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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  Solid Performer - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Dave - April 23 - 9:34 am

  I bought my Escape new and drove it for six plus years. I wanted some of the conveniences (space, height and 4wd) of driving an SUV but was not willing to pay where the next size was priced, did not want horrendous MPG and back in 2002 most large SUV’s still felt like driving a pickup truck. I got what I paid for it was a no thrills solid performer. The car was only in the shop twice for two minor recalls and the well known air sensor. I had the cd changer issue and the moon roof switch that was a pain but I did not ever get annoyed when it happened. It was a great drive as acceleration was excellent and the handling and feel of the SUV felt like I was driving a car.

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  So far, so good - 2007 Ford Escape
  By mfish - April 13 - 9:53 am

  With a new baby on the way, needed to trade our Silverado pickup for a more baby-friendly vehicle. Grew up with the Fords of the late 80s-early 90s and swore I wouldnt drive another Ford, but now I own one--Im surprised at how much I like it. Opted for the 5-speed and can get up to 29 mpg on trips. The four cylinder is so quiet, I sometimes cant hear the RPMs to know when to shift (no idiot shift light to help). The engine is also very spirited that I fins myself speeding without knowing! Im 65" and fit fine in back seat with front seat all the way back. Interior a little plastic-y, but I like the look better than 2008 Escape. Though Ive only had it for a month, I like it.

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  2002 Ford Escape XLS - 2002 Ford Escape
  By C L B - April 10 - 1:01 pm

  Purchased this vehicle used (end of lease). Excellent condition. Ran into problems with manual transmission, idler bearing self-destructed. 3 weeks to replace, but local dealership was extremely accomodating. This sort of failure should simply not happen with a manual transmission.

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  Extremely happy with this terrific SUV - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Jason ESi-T - April 9 - 2:53 pm

  So far, I have nothing but good things to say about this vehicle. The car always gets stares from people, and keeps me looking back at it when I walk away. Its the first SUV Ive bought, and so far, its everything Ive expected. Weve just had a bad week of ice/snow, and the SUV has again proved its worth. The poor gas mileage was expected, but the sheer delight of owning this fabulous automobile was definitely a pleasant surprise.

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  Good portability - 2005 Ford Escape
  By mike - March 21 - 4:46 pm

  I bought the Escape in 06 to replace my 04 full size Sierra. Hoping to save on gas. Well I do a little bit but not as much as they claimed I would. Being a carpenter I needed something I can pack full of tools. I can do that pretty easliy with the Escape. I love how I can basically eliminate the rear seats altogther to create that flat bed back there. I dont like the cheap plastic bumper that dosnt hold up well to cold weather or minor bumps. At 63,000 miles its is now making a "drive line whine" is what the dealers say it is and its nothing to worry about. So thats kinda annoying. The gas tank is very annoying as well as I find myself having to hold the pump the entire time.

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  Great crossover OK price - 2008 Ford Escape
  By lenny - March 10 - 8:36 pm

  So far its one of the better crossovers Ive driven. Rides a little hard but if you want soft buy a car. MPG is excellent so far about 28 average (I drive about half and half city and highway with and without ac.) Lots of little storage pockets. Dont care for the light switch being down by my knee. Lots of room Im 6,4" and a big guy and Im comfortable. Radio buttons take some getting used to as do AC controls not bad just different. Wish I had gotten the 09 more power

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  Bad Paint - 2003 Ford Escape
  By LauraD - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I love to drive my Ford Escape and the interior is good except that the gear shift is in the way of the radio controls. My problem is that the paint has not performed well at all. I took it to a car wash (big mistake) and it is covered with swirl marks! I am shocked at how bad they are. After fighting with the car wash people I was actually forced to make a claim to my insurance to have it repaired, and they thought it was bad enough to pay. So now I have a brand new vehicle with paint that looks ten years old. I even paid to get the stupid paint protectant from the dealer. My first mistake.

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  one year and let the worring begin - 2001 Ford Escape
  By m montes - February 6 - 10:00 am

  likes:The Escape xlt 4wd 3.0 v6 is comfortable and extremely fast. a very powerful engine for off road riding. very spacious with the back seats down.. have use it for carring construction supplies. dislikes:after six months my first bad experience was the srs light turning on. the dealership fix it but a month later it was on again. now the srs lights turn on and off and if i take it to the dealer they take a day or two. lately i have been hearing a thumping noise in the front of the car on both sides of the tires. my fear is that the joints are damaged

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  Great Escape - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Brian - February 2 - 9:52 pm

  I bought mine used with 71,000 miles on it. It being a small SUV I didnt really think it would do very well off road even though it had the 4wd. I was extremely suprised on just how well this thing can off-road! I have put it in some pretty hairy places and it just pulled on through without even second guessing it. It handles quite well on the road. I drive 75 miles a day for work in this thing, and I love every minute of it.

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  Great SUV for the money - 2005 Ford Escape
  By ddelpo - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is ideal for handleing and function. I am getting older and find this a great vehicle to get around in. This is my 6th Ford Vehicle, just love them. Ford Stands by their products.