Ford Escape Review

Since its introduction, the Ford Escape has been one of America's best-selling small 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 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 fit the bill perfectly. Of course, the Escape's low price certainly boosted its appeal as well.

Though these attributes still hold true today, there's no denying that the Ford Escape's basic design is getting a bit old, even with a significant freshening for 2008. The interior in particular has received significant improvements, with much better materials and a more attractive design. Regardless, the Escape is at a disadvantage against newer compact sport-utilities, which are more refined and offer more rewarding driving experiences.

Current Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is a compact four-door SUV. Due to its light-duty four-wheel-drive system, fully independent suspension and unibody construction, it's more suited for on-road driving than off-roading. Its underlying structure was developed with input from Mazda, whose Tribute is very similar to the Escape. The Mercury Mariner is also nearly identical to the Escape and differs mainly by having a few more features and different interior and exterior design details.

The Escape is available in three trim levels: XLS, XLT and Limited. Standard equipment on the XLS includes 16-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, cruise control, air-conditioning, stability control and antilock brakes. The XLT adds automatic headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a power driver seat. To the XLT's feature list, the Escape Limited adds leather upholstery, heated front seats and Ford's Sync. Major options, depending on the trim, include dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, an upgraded stereo, a navigation system and an automated parallel-parking system.

All trim levels can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. All but the Limited come standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 171 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission (XLS only) or a six-speed automatic are available. Standard on the Limited and optional on the XLT is a 240-hp 3.0-liter V6. The six-speed auto is the lone transmission with the V6. A special version of the Escape, the Escape Hybrid, has a gasoline/electric powertrain that provides the best fuel efficiency of any SUV.

In reviews, we've found the Escape stands out thanks to its collection of high-tech features and peppy performance. Downsides include poor braking performance, an awkward-to-fold rear seat and a somewhat dated feel compared to some newer competitors. Even so, Ford's latest Escape is worth a look for anyone interested in a small crossover SUV.

Used Ford Escape Models

The latest Ford Escape was redesigned for 2008, though at the time the changes were limited to interior and exterior design. The body adopted Ford's newer styling themes seen in the Edge and Expedition. The cabin's new look was more contemporary than before, with more ergonomic and attractive controls. The '08 model still had the 153-hp four-cylinder and the 200-hp V6, both with the four-speed automatic transmission. The 171-hp four-cylinder and the 240-hp V6 and newer transmissions came online for 2009. Some new features, including the parallel-park assist system, were added for 2010.

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.