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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  Keeps getting better! - 2009 Ford Escape
  By indydan - January 1 - 1:50 pm

  This is my 3rd Escape, after owning an 04 and an 06. This one has a much better ride with the Michelin tires, is roomy for a 65" guy like me, and handles really well. The V-6 is much peppier than my previous Escapes and the new 6 speed transmission is very responsive. Mine is the new Torch red color, and its turned many heads in the few weeks I have owned it. The sync system is really cool and works great with my cellphone. I feel very safe in the vehicle, and other than some engine noise on acceleration, it is reasonably quiet on the road.

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  LOVE IT! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By brewmix - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my escape. I have only had it one week, but I love it. I have test drove many but this one takes the cake. It is fun to drive, roomy and very comfortable.

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  2005 Escape - A must have SUV - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Traci Muchowski - December 25 - 1:40 pm

  I have driven Ford cars my entire life. This is my first SUV. I will probably never go back to driving a car. I absolutely love this vehicle. We live in the Cleveland area and have seen hundreds of these vehicles on the road. It appears to be a very popular here. I would recommmend this vehicle in a heartbeat!

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  My Sweet Escape - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Sweet Escape - December 25 - 1:26 pm

  I replaced my 02 Mercury Mountaineer- 6cyl-AWD-that was getting about 12miles to the gallon for this great 08 Escape. I get on average of 23-25mpg and I love it. Everytime I go to the gas pump I smile--except at the prices of course. I had test driven the Jeep Patriot and Liberty but wasnt satisfied. Once I got behind the wheel of the Escape I knew. I love the Vista Blue Metallic, its gorgeous! This is my 1st vehicle with a sunroof and it has spoiled me. I also love the satellite radio-NASCAR! This is my first new vehicle-I definitely made a wise choice.

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  Ford builds fun - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Ched - December 24 - 1:13 pm

  I had a 2005 Escape and traded it for a new 2009. These are two completely different SUVs. The new Escape seems bigger, heavier, smoother and easier to steer. However, mine "bucks" as it shifts through the gears. I brought it in and they said all is normal. That is the only downside to this vehicle. Once it is cruising, it is like driving a Cadillac. As much as I liked the other Escape, I like this one more. This is a fun vehicle to drive and turns heads. (Ditch the heated seats- they barely warm up.)

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  Little touches make the difference - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Sharon - December 23 - 9:23 pm

  I bought a 2006 Hybrid FWD in November. I have been VERY impressed (as a former Mercedes owner) with the vehicle. Rides great, leather seats are good quality, cruise is very easy to use. The heated mirrors (did not have on the Benz) are a nice touch. The dealer came down only a little on the price ($1.600) but the car is worth it. The mileage is not yet that great - averaged 28 MPG between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, and around 30 around town. But I understand I need to learn to drive differently. At 75 mph, mileage drops considerably to 26-28 mpg. At 65, results are closer to Fords posted 31 mpg. NAV system is a little disappointing, tho GPS positioning is a great touch.

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  Love my Ford Escape - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Lee - December 23 - 7:33 pm

  Great vehicle, goes thru ice, unplowed snowy, slippery roads- very impressed at the way it handles. Living in upstate NY we get lots of all the above and I have not had any problems. Really bad weather is why I bought a 4 wheel drive-not disappointed. Lots of room front and back-even my big dog has a lot of room. Very comfortable to drive and I love being up higher. Gas mileage is only 18-19mpg-not what they said. Test drove every SUV out there and liked the Escape the best. Glad I got it.

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  Escape is Great - 2004 Ford Escape
  By kathypat - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I really love this smaller version SUV. It has given me the amentities i need in an SUV for storage, etc.. and the stereo/comfort/quality/drive that I like in a solid vehicle.

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  Tons of Fun - 2008 Ford Escape
  By BevAnn - December 16 - 6:06 pm

  I intended to buy a used 2006 Escape, but Hubby saw this one and was hooked. Has every available option from Ford. Very happy with that. Quick and snappy, can park anywhere. Just a lot of fun to drive. Great sound system. We looked at mid-sized SUVs but decided we wanted something smaller and this fits the bill. Lots of power. Weather has been bad nearly since purchase and I drive in AWD a lot, plus with zero degree weather or below, longer warm up periods are required so I am not seeing the great fuel mileage people are talking about. (17 mpg) I hope that chances with the weather conditions. Overall very pleased.

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  Update to earlier review - 2007 Ford Escape
  By vsinger - December 7 - 2:58 pm

  Wrote previous review 1 month after buying - now 1 year after purchase. Still love this vehicle. Motor broken in - excellent off-line acceleration. Very comfortable on long (1000 mile+) trips. Absolutely no reliability issues w/regular maintenance. So far unable to bottom it out yet over rough terrain, ruts at intersections, goes right over small obstacles like curbs if you go slow - great for "urban warfare".