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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  not worth the money - 2004 Ford Escape
  By unhappy - February 20 - 6:49 pm

  The problems I have with this vehicle are... the windows always have grit in them, the sun visor always comes off the clip, the car is the most uncomfortable vehicle to take road trips in, and the overall quality of the vehicle is just not what I expected for the money I paid. I would not buy another one. I guess this is what I get for straying from Honda.

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  A Big Black Eye - 2001 Ford Escape
  By acaboo - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This was our first new car and very excited to order it just as we wanted it. Loaded! At 13,800 we now need a new transmission. Our dealer has not even called us and the Escape has been in their shop for two weeks today. I called and inquired why no one had bothered to update us and was told the salesman "must have forgot". The transmission problem has left me on the side of the road for the second time and if I have my way.....it will be the last chance it and any Ford dealership will get. Not Happy!!!

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  LEMON - 2002 Ford Escape
  By laurl - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Read the consumer complaints section on NHTSA.gov, for some important info on this car. You will find 106 others like me who own this car and have multiple experiences with stalling headed down hill or on the freeway. We loose steering and most of our breaking. Its like someone cut the lines. Its frightening. Dont be snookered by crash tests and packaging. Cause you dont want to know what that crash feels like! The car also surges a lot like you have the cruise control on.

• 

  disappointed - 2006 Ford Escape
  By Nancy - January 19 - 5:20 pm

  My Escape needed major repairs at 55 miles (cylinder head and gasket) and again at 3,300 (serpentine belt, pulley and bearings) . I do not like the gear transition at low speeds (between 2-3 RPMs), very jerky and a big clank when put into reverse at even a small incline.

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  MAJOR problems - DO NOT BUY - 2006 Ford Escape
  By John - December 27 - 12:58 pm

  DO NOT BUY! Since 15000 miles, we have had numerous SERIOUS issues with this car. Two of the faults almost caused fatal accidents! It has been in the repair shop 16 times total - 5 times for brake issues. MOST DANGEROUS - the vehicle will just shut off without warning. This has occured 4 seperate times, but Ford is unwilling to do anything about it because they cannot localize the problem! In addition, it has been in the repair shop for drivers side window (2 times) and a inoperative driver seat heater (2 times). Ford thinks it is okay that my family drive the vehicle and refuses to stand behind their name and product. The reliability of this car is suspect. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!

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  Reliable, but.... - 2007 Ford Escape
  By escape driver - September 20 - 1:10 pm

  The Escape appears to be reliable transportation. But not much else. Driving this used Escape from Enterprise, I can see where Ford cuts corners to keep costs down. Plastic interior looks cheap. And it is. The sound actually echos around inside the hard-shell interior. Motor is weak. A/C is strong. Very good A/C. Wheelbase is too short for a vehicle this tall and this heavy. The car bounces and porposes down the road. It feels tippy. Would not give this car to an inexperienced driver. ie: teenager. Poorly designed cargo area. There is a metal arm on each side which extends 7 or 8" into the cargo space when the seats are down. Rear seat forward tilt only. They do not fold flat.

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  2001 Ford Escape 4x4 - 2001 Ford Escape
  By karenpatt - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ford quality is unreliable. I have had transmission issues. All hardware seems to go at 40K mark, tires too. Multiple transmission issues. I feel like a Toyota would be a great alternative to this SUV. Looks great, drives horribly.

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  Transmission Failed - 2016 Ford Escape
  By Angel M - March 8 - 2:41 am

  started Having transmission problem at 3K miles Dealer couldnt figured what it was! they replace solenoid, pump, clutches, reset computer Etc. no luck i had to turn it in to a Lemon ! 32k was too much anyways my lady got it while i was out of the country!

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  Rust - 2011 Ford Escape
  By GPM - April 28 - 2:39 pm

  I like to buy a new car and keep it for a long time. I like to wash and wax and keep the car clean. My 2011 Ford Escape has been disappointing. The paint blistered at the rear wheel wells and there is rust. I have not seen this on any of the other Ford or competitive cars I have owning. I will be very reluctant to buy another Ford.

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  James - 2006 Ford Escape
  By James - March 7 - 11:09 am

  My Escape came from the factory with the front end out of alignment and a steering wheel vibration that comes and goes. The front tires were damaged and Ford refused to replace them. They did align the front end but have not been able to cure the vibration. The engine runs well and has good power for a 4 cylinder but often hesitates when cold. The ride and handling are good. It has some wind noise but it is not offensive. I would not recommend buying this vehicle.