 2 times for struts and 4 times now because of stalling, and transmission problems. Car just loses power, bumps hard and goes dead. Was in the shop 12 days, Ford put a new throttle body on it gave it back on Friday afternoon. Monday morning the same thing happen. Revs up, loses power, booms and goes dead. This car is not safe to drive. Going today and start LEMON law process. Dont buy one.

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  Lags behind competition, some reliability issues - 2011 Ford Escape
  By jdac - July 21 - 7:34 pm

  We bought this because we like the design. Whether or not it is dated is subjective. My wife can actually see out of it without blind spots. Reliability issues: Transmission "flashed" several times but it still clunks into drive when cold and has a dead spot around 2500rpm. Shifts can be irratic. Rear window seals replaced to fix water leak. Front end links (bushings) have been replaced 3x to solve clunking noises over bumps. Struts replaced twice to resolve combined front end soft/mushy handling. Round 4 for the same early symptoms. Sync is very problematic with many different phones. Dealer now reporting this is all normal. Several aftermkt fixs for known issues above!

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  Rethink before you purchase - 2012 Ford Escape
  By campmulli - July 20 - 5:52 pm

  I will not purchase another one and cannot wait to get out of this one. We purchased the V6 Hybrid in January and in February the bumper clips were broken, the cold air proved to be rough on transmission, various plastic pieces are broken and when putting back seat windows down, the vibration is unbearable. This is the second Ford Vehicle I have owned that I believe to be a lemon. I have owned many Ford vehicles and may consider others in the future but it certainly will not be an Escape.

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  comments on 2010 escape - 2010 Ford Escape
  By jjpal - July 13 - 11:09 am

  i have had one issue with the car fuel gage kept changing finally called ford had to replace the instrument cluster i have had tthe transmision do a hard shift three times been asking the dealer about no satisfactory answer from them

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  First time Ford lets me down. - 2012 Ford Escape
  By sweetmeli - July 12 - 4:49 pm

  I got this car back in March and two weeks later it broke down in the middle of the freeway, left me stranded. They said it was the sensor and had to replace it. First time that Ford lets me down since I have been buying Ford cars since 1997. Also the car vibrates, shakes, and rattles like if it was an older car. Not sure what is up with that, but the dealer said that a lot of people were complaining about it too.