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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  Average - 2002 Ford Escape
  By Carol - June 11 - 1:52 pm

  I bought my Escape new. Ive had it 7 1/2 years & 75,000 miles+. The acceleration isnt too great. Handles well in snow and bad conditions. The last year or so, its needed a lot of repairs. The struts have been changed and it still has suspension issues (rattles). Recently both the clutch and the clutch master cylinder went out at the same time. A very costly repair (At 72, 000 miles). Two teenagers did learn to drive on it. But I expected it to go longer before needing costly repairs. It has been reliable getting me where I need to go. Doesnt like steep hills too much. And CIncinnati has those. I dont think Id buy another one though. Too many repairs needed too soon.

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  its a winner - 2004 Ford Escape
  By joe cap - June 11 - 10:00 am

  the only thing i would change is give it a little softer ride.rides a little truck like not bad so far i love it

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  I Love My Escape! - 2004 Ford Escape
  By D.Lewis - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Escape for about 7 months now and I love it! We had an Aerostar mini-van and a 150 pick-up prior. My husband and I decided to buy new vehicles again and living in Colorado, 4X4s are the way to go. He upgraded his truck to a 250 4X4 V10 but I wanted something with better fuel economy than that, so after many reviews and discussions, the Escape won. Its excellent for work, errands and going into the mountains. It has all the space I need for shopping too! I would definately recommend the Escape to anyone. The Escape is another Ford product that tops the list on smaller suvs and keeps the Ford name at its best and something to be proud of!

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  Awesome performance, great price - 2005 Ford Escape
  By djrobsd - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my escape. As a former Mustang GT Convertable owner, I didnt think the Escape would live up to my expectations. However, I recently took up skiing and got a dog, so the Mustang didnt meet my needs any more. I miss it, but I love my little Escape. When you step on the accelerator, it MOVES! And it passes with ease. The transmission shifts smoothly and responsively. I think it goes 0-60 in 8 seconds flat which is NOT BAD for an SUV! Cargo room is plentiful and the Escape is a solid and reliable vehicle for the money. So far after 13,000 miles, the car has been reliable with no defects or problems.

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  Enjoying the Ford Family ... So Far - 2005 Ford Escape
  By Tom - June 3 - 9:43 pm

  So far Ive been enjoying being a member of the Ford Family. The buying experience was excellent and matches the quality and features of my new vehicle. My Ford Escape looks great and continues to be a tough little SUV. The comfort and ride are excellent. The gas mileage could be better but I didnt want an unrefined 4 cylinder. Also, I wish the highway noise could be lower. All-in-all, Im glad to be in the family.

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  The Great Escape - 2005 Ford Escape
  By JaLester - May 28 - 8:50 am

  We really love our Escape. It has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so glad we didnt buy something else. The Escape is very reliable, handles great and looks good.

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  So Far So Good - 2004 Ford Escape
  By Pam - May 27 - 3:31 pm

  Ive put 56,000 miles on mine the 2.5 years Ive owned it, and have required only scheduled maintenance, new tires, and brake pad replacement. I think its a great for an all-around small utility, not luxury, SUV. I have front wheel drive model, does great in snow. For what I needed and could afford, a pretty good buy. Id prefer another Honda, but couldnt afford the used ones. I hope I get at least 200,000 miles out of it.

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  Escape - 2001 Ford Escape
  By tamo - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Coolant light too closely resembles battery light. Gear shifter gets in the way of changing the radio...thats about it!

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Ford Escape
  By M. Goodwin - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle for road trips. Three of us drove to Kansas from Virginia and back and all were very comfortable. It sits at just the right height and handling in general is very smooth and easy, especially when cornering.

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  The best SUV - 2003 Ford Escape
  By HCBBAGGINS - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This has to be the best Suv. I have the 2003 Ford Escape 4x4 Limited fully loaded. The color is True Blue with Tan Leather interior. Of all the Suvs I test drove this one handles the best and has alot of pick up. It also has the most opitions in its class.