Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is Ford’s entry in the compact SUV market. The Ford Escape was one of the first compact SUVs to be available as an electric hybrid vehicle.

History

The Ford Escape was first released in 2000 to replace the Ford Kuga. That vehicle was also called the Mazda Tribute and Mercury Mariner. The first generation of the Ford Escape continued to be made in Taiwan through 2012 though Americans received a second generation of Ford Escape much sooner.
The 2001 through 2004 Ford Escapes were recalled due to a problem with the speed control cable getting stuck, causing the car to accelerate uncontrollably.
The second generation of the Ford Escape came out in 2006. The electronic stability control system was made a standard for the vehicle in the second generation; it was optional in the first.
The Ford Escape Hybrids made between 2005 and 2008 were recalled due to issues with their cooling pumps. The Mariner Hybrid cars built under the Mercury label from 2006 to 2008 were recalled for the same issue.
The third generation of the Ford Escape came out in 2012. That design merged design elements with the European edition of the Ford Kuga instead of using some of Mazda’s design elements. It centered on a more efficient engine called EcoBoost. The base line engine was a 2.5 liter four cylinder engine. The Ford Escape also offered a 1.6 liter engine. A six speed automatic transmission is standard.
In 2014, Ford recalled the Ford Escapes due to a wiring problem affecting signals to the power train control light; this problem could reduce engine power, trigger the check engine light and stall the vehicle. A separate recall was issued for leaks in the sunroofs of the 2014 model.
In 2015, JD Power and Associates rated the Ford Escape as average in terms of reliability. In the same year, Consumer Reports rated the entire line as below average on reliability. This was due in part to the multiple recalls for Ford Escape in 2014.

Design

The Ford Escape uses a power train supplied by Mazda. The Ford Escape uses a CD2 platform and shares some components with the Ford Tribute.
There are three trim levels for the Ford Escape: S, the base package, SE, and Titanium.
The S package comes with the Sync voice command system, a rear view camera and power accessories. The SE package adds a turocharged engine, satellite radio, keyless entry, and powered driver’s seat. The Titanium line adds dual zone climate control, heated leather front seats and a touch screen.

Performance

The 2015 Ford Escape base model has a 2.5 liter four cylinder 168 horsepower engine. The SE comes with a turbocharged 1.6 liter EcoBoost engine that generates 178 horsepower. The Titanium line comes with the same engine as the SE unless you upgrade to the 2.0 liter 240 horsepower engine.
The gas powered Ford Escapes average 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Ford Escape Hybrids were rated for 31 to 34 mpg in the city.

Price

The base model of the 2015 Ford Escape costs around $23,000 new. With all of the amenities, the top of the line Ford Escape Titanium model costs $31,500.

Rivals

The major rivals for the Ford Escape are the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Rav4, Honda CR-V, GMC Terrain, and Mazda CX-5.

Trivia

The 2004 Ford Escape was the first SUV with a hybrid drive train. The Ford Escape Hybrid ended production in 2012.
In 2006, the Mariner version was released with a hybrid drive train, while a hybrid version of the Ford Escape was also on the market. That line was ended in 2010.