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 joy to drive - 2004 Ford Escape
  By lindy - January 27 - 10:00 am

  this car is fun to drive everytime i get into it. i love the way it handles, its responsiveness, the roominess, the seat comfort, and the seat height as compared to a sedan (my former car). i love the way this car looks from all angles. i planned to buy a toyota rav 4. period. but thought as a good consumer i should test drive at least three. i test drove the jeep liberty and the escape was added to my list at the last minute when i saw one and liked the looks. driving it was love at first sight. no looking back. my only complaint is that i dont get the mileage i thought i would.

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  Very functional and quick big - 2004 Ford Escape
  By greatchoice - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle 10/1/00 off the showroom floor, shortly after they first came out and was equipped with the V6, 4WD, trailer package, tinted windows, and "hunter" green in color. We have averaged around 25-26 MPG on several long trips. This vehicle very roomy inside. I havent had any problems with the vehicle at all and would highly recommend it to anyone. The exception I have read about is it the extremely rare person that does serious off road driving. This vehicle is much better looking(especially from the rear) and much quicker than the CRV.

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  Convinced - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Tweety - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I was actually looking to purchase the Saturn suv, however my brother inlaw works for Ford, and talked me into coming down to test drive the ford escape.(he also owns an escape) Before even visting Saturn, I went to ford. After test driving the escape my mind had changed. I love the ford escape. It drives very smooth. I have two children and this suv has plenty of room. I wasnt looking for a huge suv, so this really fits what I desired. The suv is sporty looking and the price is very affordable, since I didnt have $40000.00 for a new vehicle. I highly recommend the Ford Escape to anyone looking for a great suv.

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  Good things come in compact sizes - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Joel - January 25 - 8:07 pm

  I have the 2016 Escape Titanium with the 2.0 L engine. This SUV has lots of power and handles very well on the road. The Titanium level is loaded with many options and features. Navigation system is very easy to use as is all the function on this SUV. Interior finish quality is first class as is the exterior styling. Love the cargo room and foot activated rear hatch. If anyone is looking for a compact quality SUV with many options the Escape Titanium is the way to go.

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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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  Joy to drive - 2006 Ford Escape
  By H. Graf - January 21 - 4:53 am

  My wife and I have owned the 2006 Escape for three months and broke it in on a 1800 trip up to the Pacific Northwest during the holidays. The weather was awful, but it gave us an opportunity to test this vehicle under stress conditions -- hard rain, wind, fog, bad pavement, etc. It responded well with the situation, especially in heavy traffic during storm activity, when other cars unexpectedly stopped or abruptly turned in front of you. The mileage was quite good in such an adverse weather condition -- about as high as 27-28 mpg.

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  Happy in my Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By klpgolf17 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  For a 20 year old first time car, I love this vehicle. It is a lot more than I could have asked for. Was considering a Jeep Liberty but greatful I walked upon this car!

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  Love It! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Fatal434 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Although I just recently purchased my vehicle a few weeks ago. I am very, very, very pleased with it. I previously drove a 2000 Plymouth Breeze and the Escape gets the same amount of gas!!! The only thing that I miss from my old car is the fact that the doors automatically lock. Every other thing about this car I love. Dont think twice about purchasing one however do your best to try to negotiate on a final vehicle price.

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  MARS TRUCK - 2004 Ford Escape
  By MARLENE - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE MY ESCAPE, HAVENT HAD TO TRY OUT THE 4WD YET THOUGH, AND I LIVE IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK....NO SNOW HERE YET!! TAKEN MY TRUCK ON A COUPLE OF TRIPS, WITH THE SEAT OR SEATS DOWN THERES LOT OF ROOM FOR LUGGAGE. (and golf clubs!!)

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  Escape from the Durango - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Flukezilla - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my 2004 Ford Escape Limited and love it!!! I bought it on 12/05, the day of the Snow Storm in the northeast. It took us 4 hours to drive 45 miles but I felt confident in the handling and performance. We were looking at the Dodge Durango and could not get over how much fuel it burns. GAS HOG!!! We felt $200 a month in gas might be a bad idea. I am not 100% trilled about the gas mileage of any SUV but I feel as if this is the best of the size. I was also pleased with the overall quality of the vehicle. As far as price, the Escape Limited was a full $8000 less than a fully loaded 2004 Durango. I highly recommend this SUV.