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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  Fun to drive - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Escape - February 13 - 3:10 pm

  I bought a new Ford Escape and it is just a fun SUV to drive. I leased it and I ended up getting the 4 cylinder. Before I test drove it I thought I would never buy a car with a 4 cylinder, but after driving it I found out the 4 cylinder has a lot of zip. I brought it home and my kids always want to drive it, they love it too. I would definitely recommend buying an Escape.

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  Great Auto - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Scottss80 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Coming from a 95 4runner with a 150hp to the Escape was quiet a nice surprise! The acceleration of the Escape is 2nd to none, in it class and price range, handles great, great brakes, and Im getting 21 mpg in the city.The Mach stereo is the best Ive ever had from a factory radio. The only complaints I had was when I purchase it (used), it had a lot of squeaks inside, especially the console top, back door, and some squeaks in the door panels. But I had fixed all of them myself in about 2 days, I guess the problem stems from all the hard plastics that Ford uses. Now that Ive taken care of those issues, Its one darn fun auto to drive!!!

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  Fun in my Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By wrk109 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  You should see the looks from the big dogs when I drive along in my escape. Ive never had a vehicle like this before. I can put the rod holders on the top drive on the beach, and go surf fishing, or fold down the rear seat and fill it with hunting gear and head for the mountains. I get to do this with all the comforts the Escape provides, and I still get over 20MPG. Beat that big dogs!!!

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  great compromise vehicle - 2003 Ford Escape
  By blksmk - February 7 - 2:00 am

  i didnt plan on buying an escape...but, im glad i did good mileage, a lot of room, excellent quality, and fantastic traction this vehicle does it all well other vehicles is considered were subaru wrx,vw jetta, and jeep wrangler the subie seemed low on content, the vw seemed to lack quality and reliability, and the wrangler was too impractical

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  Awesome SUV!!! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Chayse Griffin - February 6 - 12:45 pm

  The 2004 XLT is a great vehicle... It is a powerful machine, it is a roomy machine, it is a fun machine. The Ford Escape is a great example of an SUV. It can tow, store, fly, and lug people around! The fuel economy for this SUV is extremely amazing for an SUV!!!

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  Ford Again - 2008 Ford Escape
  By Ford Again - February 6 - 9:30 am

  After 185K miles on my Taurus I decided to go Ford again, Even though I had GM card and accululated $2K I bought the Escape after my first test drive. Love the look of it, love the interior. I do not like SUVs with shift on the dashboard - looks silly, love it on the Escape.

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  Good performer - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Escaper - February 5 - 11:51 am

  The only times I had problems was when I first purchased it. The window would rattle and make a odd click noise when starting. The dealer fixed it and no problems since then. The ride is smooth and if you dont watch it, you will be speeding, its a smooth accelerator. I have the V6 model. Plus a sunroof.

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  Transmission Shot - 2003 Ford Escape
  By JeffP - February 3 - 8:26 am

  This was a bank repo that appeared to be well taken care of. My wife drives this and likes the way it handles in snow and bad weather. We have never had this vehicle off road or done any towing and now at 123,000 miles the transmission is slipping when its cold. Our mechanic says its about to go out and replacement with rebuilt tranny is about $3,500. I replaced my Winstar tranny too at about 60,000 miles. See a trend here with Ford transmissions. I do and will think long and hard before buying another.

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  I love my Escape! - 2001 Ford Escape
  By Hanni - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My Escape is wonderful - it handles like a foreign car, looks cool, and fits all of my three golden retreivers inside with plenty of room to spare. Its comfortable on long trips, and the six-CD player is wonderful. I have a couple of small things to get fixed before my warranty expires (in 2,000 miles), but nothing even close to major repairs.

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  Best Ive Bought - 2004 Ford Escape
  By TJW - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best and last vehicle I will buy, no problems, great handling, alot of power.