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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  Nothing but trouble with this car - 2003 Ford Escape
  By Never again - July 25 - 11:13 am

  I acquired this vehicle with the idea of great quality. Big Mistake! 1 week after purchasing it, the engine light came on, the fuel door open light came on, the battery light came on, etc... Took it into dealership where I was told that the lights were on from a short in the wiring. 1 week later while slowing down to make a turn during rush hour traffic, the car completely shuts off. This happened about 15 times with the dealership telling me they could find anything wrong with it. Come to find out there was a recall. The trans. started slipping not more than 3 months after that. Brand new rear tire was bald in less than 3 months from rubbing. Smelled burning oil always. radio buttons broke

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  The worst new car Ive ever had - 2009 Ford Escape
  By PeaRat450 - June 18 - 6:50 am

  I wanted to buy American. Unfortunately I think I picked the wrong manufacturer for a small SUV. The build quality is horrible. The shut lines on the doors are way to big and inconsistent. I can fit my finger in the one at the top of the back hatch. The rear folding seat design is horrible. The interior is cheap and plastic abundant. The rear window sounds like it is going to fall out. The rear suspension booms over anything but the smallest bumps. The doors dont shut fully unless you slam them. I could go on and on. I cant deny the fact that it gets good gas mileage for an SUV. "Drive Quality" clearly does not apply to the Escape. Maybe Ill let the bank repo it since their is no resale

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  2 transmissions in 114k miles - 2001 Ford Escape
  By t collins - April 21 - 12:49 pm

  Replaced transmission at 83k miles with rebuilt ford trans which went out at 114k miles. That was about 2 weeks ago and service writer says he is waiting to put it on a lift because they are all full. I have put approx. $15,000 into various repairs on this vehicle despite extended coverage nothing is ever under warranty.

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  very disappointed - 2005 Ford Escape
  By wanda harless - April 13 - 11:03 am

  I bought my Escape on 1-21-05. The check engine light came on 1-24-05. I was told to drive it. They had to order the part for the converter. Wednesday 2-2-05 I had trouble getting to work in it. There was popping and cracking noises; I thought it was catching on fire. I had it towed to the garage. I smelled something burning. When you turn to the left it seems to have jerky movement.

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  garbage on wheels - 2006 Ford Escape
  By 4wdford - March 25 - 9:23 am

  Where to begin? 15 mpg is the best we can get, and thats driving nice. The v6 struggles all the time, and smells like burning oil when parked after a run. Within the past 2 weeks the ABS has failed, the 4WD light has come on, and it pulls to the right under acceleration. The transmission now clunks when shifting. The factory tires are junk and started humming loudly after 15 000 km. To top things off, there are weird clunking noises coming from the back and front end. All this after 45,000 km, not miles!

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  Making the switch - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Mel - January 22 - 3:36 pm

  I bought the Escape brand new, 2 weeks later it broke down, 2 months after that the first of 2 recalls arrives. The transmission shifts hard and now the whole brake system needs serious work. Neither my husband nor I are hard on the Escape, as a matter of fact, after 4 years there is only 23,000 miles on it.

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  Built by Children - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Richard Coffin - January 14 - 11:01 am

  Its hard to discribe the disappointment experienced from this vehicle. Ill just point out the facts. 48000kms in 34 months from new. 1) 4th transmission on its way out. 2) ABS/power brakes failed twice. 3) tire pressure sensor failed 4 times 4) rear axle seal leaked 5) windshield washer sensor light failure 6) loose parts banging around in floor or dash since 6 months after purchase. 7) understeers like a cab over tow truck towing an overweight vehicle. 8) Conteinental Contitrac tires rounded out like a wheel barrow tire. aLway properly inflated. 9) 1st gear is like 2nd in any other car. (Poor gear ratios) 10) Avg fuel economy 14.62 miles per gallon or 16.01 liters/100km.

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  Not satisfied - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Joe - November 30 - 11:50 pm

  I like the style and interior design of the vehicle, however, the performance is terrible. Im almost afraid to enter highway traffic not to mention the gas mileage; it seems like as a four cylinder the use of gasoline would be terrific. I also have a six cylinder car that does better on gas. The vehicle sounds and feels like it constantly struggles.

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  Stay Away From 2005 Ford Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By txm - September 16 - 10:07 am

  The 4 cylinder engine in this car is extremely underpowered. Its especially worse in the summer when the air conditioning is on, then it becomes unsafe to drive, because when you need to accelerate, it just doesnt do anything for about 3-4 seconds and trying to accelerate when necessary would probably kill you in this vehicle. Also, the engine is very noisy, sounds like diesel engine. I have 60,000 miles on it. The fuel economy is terrible. I cant get any more than 20 mpg, not matter what I do. Stay away from this car.

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  The car decides when it goes into 4WD, WTH??? - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Peggy - July 20 - 5:08 am

  This vehicle is provided to me by my employer. They were robbed! How do I despise thee?? Let me count the ways: 1. You can NOT put the vehicle in 4wd when you think it is necessary. Only the car can make that decision. 2. Radio is a joke. Frequently have to turn it off and back on the be able the switch stations. Programing the radio isnt easy or logical. 3. The backup camera is inset so far it makes it difficult to see and if the sun is out at all the reflections and glare make it useless. 4. Caller ID on screen seldom works. You will get the phone number but not the callers name. I could go on, but whats the point. Ford likes to make vehicles look good but doesnt care if anything actually works.