Affordable. Roomy. Of all the smaller SUV's the Escape has the best look.

Gas mileage is terrible. Problem with getting use to the wiper handle and the headlight handles. Gear shift does stick out pretty far. Strange placement of the ignition switch. Front seating sits different than most SUV's I have sat in.

So far I love my Escape. I changed from a small pick-up truck to the smaller SUV because of a new baby and I liked the price range of the Escape. I had the gas smell problem with mine last month and took it into the dealership. They replaced a gasket(can't remember which one).I was told this was a factory problem. So far it has not reoccurred. I was really surprised with the gas mileage. I had expected a little better. This vehicle is ideal for a family of 4 or less.

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I had a 1988 Chevrolet Blazer, the Escape has a lot more pick up.

The room and its so comfortable. We took the folks (who are in there late 60's) out the other day and they said that it was easier to get in and out of than the Jetta or the mini van.

The ash tray sucks. If your a smoker you'll need a dust buster. I heard a review on the crash test for the Escape - I was disapointed but then again if I wanted a Mercedes I would have bought one.

I was concerned and just about changed my mind when I ordered the Escape in a 4 cyl. I have had it now for 5000km and don't regret it for a minute. I feel that it's the little engine that JUST CAN GO!. I went looking for a SUV because I have two large dogs and they just don't sit in the back seat of a car very well. We now take the dogs everywhere. The privacy glass was somthing I had added just for their comfort. Also the added power group so we can put the windows up and down for them. Took a ferry ride over the weekend - Luggage for two, two big dogs and two adults can nap in the back with the seat down. It's cosy but we fit. The escape rides like a car drives like a car handles like a car has the gas milage of a car - but it's a SUV and acts like one. We took it into the mountains and went on some rather rough terrain. Thats when the SUV came out only when you need it. For those that want to save the $$ the 4 cyl with 5 speed is just as good as the 6 automatic. Keep in mind with the 4 cyl you won't be able to tow anything. If you want a 4X4 buy a Hummer. 4x4 on vehicles means you'll probably just get to the snow bank before everybody else does and your insurance will be higher.

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I was first thought that I may have to buy a Jeep Charokee because of the room - Went on the internet saw the Escape- test drove that night and it was a done deal -The Jeep can't hold a candle to the Escape.

Power, Baby! Let them 200 horses go.The roominess of this vehicle is unrivaled. Gas mileage has been averaging 20 to 22 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, this is good for a V6 SUV. Enough off road prowess to get you into and out of trouble! What's all this ballyhooing about road noise? Go drive a jeep sometime and then tell me about road noise.It's a small SUV, not a luxury sedan.

Okay, the automatic shifter arm is annoying but not debilitating. Interior lighting could be brighter.

Great handling and power. I've been very happy with this little SUV. My ride is quiet and the Continental Contitrac tires are a huge improvement over the Firestones. The tried and true V6 has been powering the higher end Taurus for years and it is refined and smooth. I have had no fit and finish problems.I've hit the mountains with the Escape where mud holes and even a small river couldn't stop it. It is not meant for rock climbing by any means, but it can hold it's own even on moderate 4x4 trails. Where else can you get V6,4x4, leather, side airbags, CD Changer, interior room that rivals most mid sized SUV's all for 23 grand!?

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Owned a Jeep Cherokee,the Escape is far superior. Just road in a new Jeep Liberty, the interior room is not even in the ball park. Test drove the Blazer and Dakota and the Escape has more of an overall package to offer for far less money than either of these two vehicles.

*V-6 power
*Smaller size without compromising interior room
*Flexibility in configuring interior cargo space
*Ample leg room for passengers (especially those in back seat)
*Styling
*Handling
*Sound system (6-disc/7-speaker MACH system)

*Initially, MPG was horrific but has since improved (due to gas leak in lower intake gasket-replaced after 3,000 miles)
*Gear shifter is awkward but you will adjust
*Firestone tires (hoping HT's will be included in recall in the future so it can be retro-fitted with Continental Contitracs
*Attention to detail-my electric passenger side mirror was inoperable upon delivery(discovered the plug was disconnected)

While the price was a bit more than planned, it's very affordable relative to other SUV's. The power is impressive along with its handling. Gas mileage has steadily improved ever since lower intake gasket was replaced. This mini-SUV is evidence that form & function can be an attainable goal. While the number of recalls was a bit disturbing, Ford was responsible enough to see the appropriate remedies were implemented. Of all the other choices in this class, the Escape has demonstrated that it's the best in most every measurable aspect.

Be sure to check out incentives...I took advantage of a recent college graduate/graduate student rebate

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Interior room, fuel economy, fun to drive

Minor fit & finish problems, XLS could use more standard features

I needed something roomy and economical that could negotiate the washed-out forestry roads. The 2.0 averages close to 26 mpg in mixed driving. Seats five comfortably. Two mountain bikes fit in the back with rear seat removed. Has plenty of power in the mountains if you aren't towing. I like the way the Escape carries its spare tire internally. Had some fit and finish problems, as expected for a new model. It could use more standard features in the XLS, such as map lights and split folding rear seat. The ride is close to car-like. Good ground clearance but feels secure during cornering. Summary: It's an economical SUV that doesn't make you feel like you bought a cheapmobile.

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Honda CRV (felt smaller), Hyundai Santa Fe (less visibility, strange interior styling)

Highway onramp acceleration is very peppy. Roomy inside. Pleanty of headroom. Headlight brights have a great range. Tight stearing. field of vision is great. Not many blind spots.

The seats are short from front to back, needs more interior lighting, lighting control switch should be on the dash instead of on the light itself, windshield wipers are in an odd spot, automatic headlamps would be nice (since it is a 2001)

My overall experience with the Ford Escape has been a good one. The rating I give to the Escape would have to be a 4 star. The get up and go is better than most V-6 engines I have driven. The braking system is very resopnsive. It has pleanty of space for my uses.

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Brakes - stops faster than a Honda Accord
V6 - great engine - smooth and quick
Ride comfort - smooth and solid feel

Gas mileage - so far, not too good.

Very impressive ride. The handling is much less "truck-like" than I had imagined and it feels solid on the road. It drives better than my V6 '99 Grand Am that I returned at the end of it's lease. The leather interior is comfortable and the instrumentation is clear. Brakes work very well and the transmission is smooth. I prefer the look of the Tribute (a little more elegant) but no anti-lock brakes were available on the mid-range Tribute model (due to production problems).

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Santa Fe - will give Hyundai another couple of years to prove themselves.
Forrester - looks too boxy and is underpowered for the price
Aztek - looks great but drives like a block of wood on a marshmallow road.
2000 Explorer - same handling as the Aztek - no wonder they flip over.

Looks really good
Engine performance with the V6 is awesome (puts that explorer 2001 in the rear view mirror)
Spacious for a little SUV
inside ergonomics are great(lots of holy .... handles!
Really good price for this SUV (28300$ {including FPDI,Air & tire taxes} + GST = 30300$ (make sure you shop around)

Air Conditioner (broke after 3 months)
The automatic shifter is in front of radio controls
Brakes create a lot of dust on front rims
Fuel consumption (only on the first 2000 km)

This is my first small SUV. I have so far been very impressed with the way it handles and its comfort. I ordered my Escape last September and it arrived 5 months later. My only problem I had with the first 15000 km was with the Air Conditioner. For some reason this one started to crap out on me when the weather got pretty hot. It took over 5 weeks of trying to fixe the problem during which time they game me a 2002 Explorer. To be honest, I was so happy to return to my Escape once fixed. This vehicle handles so much better than the bigger brother it’s not even funny. Before buying the Escape, I also went shopping for the Tribute. If you want a cheap Tribute, you will save at least 3-4k with the Escape. They are virtually the same SUV. I would recommend this SUV to anyone, as we are currently shopping to buy a second one for my wife. Don't be afraid to shop around before buying it. I went to see 5 different dealership and save nearly 3000 $. I bought the Escape XLT 4WD with the trailer hitch for 28300.00 including FPDI, Air tax and tire tax. Just add the GST and the total came to 30300 not a bad deal! This has been, even with the Air conditioning problems, one of the most satisfying vehicles to own.

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Mazda Tribute, Honda CRV, Hyundai Santa fe, Rav 4, you can also rent them at Budget..try it

-an engine that provides lots of pickup
-design/looks
-ample storage space
-spare tire stored inside
-climate control
-grab bars (2 different positions!) on the driver's side.....FINALLY!!!

-shifter blocks some access to the stereo
-gas mileage could be better
-cup holders are backwards!!! When picking up a mug you have to turn the handle around
-cheap visors; no lights on them

I am very pleased with my Escape. I traded my 95 Explorer in for it. I recently drove a 2001 Explorer and I wouldn't go back! The Escape is peppy, better on gas and easier to handle. A great SUV.

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Has a great sporty look inside and out. Very comfortable with lots of room in front and the back and a quiet, smooth, powerful ride. It has great stopping capability, better than any car I ever owned. I don't think the gas milage is bad at all, I've been getting 24-25 highway mpg and compared to other SUV owners, they just gasp. Makes driving in the city a breeze, as well as parking too. I feel confident with it, it's big enough to be a SUV, but small enough to drive like a car. Great manuverability. Anybody sized it up next to a Blazer or other SUV in that class? It stands nearly as tall with the 16" wheels and about as long, so I feel a lot of power when driving next to those vehicles. Love the mach stereo system, sounds great.

I haven't heard anybody using the towing package yet? The Escape can pull an eight foot U-Haul trailer loaded no problem, the ride is great, but it can get loud I noticed. I also think the front dash area is a waste of space to me, two or three compartments but what do you do with them. I don't mind the gear lever at all and don't have a problem with the wind noise. I've got the 4x2 and I haven't been able to test it in the snow yet, but I'm concerned about the winter because it spins pretty easy on wet pavement. I'm not too impressed with the acceleration of it, but cruises along great. Not crazy about the interior map lights, would like a switch for that. Oh, and that annoying key chime that doesn't shut off when you have the door open and the radio blasting. Someone stop it!

Other than the few gripes I have in the weakness section, I love my Escape. I have an XLT V6 with everything except for the leather package. I definitly think the sidebars make it look much sportier as well as the moonroof. I love to drive it around and it's so easy to get in and out of, my parents and grandparents love to ride in it because they don't have to squeeze into it. I really researched this vehicle before I bought it and looked at others, and for the price, it's got to be the best value for the money. You can't get a better SUV for under 25K tops, plus the X-plan was an added bonus. And thank goodness there's not a ton of them out there yet where everywhere you look you see one!

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87 Chevy Blazer - puts it to shame. Much much nicer ride and comfort.
89 Grand Prix - handles just as good, but not the gas milage it got.