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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  New transmission needed... - 2007 Ford Escape
  By angyl421 - August 7 - 9:31 pm

  Ive had my Escape for about 3 years now and have loved it up until this point. As I was driving home last week my O/D light began flashing. I took the car to my mechanic and was told I needed a new transmission. I only have 51,000 miles on my car. Other than that, it does have some loud road noise- especially at around 45-50 mph. Other than that, the car has treated me well, too bad I have to get rid of it.

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  Works Great - 2012 Ford Escape
  By fehowner - August 6 - 9:29 pm

  2012 Escape Hybrid - FWD Pros: 1. Acceleration is on par with our conventional 2003 V6 Escape. 2. Getting better than the EPA estimate of 32mpg combined and that is with the AC running most of the time. 3. SYNC is awesome. 4. Since the base hybrid is more equivalent to a V6 XLT when considering options and performance characteristics the actual hybrid premium is closer to $4500 which makes this a great value. 5. There is an 8yr/100,000 mile warranty on the battery. Cons: 1. Exterior is a little dated. 2. Must insert and turn key like a conventional vehicle to "start" it. 3. ICE always on above 45mph which seems like a waste while coasting down a long steep grade at highway speeds.

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  I love my Escape! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By isolusine - August 2 - 9:08 am

  Id give my Escape a 5/5 but I have only had it a month so I cant speak to the reliability yet. I absolutely love it. I love the look of the inside & outside, it drives great and I am getting better gas mileage than I expected. So far in the first month I have gotten 28.5-29.9 mpg, with it increasing every time I go to the gas station! My commute is an hour each way, some city some highway, and it is definitely exceeding my expectations! It is quiet, the AC is quiet and works great, and I havent had any of the leaking or initial quality issues others have listed.

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  Failed Transmission - 2008 Ford Escape
  By cjutte - August 1 - 3:29 pm

  I used to love my Ford Escape. It was a great value and the perfect size for my family of 3 1/2. BUT after my transmission failed at 62,000 miles (just 2,000 miles out of warranty) I will never again purchase another Ford. I was originally looking at Honda and Toyota and wish I had spent the extra money on one of those brands. Not happy with my experience.

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  love it! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By h2hummer679 - July 27 - 7:51 pm

  i own a limited 08 escape and i am very pleased with it so far. It is surprisingly more roomy than you would think. the ride is a little rough but thats understandable with a suv. navigation works waaay better than any tomtom or garmin ive used. havent tested it out in the snow with the 4wd but im expecting great things from it. the gas milage is great for a vehicle this size and with a v6.

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  2005 Ford Escape is a great vehicle! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By kpbo24 - July 24 - 6:22 pm

  I had to junk my 2005 Dodge Neon after many, many problems and decided to buy this 2005 Ford Escape to replace it. I am very happy that I did. It runs great, even with 90,000 miles on it. I havent had the opportunity to try out the all wheel drive in the snow yet. The only issue I have with the vehicle is that it is a gas guzzler. I only get about 20 miles to the gallon, as I do mostly city driving. It seems like I just fill it up and the next thing I know my tank is down 25 to 50 percent. I got nitro put into my tires to increase the gas milage a little bit.

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  disgusted with 2008 escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By fedupwithit - July 20 - 5:46 pm

  Bought my 2008 Escape in June 2007, really loved the vehicle with no complaints until this year. At 84,000 miles the headliner is falling down in front and on side in cargo area, the bearings went out, the tire pressure sensor kept coming on for 2 months, the seats stain easily after turning over a vase of roses in just water and the stain wont come out. I have owned 8 new Fords with no complaints but I have become completely disgusted with this 2008 Escape and I wouldnt recommend it to anyone...it has made me consider buying a foreign vehicle for the first time in my life as my co-workers love their Hyundai Suvs

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  Wow....what a disappointment! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By emt09 - July 15 - 7:51 pm

  First, its a 2011 Escape XLT V6 4WD I have been watching the Escape grow since 2001, and now that I am 20, I decided it was time to purchase a new car, my first new car! What a disappointment it is! I was in love with the Escape....thought it was the greatest! Now my thoughts are completely the opposite! This is my second Ford, but you wont catch me in a Ford again for a LONNGGGGG TIME!!!!! My dealer has been doing a decent job, but having the vehicle for less than 2 months, and it has been back there 3x...somethings wrong! First thing was the alignment was off, second it shut off on me twice for no reason, third-electrical problems, fourth-transmission problems, fifth more electrical!!

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  Charlatan Engineering - Avoid at Any Cost - 2012 Ford Escape
  By gormarx - July 11 - 12:23 am

  I had to take the car to fix the door so it doesnt fill with water when it rains, thats how poorly manufactured it is. Sync is a bug-infested, malfunctioning piece of crap by Microsoft, as always. The features and control placement is idiotic: opening the cabin does not turn on any lights in the car, ever the headlights are turned on in one spot but switching to high beam is located at another, squeezed among the wiper controls. The wipers have a dozen settings, all of them too fast or too slow but never right the AC/heating i loud an annoying, as is the engine. Ive driven Soviet cars with far more comfortable and user-friendly design. Never again an American piece of crap.

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  6 cyl. AWD piece of junk!!!!! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By al_syracuse - July 10 - 3:18 pm

  Problems from day one. The infamous "hoot" which Ford has known about for three years and done nothing about it so far. Getting worse by the day, and will undoubtedly lead to transmission problems. Build quality issues, including fender liner problems, and water leaks. Front passenger compartment was getting flooded every time I went to a car wash. Dealer fixed that problem, and now air conditioner leaks into the same compartment. What a piece of junk. Although Ive owned a dozen Fords before, this will be my last, for sure.