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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  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.

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  Run far far away from this vehicle! - 2011 Ford Escape
  By undertakeress - May 8 - 12:00 am

  My dad worked for Ford, and I have owned nothing but Fords my whole life.. I leased this in April 2011 and am counting the days til it is expired. The transmission is HORRIBLE - Its been in the shop 4 times and nothing has been fixed. It jumps gears and feels like youve been in a big accident - I almost hit my head on the steering wheel! Vibration at idle at stoplights or drive thrus is horrid, and you can hear the ticking when you start it up. I dont know why this has not been recalled. Every person that I talk to at my job at an auto parts store that has a 4Cyl Escape 09-11 has the SAME issues! Get it together Ford!

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  Beware - 2006 Ford Escape
  By disneychick8 - April 27 - 9:46 pm

  I bought a 2006 Ford Escape brand new which is now paid off and I now have spent an additional almost 1/3 of the purchase price on repairs. At first, it ran great other than loud road noise when driving down the highway (like air was leaking in somewhere) At 38,000 miles (yep, just off warranty) the #6 piston fell apart in the engine, At around 50,000 miles, the Throttle Body needed to be replaced due to the gas pedal was sticking. Now at 68,000 miles, just this morning, I lost my brakes after dropping my kids at school. One brake line busted and two more are leaking. On the interior, the tubing seal around the passenger side door is falling off and the truck is starting to rust.

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  Accelerator cable broke while driving! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By disappointed58 - February 21 - 12:55 am

  I had a very disturbing incident happen with my 2008 Escape today that still has me shaken up! My accelerator completely broke while merging into traffic on the highway! The gas pedal fell to the floor and the car wouldnt accelerate. I had 10 seconds to figure out what was going on, quickly applied my brakes and landed in the median, with 2 lanes of hwy traffic going 70 MPH next to me. When my car was towed to the dealership, they informed me that the accelerator cable broke and I would owe $240. I was so upset and called the Cust. Serv. Dept and they did nothing! I could have been hit by a tractor trailer with my kids in the car and FORD DID NOTHING! Im so furious and scared to drive it!

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  waste of $$$$ - 2008 Ford Escape
  By chaz20 - February 15 - 12:58 pm

  We bought this 08 Escape Limited a year ago. Big mistake! Car had really bad ride & was terrible on gas (V6). Tranny shifted hard especially going up/down hills. There must have been a crickets nest in the dash because all it did was chirp constantly, especially when cold outside. One side of dash vents blow hot/the other side cold. Ford dealer doesnt care. Basically tell you that how it is & how they are built. Unbelieveable! Traded for a CRV & was the best move we ever made!

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  Dangerous & Defective Transmission! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By tdd281 - January 27 - 1:09 pm

  This is my first and LAST FORD. Ever. I was so in love with my new spunky Ford Escape, I got all the bells and whistles, paid 24 grand for this model.. I noticed that my car was rusting prematurely...not on on the outside, but the inside as well underneath my seats. In fact the bars that hold my seats to the car are rusting. At 107k miles, my transmission malfunctioned causing my car to shake violently, and accelerate on its own, now I have to buy a new trans at 3 grand. On top of it I could of been seriously hurt, since my car seat is rusting away from the base of the care. FORD DID NOTHING. SO I launched a complaint against them. LAST FORD I EVER BUY. EVER>

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  Transmission Cooler - Again! - 2008 Ford Escape
  By lacynic - January 17 - 9:23 am

  I purchased my 2008 Ford Escape in Jan 2009 used. I never had a problem with it until Nov 2011 when I had to pay $900 for a new transmission cooler. Come to find out Ford had a recall on this until Aug 2010 and I was never notified! After calling Ford repeatedly they were no help at all! Today is Jan 17, 2012 - my car is back in the shop for the same problem! Way to go Ford for backing up their customers! Last Ford I will own. Getting it fixed and selling it for a different brand!

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  2008 FORD ESCAPE TRANSMISSION LEAK - 2008 Ford Escape
  By mjk13 - December 30 - 2:32 pm

  Ford has changed and the corporation is focused on $$$$$ and NOT the consumer. Read reviews on the internet- they are EVERYWHERE. I just got screwed by Ford on a recall that they will no longer honor. Called Customer Service and they said to will cost $800.00! READ before you buy. I never would have said this before today, but Im now looking at a Toyota or Nissan. Its too bad Ford has gone the way and we are forced to buy non-American products. FORD you should be ashamed of what you have turned into.

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  Transmission Problem - 2009 Ford Escape
  By smishra - December 15 - 2:43 pm

  I was fine it till the transmission died at 36200 miles. Fortunately I had bought extended warranty. I fixed it at the dealer and it still giving me troubles. I still see sudden gear change at low speeds. Do not know how much time this fixing will last, but I am always scared to take my family on a drive on this one. So Pros: 1. Ample of cargo space 2. Feels sturdy 3. Nice seats 4. Very fule efficient 5. Love the SYNC, I hooked up an external hard drive to this. It recongnizes and plays all my music. Cons: 1. Unreliable transmission 2. Interior is not nice - pretty cheap plastic 3. Very noisy - I reckon being an I4 engine it will be noisy, but it is a litle too much.

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  2011 Ford Escape - 2011 Ford Escape
  By jeff_56 - November 28 - 4:39 pm

  I would not reccomend this vehicle to anyone. I have less than 10,000 miles on it and it has been in the shop three times, once to replace the rack and pinon, twice for a dead spot in the gas peddal. This car is dangerous to drive. Oh, and the dealer and Ford motor co say this is normal. This car is dangerous to drive. Do not put yourself in teh same situation I am in.