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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  a little disappointed - 2003 Ford Escape
  By MarkfromLA - December 4 - 10:00 am

  The first week I had to return it because the radiator had a hole in it from the factory. Nine months later, at 12,000 miles, a wheel bearing went out. A little later, someone ran a redlight and wrecked the vehicle. It took 3 weeks to fix because Ford was VERY slow in getting replacement parts to the body shop. This vehicle has cost me a huge loss of time because of problems Ford could easily solve. Based on my experience with this vehicle, I wont buy another Ford.

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  2013 Escape Titanium - Tops competition - 2013 Ford Escape
  By raghureddy2013 - December 3 - 11:30 pm

  * Overall recommended buy * Driven 5,000Kms mostly on highway ( 3500Kms) * Escape 2013 - Made for this decade. * Fully functional Tech. - Rivals Luxury Models * Chinks will be corrected with factory recalls * This shouldnt stop you from buying * Smoothest power delivery and handling in class * Great safety features * An American car with European heart * Small, Quick & Very Functional * 19 inch wheels has its advantages & dis-advantages

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  Bad transmission - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Mark - December 3 - 2:23 pm

  So, bought one of these gently used from a friend, despite negative reviews. He had only put 68k miles on it after buying it new, and it was well maintained and clean. 2 months later, replaced the o2 sensor, and the transmission just went out. My wife loves the Escape, but the stories about the transmission are absolutely true.

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  I am in shock and awe - 2010 Ford Escape
  By redbeard - December 3 - 12:34 pm

  This is the vehicle I should have bought 3 years ago, I bought a great Pont. Vibe, but its cost was more than the Escape. The Escape is a macho type vehicle unlike the girlie types of the Rogue and Equinox. Guess I like the tougher look. It has been a great 2000 miles thus far, MPG in the city with some highway is running 25 give or take. Only got 27 in the Vibe. I have found one problem (well not really a problem) but check yours!!! The inner door jams (at the front edge of the two front doors are not painted.) Open the door half way and look toward the bottom, ta da, no paint inside the back of the front fender. There is an area that just is not painted. Dealer painted mine.

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  Great small suv - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Stan - December 3 - 7:03 am

  I have had this 2006 Escape for about a month. I am 6 275 lbs and I fit just right in it. The new Duratec engine will get into traffic with no problem. So far I like it a lot and I like the gas mileage too.

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  Love It - 2010 Ford Escape
  By Rick - December 2 - 4:05 pm

  I have owned the Escape Limited 2010 for about a month, traded in a 2004 Explorer. I prefer the ride of the Escape. The full set of options are great and with the Sun and SYNC package traveling is a joy. Storage is less than the Explorer, but the gas mileage is way better. I am glad I made this purchase

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  08 Escape Saved My Life - 2008 Ford Escape
  By alive2talkaboutit - November 29 - 3:13 am

  Too quick to know exactly what happened, but I wrapped my brand new Escape around an electric pole this week and am here to talk about it. 08 handled my 52 MPH head on like a champ! ROLL BAR: In tact. AIRBAGS: Deployed & deflated quickly. NOT TRAPPED: rear glass popped open giving me a quick escape route from the fire. WINDSHIELD: Didnt shatter. Just a little crack in the corner. INTERIOR: Still looked like new! Not even a little mark in the leather, Impact did not send the motor in to the body cavity (or my legs). ME? Didnt have jewelry on, I would not have had a mark on me! This was not only a pleasure to drive and look at, it was a damn good car! I will buy another.

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  Newest Gadget! - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Marci - November 26 - 7:10 am

  I desperately needed a new car last year. Im fortunate in that I can afford anything non "exotic." NOTHING on the market appealed to me visually. When I heard that Ford and Lexus were making hybrid SUVs I was interested. Last summer, I first test drove a Lexus 330 as it was the most similar thing they had to the delayed 400H -- lovely to look at but ergonomically it was VERY uncomfortable. The Escape is much more functional, and WAAAAY too basic on the interior, but was more comfortable, so I bought it. The CVT is fun; sort of a crossbreed. The brakes were hard to get used to; the stopping distance is further. The interior is CHEAP! Not even clothing hooks for dry-cleaning pick-ups.

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  Buyer Beware - 2009 Ford Escape
  By Gatorpit - November 24 - 7:03 am

  Our Escape makes a Hoot noise when accelerating from a stop. The Noise is loud and annoying. Not all Escapes make this noise. Ford acknowleges the noise but it is not a safety issue so they are going to fix it. I am disappointed with there attitude and after my 5th new Ford it is going to be my last. It is unfortunate that manufactures are allowed to get away with this. Make sure you thoroughly test and inspect your vehicle before taking a delivery or you will get stuck with it like I did.

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  I love my Escape - 2003 Ford Escape
  By pammymc - November 23 - 5:46 pm

  I bought this car new. I have had no real issues with it other than brake wear (my driving habbits-not the cars fault. Had to get new rotors twice.) & the starter went out @ 35K. The interior has taken a beating from my kids but a little Folex & it looks like new again. The radio is ok. I love my 6 disc CD changer. It doesnt have Aux plugs so no I-pod in the car. The thing is driving habbits determine alot how your car is going to perform. Flippling from reverse to drive while still moving will screw the transmission on any car. Some drivers migt want to examine their habits before the scrap the car. Overall Id buy another one if my credit wasnt messed up with this economy!