Is New Ford Escape Really Far Better Than the Old One?

( www.alltfl.com/) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts! The 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line promises more of everything in its latest, refreshed iteration. But is it the best small crossover to buy at its price point? To get some much needed perspective on just how it's evolved over the years, Nathan and Brendan take a look at the current, revamped fourth-generation Escape compared to an older, second-generation model from a decade ago.
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#ford #SUV #Review

[@JahyMoonwalker]

as a household that replaced an '08 escape with a 2023 bronco sport, the baby bronco is far more like the older escape.

[@the305hauler]

Booyah 👊🏽 😁 👍🏽 🇺🇸 you are so right

[@JWJTRAINOR]

I agree

[@DsRandomMemories]

True this.

[@instantfob]

After driving a Bronco Sport loaner for a week. It is an OG Escape with better MPG!

[@gosman949]

old technology!

[@davva360]

I actually quite like the 2nd Gen Escapes. Always thought they look like a mini Explorer.

[@hereigoagain5050]

I agree! I preferred the masculine looks of the old Escapes. The new design is more appealing to women (according to my friends at Ford).

[@musicmoviesandgames2004]

@@Brian_Eugene_LeeHere’s a tip for you: if you don’t like the way the chime sounds, then you can fasten your seatbelt first before you start the car

[@kneemeister]

I owned a 2011, still miss it 3 cars latter.

[@IceTheFanDude]

I always liked the second gen too I really loved the 4th gen explorer and this design looks similar

[@panzer_TZ]

A railroad agency I worked for had those 2nd gen Escapes as company vehicles. One of the worst vehicles I ever experienced. Very noisy and had an interior that felt cheap even for 10 years ago. I remember getting shit from one of the project managers because I would always take the company Chevy Traverse to avoid the Escapes.

[@LX450_Adventure]

The 3.0 V6 Duratec was the best motor that I have ever owned. Three cars with that motor (Taurus x2, Fusion), with the Fusion going to 350,000 miles and still running strong when we traded it in.

[@machinegaming1913]

Agreed we have an 09 fusion with 3.0 at 240K and it still runs strong

[@mr.2cents.846]

The Fusion is one of those Fords that are really well build. About two years ago I fell in love with the 2010 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin with V8 and navigation package. Am praying to get one.

[@Drdirtydee]

So it’s the 3.5 that’s the problems then

[@SKINFLUTE6105]

My grandparents have a new one and when My grandfather saw I have a 2011 limited he really started to miss his 2010 XLT especially since mines the same white his was aside from his 02 GMC 2500 HD he said his 2010 escape was his favorite

[@whatchath385]

I bought a 2010 Escape V6 fwd about 6 yrs ago for my daughter. She still has it and has around 170,000 miles on it. It's been a pretty good vehicle for her.

[@bradleymeyer9775]

The second generation Ford Escape is the best looking Escape i think, because they have similar styling to the Explorer and Expedition from that era which I like.

[@julianash5500]

Definitely! I love the flat big window that wasn't angled up and weird... I wish they would make a new version of the 2nd gen

[@rma7921]

2008 @ 217k miles... v6 still going

[@Matthew-b9z]

230,000 miles, 2.5 il runs great, no oil used or leaked between changes, 26.1 mpg average

[@PlumbRalph]

That older escape is the obvious inspiration to the Bronco Sport. My wife bought a Bronco Sport badlands and she loves it. She said it reminds her of the older escape that she really liked. She test drove the new escape along with the badlands bronco sport the same day. And drove home with the bronco sport.

[@302Mustang13]

Curious what kind of mpgs it gets? Hopefully you got the 2.0 turbo. I was debating trading my Escape of same platform for the Sport but noticed the mpgs are much worse. 2.0 Bronco Sport is 21 city 26 highway while my Escape with the same engine and 8 speed is rated 23 city but an impressive 31 mpg highway. I regularly get 32-34 mpg and I normally drive 75 mph sometimes 80 mph on the highway. I can still get 31-32 mpg at 80 mph on most days.

[@CynicalDriver]

​@@302Mustang13gearing and engine can only make up for aerodynamics so much. The current Escape is way more aerodynamic than the Bronco Sport. My 2nd gen Escape got about 30 on the highway, despite being rated for something like 26. I use full synthetic oil, drive 75ish, and had the 6 cylinder... But I also drive very smoothly and don't jab the pedal after I'm at speed. My 2013 Fusion had the 2.4 ecoboost 4 cylinder, and I was getting around 35 on the highway.

[@thomasrossi31]

The NYPD used them as patrol vehicles for a short time when they were trying to go green with hybrids. We put 161k patrol supervisor miles on it before if was condemned for repair costs. It was actually pretty good… considering it wasn’t built for police use. We had our seats re-padded twice during its service.

[@EricFortuneJr.]

Yeah, I believe Ford Interceptors use a different filler in the seats and it’s cut different for police belts.

[@gosman949]

@@EricFortuneJr. haha and for their fat a.....ses!

[@austinreeves9112]

Thank you for your service.

[@thomasrossi31]

@@austinreeves9112 thank you, it was an honor.

[@CynicalDriver]

Many cab companies went to the Escape because they offered lower repair costs than the Crown Vic. Definitely an issue of not being built for police use. The 2nd gen Escape was one of the most reliable vehicles Ford ever made, for normal uses.

[@dmegahan]

The old escape can be equipped to tow 3500 with the v6. The 4cyl was 1500lbs max.

[@caymengt]

So true. V6 is rated to 3500 LBS. Glad someone else knows facts.

[@Lon1001]

my friend had one and towed his 22' pontoon with it, was technically not overweight but it looked ridiculous.

[@colecarley]

Just saw this lol I posted the same thing, we’ve towed probably 4500-5000 in ours easy, stopping not so much

[@davidberger1385]

I agree with the towing capabilities. These guys got it wrong. I still own a 2012 Ford Escape LTD with the V6 Engine. It’s able to tow up to 3500lbs. With no problems ( it’s equipped with the tow pkg. I Love My Escape …..no plans of selling it !!

[@freshtowels3917]

the 2.0L turbo can two 3500 lbs

[@tonyc7435]

I am so glad someone is doing a video on my older car! I also have a 2011 Escape. It is my spare car (2023 F-150 is my main daily driver). I will never get rid of my old Escape, I love it it has been the BEST car! I have the 2.5 4cyl man she is slow but its been the best reliability wise!

[@truthseekertree]

Your daily driver is an F-150??!! Only in this era would that be a thing. 30 years ago it would have been a sin to drive a gas guzzler as a daily driver.

[@tonyc7435]

thats because 30 years ago they got 14mpg. Now full size trucks get 24mpg 😎.

[@truthseekertree]

@@tonyc7435 that is true. I agree. It's also relative, in that cars get 40 and gas is also more money. I think we are both correct.

[@dbossman5923]

I had an 08 Escape as my first car. It was the 2.3 i4, fwd. It was a great vehicle, didn't have too many problems, and I could get up to 32 mpg highway if I was driving efficiently. It also towed very well for what it was

[@brly4542]

Those old escape were actually pretty capable offroad, but yes they do have horrendous road noise

[@MrBeugh]

I removed the door panels, rear cargo panels and carpeting and added DynaMat. My Escape AWD/V6 is much quieter now. Extreme but I did a lot of long-range commuting for awhile.

[@jessofthewest9476]

Coming from a soft top jeep wrangler idk if I would have ever known this had I not read this comment 😅😅😅

[@reallyemptypockets6509]

I bought a new 2005 escape 4cyl, AWD, always ran full snow ❄️ tires, in 8 years my only repair was a abs sensor 217$, used Mobil 1 at 20,000 mile oil changes, 21 mpg, my nephew still has it with 240,000 miles.

[@jimpease280]

I had a 2005 XLT Sport V6 with the painted bumpers, optional side air bags and factory towing package. That car was a workhorse for me.

[@roketfingers]

20000 mile oil changes? theres the proof that it is a reliable engine

[@erickisel8668]

@TFLnow: That 2011 Escape V6 is exactly what I am looking for to get my son. I had a Fusion with this engine, it ran great. I hope your daughter will get many happy miles Nathan!

[@dmegahan]

I have the fusion I had new since new with 252,000 running strong with that great V6

[@hereigoagain5050]

I still have a 2010 Fusion V6. That was Ford's peak reliability. Consumer Reports actually gave "Recommend" to new models before collecting survey data. Then Ford added turbos, My Ford Touch, dual clutches & CVTs, ... and reliability tanked.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Step up in class and get your son a 2010-12 Ford Escape Limited with navigation package. If he has half a brain he will absolutely love it.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Great video. Love the 3 liter V6 in my 2010 Fusion. Good power, reliability, and MPGs. Glad to see TFL becoming more diverse by adding a red beard. :) Would have been great for Nathan's daughter to join the video to express her likes and dislikes and her disappointment in not getting a Mini Cooper SE.

[@MarkM58]

We owned a 2007 1st gen Escape. Put about 85,000 miles on it and they traded it in on a 2014, and then a 2017. The 1st gen was the best and more SUV like. The new Bronco Sport reminds me of those 1st and 2nd Gen models before they "sissified" them. I worked at a Ford dealer at the time and got really good deals so I bought the newer models for my wife. They depreciate like a rock, though. Don't forget the Mazda Tribute which was a rebadged Escape.

[@MontysMotos]

I loved that rear window on my 2010. Didn't love much else about it, it was a fine transportation appliance but that's all you got out of it. A to B. And I agree with Nathan on the seats.

[@GrumpyForester]

...Drove a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD as my work truck throughout the mountains of the Pacific NW for several years. Even though it didn't have traction-adjusting bells and whistles like today's SUV, it was a remarkably capable little vehicles and I loved it. I used to say that the only thing that kept it from being the perfect vehicle for crawling up and down all those narrow rough mountain roads was the lack of a four-wheel-drive low range crawling speed...

[@wblchzhd]

My sister-in-law had a Gen 2 Escape that had nothing but problems. Had a Gen1 Hybrid at work that was pretty good, except you had to back up in E-mode which wasn't good around construction sites. My wife had a Gen 3 and we loved it!

[@Van_Liberty]

I convinced my sister to buy this very model and it was an amazingly reliable, comfortable and roomy little SUV. We did a trip to Florida and would fold the 60 side of the rear seat to make a bed and it worked perfectly!

[@tmsuttle6754]

I had a 2009 Escape. Being a first year with the 6speed trans and other teething issues it is still one of my favorite cars. Unfortunately, I took it deer hunting and it was only good for one deer. RIP Escape.

[@H33t3Speaks]

RIP 😢

[@matt45540]

I love mine, I was bartering and received it by trade. liked it so much I've kept it for 3 years. Never left me stranded, and even being 6'1 I can sleep diagonally in the back and it actually has flat loading floors. Everything's pretty simple easy to work on (roomy)

[@kenyattaclay7666]

I had a 2nd gen Escape & I loved that car. Other than having to change the battery I had zero issues with the car. I loved the boxy look and the way it drove. Ford screwed the pooch when they decided to basically make it the US version of the Kuga which is why they likely have the Bronco Sport. My only wish for the Bronco Sport is that they extend the length to make it the size of the old Escape & introduce a PHEV option.

[@damilolaakanni]

They'd have to discontinue this Escape to be able to do that.

[@SeattleMartin]

The new Bronco isn´t bad at all, but I have a problem with the name. ´Bronco´? I don´t want a vehicle named after a horse, I don´t care how good it is. Bronco was kitchy and quaint in 1973, but it´s not for me.

[@stevejohnson5837]

I've had two 3.0L Escapes (2008 and 2011, both front wheel drive). Those Duratec engines are solid, but they love to leak oil out of the front cover. Other than that, they are pretty bulletproof - no water pump issues, no cam phaser or timing chain issues, none of that stuff that plagued the subsequent 3.5L/3.7L engines. As mentioned, not that great on gas, not the quietest, but I'll take those downsides for good reliability. Parts are readily available, repairs are easy and they are cheap to keep running. They are a good value.

[@ddg2256]

Meh... the electronics paired with that engine suck too. They have a habit of blowing PCMs and not illuminating the CEL when a misfire happens. By the time the CEL comes on for a misfire, the damage is done and you need new cats and a new PCM.

[@SeattleMartin]

Other than replacing a water pump, my ´09 XLT gave me no problems at all. But even after having several gaskets replaced, the engine continued to leak, and although it ran like a champ, I decided to get rid of it. But I miss that car, it had a lot of utility value and a lot of personality.

[@mrslcom]

$43k for a Ford Escape is a steep price to pay.

[@jacobg.witmer]

Agreed. Especially when the 2nd Gens with low miles aren’t all that hard to find and you can find them for pretty cheap. A few months ago my family picked up a 2012 Escape identical to the blue one in this video. It only had 70,000 miles on it and we paid $10K for it. They’re pretty much bulletproof too.

[@mango9406]

@@jacobg.witmermy parents bought me a 07 escape with 90k miles on it for about $9k

[@Hatim.13]

​@@mango9406I got the 2006 Hybrid with 140k miles, 2 years ago for $4000

[@timothyforce1949]

The 3.0 DOHC engines were very reliable. My family and I had two Taurus/Sables with these engines. Both went way over 200k with no issues whatsoever. Definitely not the power and efficiency of my current Honda Accord J35 engine, but the Ford engine was atleast trouble free like the Honda has been.

[@BC08]

I’d wager the 3.0 Duratec will outlast a J35 with comparable maintenance schedules

[@albertmcwilliams6505]

I love watching these videos with Nathan. He’s honest and has great insight into the ownership experience. His used car review and comparison feedback is the best on TFL. He made a great point in prior videos about user interface of touch screens and glossy trim. It was one of many factors in my own decision to buy a Ford Maverick recently. I wonder how many miles his Santa cruise has now and what he would suggest to change for that vehicle’s mid-cycle refresh in a few years.

[@brandon9715]

I can tell Nathan’s daughter must be practical and organized. I noticed the blankets and sweater in the back to be prepared in case of a snowstorm lol. Nice comparison video 👍

[@mr.2cents.846]

Yeah very organized. As long her car is on tv. 😉😁

[@MVMTV4Videos]

I just picked up The 2010 Escape with the V6 - 116K miles for $4700 But has a new sub frame in front and I threw another 1K to have everything fixed an brought it to excellent running condition and good solid body, TY for catching me up to speed with the new and the old. Well done video guys. TY for sharing

[@thepirate5955]

Yay! I guessed right! Mine is a 2012 XLT V6 AWD (tow pkg., sunroof, roof racks) I bought three years ago for $9,500 with 53K miles on it - I just turned over 94,000 miles. I once got 28.2 miles to the gallon, but that was likely due to a slight tailwind - average on most highway trips is always 25 MPG or higher. Not bad for a boxy AWD with a V6. My issues include having to replace the throttle body once and the exhaust resonator upstream of the muffler split, so I had a muffler shop just weld in a length of pipe . . . that's it. I believe in regular and correct maintenance - made easier by the ubiquitous (and affordable) nature of after market replacement parts. It's retro enough for my tastes (read KNOBS and DIALS), but yet still has Bluetooth capability, hands free calling, even satellite radio (if I hit the lottery)! One tip I would offer is to install a small (4" X 6") rectangle of stainless steel screen mesh right where the air intake port is and fold it back so it covers the intake; way, way less debris and huge bugs sucked into my air filter canister as a result. I just secured that piece re-using the little plastic lock pegs that were already there. I am seeing some surface rust underneath the car, but it is otherwise still structurally sound at this time. Fingers crossed!

[@bk27117]

Those second generation Escapes always looked pretty good. Family had one for a while and had about 180k miles of good service from it. Good value vehicle. Also the V6 was rated to tow 3500lbs

[@Moching-ob6ny]

I had a 2013 Ford CMax Hybrid which shared a lot of components with the Escape. In fact, the interior is almost identical looking. It should have been named as Escape Hybrid. The CMax is wonderful and glides down the road and highway quietly when the engine is not under heavy load. Sound insulation and handling were great for what it was

[@1leggeddog]

I had a 2010 Escape with a v6 2wd. I loved it and i would have kept it but the transmission gave me so much trouble. It kept slipping despite numerous trips to the dealership. So i traded it in... for a 2007. I kept that one for even longer and much lower payments but it was poorly taken cared for so i did keep paying a lot of problems but that one was 4wd. I do miss my 2010. It was GREAT on the highway and roadtrips

[@mrgurulittle7000]

I like both Escapes. The old one is reliable, but the new one is modern. Excellent review.

[@twilightmedia8575]

the 1st gens can last forever. we have a 2005 ford escape bought brand new and we still have it to this day, the only things we have changed are the tyres and brake pads. we will never sell it because it has many memories plus its reliable. it never had any issue for 18 years straight

[@AkronKid330]

The two things I like about our 2020 escape se ecoboost. The seats are crazy comfortable and it handles so well on road trips through the mountains.

[@40Willum]

I have a 2017 Escape SE. I love it. ❤️

[@garychance2464]

I currently own a 2010 with that v6 but front drive only. 190+k presently on the clock and from I had it I haven't had no issues with it. This little suv is a baby beast. When I get on it off the line it smoke the tires and also spin them when shift to second. I will say that it is one of the best vehicles Ford has made. It is just a solid strong little trouble free vehicle. Since I had it I change the altonator once and change the oil n filter when it calls for changing plus the wear and tear components (brakes, tires, wipers). It's due for a little TLC right now "body wise" and I will be getting to that!... next "spring project."

[@rustycaldwell1251]

I own a 2012 Escape it’s my wife’s car and we love it. It has the 2.5 liter engine and has performed extremely well. We have about 175,000 miles on it. The only problem is the A/C that’s it and that’s only been recently.

[@jamespeters3907]

We have an 08 escape with 2.3L. We have owned since 2012. So far it’s been a great reliable car. It currently has over 298k. So far no major repairs. (Knock on wood) We bought it for about 8k and its paid it self a few times over. Im hoping to make it to 400k miles without major repairs. Wish me luck. Lol. We liked the bronco sport but for almost $40k. Just seems crazy expensive. And they are yet to be tested for longevity and reliability. With everything going to small turbocharged engines just seem way more complex and likely less reliable long term. But I could wrong. Any how great video guys.

[@ChrisBre1]

In 2003 I bought a brand new 2003 Escape XLT with the V-6 Duratec engine and four wheel drive. It currently has 156,000 miles and is still going strong. I have no doubt that it'll pass the 200K mark. The car has had very few repairs outside of regular maintenance. I've only had to replace the water pump, fuel pump, alternator and brake hoses. I think the only time the check engine light came on is when the alternator went out. The whole electrical system went wonky on me. My Escape runs as smooth as can be and drives straight down the road. I also get about 24 miles to the gallon on the open road. When I first bought it it had a lot of tire noise. That was quickly cleared up when I got rid of the factory Continental tires and switched over to Uniroyal Cross Country tires. I was so pleased with those tires I'm on my third set. I honestly wish I could buy a brand new first or second generation Escape. No way on God's green earth would I pay forty-some grand for a 2023 model!

[@lonewolf0712]

I have a gen 1 escape XLT i bought off my grandfather. $500, 321,000 miles. A few hundred dollars later, and it's well worth the money and work. Most problems it had were fixable with a few tools, replacements parts, and youtube tutorials. Rockauto was a life saver, much cheaper than getting parts from O'Reilly's. My only gripe is that when we were working on it, we had to disassemble a lot of stuff due to the way the V6 sits since it is front wheel drive. Thankfully we haven't had to mess with that more than once, but even then, it's more of a minor inconvenience than a major problem. Would i recomend it? Yes. Drive quality is supurb, brakes are very responsive, the turning is buttery smooth, the acceleration is pretty good for an SUV. Heck, my cruise control still works like a charm. Truly a well-made SUV.

[@TropicalThunder21]

My first car was an 07 Mercury Mariner Premier, the mid grade luxury version of this, had leather seats, heater mirrors, power moonroof, it was awesome, I still have it, but recently bought a 2016 Mustang as my daily.

[@danielanderson4428]

I bought a 2012 escape limited 3.0 V6 all wheel drive 2 years ago. I live in Michigan but bought a one owner from North Carolina because of the rust issue. I had it rust proofed before the first winter. I specifically wanted a V6, not a turbo 4 cylinder. You do hear a lot of engine noise but aside from that I’m very pleased with it. I plan on driving it for 10-12 years.

[@desterysmith4200]

My 2009 has 237k miles on it, still runs great! I kept it for parts and bought a 2011. the rear strut broke through the wheel well due to rust damage, that's the only reason I had to replace it. I love Escapes!!

[@Nd4SpdSe]

Parents had an 02 AWD V6 with the Midnight package. It was great with little problems, but was retired because of a rusted out front subframe, but the rest of the car was mint. The V6 had plenty of power for towing and handled its *3500lb* towing capacity without effort. It had a switch to manually engage "4x4" and it worked well. The Escape hybrid was replaced with the C-Max. I've been saying it since it came out, the Bronco Sport is the proper successor to the Escape.

[@GuillermoRamon55]

I have a 2002 Escape 4WD V6. It is a good car if you give it good maintenance. The prior owner had no idea about how to treat a car. I had to replace the tires, suspension, breaks, radiator, water pump, gas line, gas pump, battery, alternator, a few other small things, and add coolant for the AC. After that, it has been great for the last 30,000 miles. It currently has 180,000 miles and runs like new. I also added top LED lights, front and back, a double din stereo, rear and front cameras, as well as a front bumper camera that lets me see the ground when off roading.

[@jreOO7]

Got a 2020 hybrid, and honestly, it's great for everything I need. Especially nice rear seat leg room w/ the sliding seats & cargo room for trips to hardware/grocery/etc store! We get 40mpg with the mechanical AWD & although we wouldn't kid ourselves about 'really off-roading' it handles snow, steep/wet yards & light dirt trails near our camp in the Allegheny National Forest. Came with adaptive cruise, lane centering, auto beams, heated leather seats (fake, but nice) & panoramic sunroof. At 32K and 0%, it's probably the best way to get it unless you're actually going to tow more than a tiny trailer.

[@EricTheKing]

I Just got a 2011 ford escape Limited, V6, awd about 2 weeks back I like it so far I got it for $6031 taxes included, So far runs great love it!

[@machinegaming1913]

We just bought an ST line. The biggest advantage for us over the second generation is that it has much more room in the back seat. As such it is a viable option for a small family when compared to the larger SUV’s. The interior is not much smaller than an edge and it was a fair bit cheaper. We paid $32,600 for a eco boost 4 cylinder with AWD, but if your okey with a FWD eco boost 3 cylinder (still good power) it could be had for as little as $25k. As pointed out in the video the bronco sport is the successor to second generation escape and while it would have enough space for my family right now (my boys are 8 and 6) we would quickly out grow it.

[@dmegahan]

I love new tech and how well the new one drives however (it’s not a ford only thing) not offering a small NA V6 in these smaller suvs is a shame. People would buy them even if they got worse MPG. I think I would just buy the old one and replace the factory radio etc to get Apple car play.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

As a diy, I serviced 2 Escapes for friends. A 2011 and a 2012. Both were easy, fun, and simple to work on. I did suspension, valve covers, electrical, regular oil changes, transmission service and so on. Neither fought me like a GM and as simple as a Toyota. I can find the 2012 on FB market for around $4500-$6000 with reasonable miles.

[@scoutmaster314]

Another option to consider versus the Escape: We very recently purchased a 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited for the same purpose - car for daughter to drive while going to college in a very cold weather climate. The six cylinder Outback’s still had a traditional automatic instead of a CVT back then. Compared to the Escape, it is just a little better in most categories: horsepower, fuel economy, ground clearance, interior volume, cargo capacity (seat up and down), etc. My daughter, and I just drove it from the East Coast to Idaho last week, and I was very impressed with it. Seems like it will be a good car for her. My wife is paranoid about her getting stranded in the snow, so I’ve loaded up the area under the cargo floor with every possible cold climate emergency gear I can think of: traction mats, tow ropes and recovery straps, battery, jump starter, emergency roadside flashers, food if she were to get stranded, 12v electric blanket, collapsible shovel, etc.

[@MrBamastang]

Had an 08, loved the looks and it was super reliable, but man was it slow. Bought a 2013 with the Ecoboost. Still good and reliable with good power, the wife traded it at 100K with 0 issues and got a Camry. Shes been driving it about 200 miles a day for work. Its great on the MPGs but we sure miss the ecoboost power.

[@majorcalvary6515]

As someone who grew up in Asia, New Ford Escape sort of remind me what ford was like in 1970s. My mom had a Ford Escort, and my dad had a Cortina first, then upgraded to a Granada with 2.8L V6. That was a pretty gutsy engine at the time. It was not much slower than a BMW then. In fact Ford Granada was highly regarded as a luxury car. Maybe not quite like a BMW or Mercedes, but it was on par of like a Peugeot or Volvo maybe. I drove an Escape the steering wheel feeling and the elegant simple dash, sort of taken me back to my moms escort. Ford always have a special place in my heart as I grew up with them in Taiwan.

[@stevenoriol5369]

I’ve got a 2012 AWD Escape with the V6 and 185K. Bought it in ‘18 with 80K on it. Only major components I had to replace were the AC system, this model year was known for those problems. I’ve never had any major engine problems, just a few gaskets over the years. I live in the mountains and this thing is great in the snow. I average 22 MPG in mixed driving. I plan to drive the wheels off of it.

[@mr.2cents.846]

I hope it's a Limited.

[@kenvik-r1q]

I have already 107K mileage on my 2009 Escape Hybrid Ltd. I purchased it back in 2016 from single owner woman due to the Ford record reliability with this hybrid classic exterior SUV. It was discontinued after 2012 model year. It reaches 300,000 mileage on regular basis to this day going as 24/7 driven heavy as NYPD and city taxi innNY and San Francisco.

[@dougk7883]

Used 2nd gen escape 1000%. Just bought a 2011 and love it. I got it with the 2.5 instead of the 3.0 decided to go with the 2.5 since I do have a pickup mainly with the winter and hunting. It does have AWD as well to help with the winter and it’s only averaging about 2mpg less than the regular FWD version.

[@FBHSswimmer2006]

I actually preferred the old Escape. I got a 2023 Escape, but it’s been in the garage for 3 weeks now. Only got 2,044 miles and bought it at the end of August. They have to replace the cylinder head due to it overheating. The water temp is not what is overheating, it’s the cylinder head. I’m hearing online there may be a design flaw with the 2023 version of the 1.5L 3 cylinder because they did a slight redesign for the EGR. I am hearing that Ford hasn’t done a complete fix for it, so I am going to get the same cylinder head as what is on it now. I should have kept my 2018 Escape with the 1.5L 4 cylinder. It was rock solid.

[@thefunnyman713]

I still got my 2008 hybrid escape that i bought in 2011 my senior year, its got over 250k miles and still running strong, only major problem it had was to replace the thermostat

[@blazehall8086]

I have one from my mom. I didn’t dig it at first, but I’ve kicked out the back seat and leveled it, and it’s grown on me. It’s quick, and the engine sounds nice to me imo. Capable.

[@MrEGOMACHINE]

Bought, and fixed 2012 for my mom with all wheekbdrive , V6. We love it. Going to get new one for company vehicle so I look forward to it.

[@mach515]

I have a 2017 Escape with the 2L turbo. It's been a great car with no issues so far. The gas mileage holds up good around 28 mpg and I love the power in it.

[@1970351C2V]

The Bronco Sport is obviously the successor to the earlier Escape.

[@paulg.5075]

We've had a 2010 V6 AWD for about 5 years now. 230K km (145K miles) and I can say that it's been one of the most reliable used vehicles we've ever owned. I do most of the regular maintenance on it, it's super easy to work on and because they sold so many of them, parts are relatively cheap even for genuine Ford replacement. Fuel economy is also better than you would expect, with summer highway mileage in around the 28mpg range. Two pet peeves however... road noise (Nathan is right, there is NO sound deadening insulation), and the infamous rust issues.

[@peter-peter5929]

My 2011 escape saved my life. The 5 star crash rating it had is well deserved and I voucher for it. After beating rear ended in the rain, flip over and walk crash I didn't even have a scratch. Not even sore the next few days. Car was totaled and I would get another one in a heartbeat. Never had an issue. Changed oils myself. Engine every 5k. Transmission oil every 20k. Miss old faithful.

[@sammygardner2751]

215k on my 2012 escape those babies are strong

[@bereaux94]

I prefer the older escapes to the new ones.

[@mikada88]

I have an 09 escape now with the V6 four-wheel drive. pushing 285,000, mi!

[@matthewgingerich2540]

My wife and I have a 2010 Escape awd with the 4cyl. We've seen as much as over 27mpg on the highway, which is pretty impressive considering how boxy of a vehicle it is. It's not a powerhouse, of course, but it doesn't feel inadequate either. We bought it 5 years ago with only 24,000 miles on it - now we're at 83,000 with no signs of it wearing out anytime soon. I 100% agree about the Bronco Sport having more in common with the old Escape than the new Escape does - I can't even think of the new Escape as an SUV, just as a bloated sedan honestly.

[@KevinWorkman-sw7dq]

The Ford Bronco Sport seems like it be a better side by side test for old VS new

[@elizabethpeterson1644]

My sister had the 1st generation of Ford Escape. I only drove it once back in 2003 or 2004. I did drove a 2009 Ford Escape for a week as a loaner car. I used to have a 2015 Ford Escape SE for almost 5 years. I got it in late March 2017. Now I drive a 2020 Ford Escape SE in black.

[@b_thebeat05]

I had three Escapes. One was a 2004, the other was a 2016, and the third one was a 2019. Now I have a 2020 Edge and a Crown Victoria Police Interceptor.

[@joeauber7239]

My family has a 2012 escape v6 awd we bought brand new. Been our most reliable car we have ever owned. Now has 215k miles and is going strong

[@Tuba_Dave]

First car my brother and I shared was identical to that old Escape. When I got my first pickup, he beat that thing to hell, didn’t take care of it, but it just kept going. Good car.

[@stingypaperwaffles]

We had an 05 Mariner with the V6, it was a great car. And that thing got around really well in the winter too. If it werent for needing room for 3 car seats, we would have kept it.

[@erwincurry534]

thank you for taking me down memory lane I didn’t have a older escape, but I had a mariner, & I have a hybrid awd escape 2020.

[@michaelsheedy]

I had a 2002 Taurus 24 valve V6 and drove it for 15 years. Bulletproof engine and averaged 24mpg.

[@RaymondBowman-xq5gv]

Nice video, I am shopping now for my 17-year-old son's first vehicle. We kept our 2007 Jeep Liberty Latitude for the kids to learn on, our 15-year-old daughter is up next. The Liberty has been great, but not without its problems. We bought it new 140,000 miles ago and I have replaced the front main seal, water pump twice, radiator, fuel injectors, spark plugs, shocks and struts, rear upper control arm, front CV axles, front drive shaft, and brakes a few times. Just because I am able to work on cars doesn't mean I want to be working on my kid's cars all the time. I have been leaning towards the 2nd gen Escape for a while. our budget is $10k and for Colorado, I feel it would be foolish to let my kids drive a 2 wheel drive vehicle.

[@markspence3750]

I bought a new 1997 Toyota RAV4 in Honolulu, HI.... one of the hardest trials you can do is go up the Like-Like highway or Pali highway. When the Escape came out, it had HUGE horsepower compared to the RAV4.

[@dieselford9184]

Ex girlfriend had a second gen Escape in high school. One day on the way home from school in heavy snow she slid into a deep ditch. I got there and drove it through a cornfield and straight up the ditch back onto the road. That things AWD system worked great.

[@pernell4351]

Great Nate we had a 2009 XLT fully loaded V6 towing package sunroof roof rack premium wheels four-wheel-drive live in Louisiana our son still has it with 125 on it took it to Colorado we’re great there the only other issue you gotta watch out that came up throttle body sensor and camshaft sensor but other than that the vehicle were great towed 4000 pounds that was from the Ford dealership to make it tow with a breaker controller without the break controller 3500 pounds. That’s what Ford dealership set up on a towing capacity. But we just tow about 3000 pounds my boat and my 5x8 box trail never maxed it out MPG averaging 28 miles per gallon on the highway and 25 in the city for V6.

[@NickTarterOKC]

My aunt has a 2016 Ford Escape and the transmission went with fewer than 100,000 miles on it. She's not a crazy driver or anything. I'd definitely go with the older one myself.

[@jacobg.witmer]

My family has 4 Ford Escapes: A 1st Gen, 2 3rd Gens, and now we recently picked up a Blue Gen 2 identical to the one in this video except ours is front drive only, and I gotta say the blue one’s the best one we got now, as it only has 80,000 miles (It had 70,000 when bought) I love that it handles like a truck, not like a blown up Focus like the new ones!

[@PWlangford1]

Your daughter is a lucky young Lady. Great little SUV.

[@julianash5500]

I crashed my "college car" and childhood 08 Ford escape a month or so ago. And now I have a 2015 c Max. Everytime I see the 2nd gen escape I miss it so much! Love the car! If they made a model shaped like the old one again I'd get it instead of the c max

[@bulshavix6]

It’s the most popular vehicle for women in North America. I have a ‘19 2.0 ecoboost fwd escape for my wife to drive. Just had to change a coolant temperature sensor. Only things I did were throw on a solid rear mount, focus rs air box and remove the snorkel like the rs is. I get like 22.5 mpg average. It is a super fun little car

[@ThatFATbannana]

my mom had a ford escape 2008 when i was born she had it till 2015, honestly it was the best car i ever rode in. i think my mom liked it too, she only sold it because of the hybrid battery issues

[@southernkat3871]

ST-Line is an incredibly common trim level in Europe on fords and has been for a while. You can get an ST-Line trim for every model, basically giving the cars a more sporty look

[@jowens4883]

I had a 2017 Escape turbo 2.0L for about 4 years and 85k miles. I did not have any issues at all. I wish I would of kept it for a second car. The all wheel drive worked well in the snow. It was wife's turn to pick the car. I wanted too look at the 2023 2024 Escape PHEV or the 2.0L.

[@urbo42]

Had a 2008 Escape Hybrid. Boxy, but good. Tons of room. Phenomenal mileage. Still see my old car because it was bought by someone who lives close to me. Moved to a Chevrolet Volt which was even more wonderful apart from being much smaller inside (but still a hatchback). Just took delivery of a Maverick hybrid and ordered a second one.

[@Beth9228]

My sister had a 2002 Ford Escape for almost 16 years. She gotten my mother’s 2013 Ford Edge in early June 2018. I even did drove her Ford Escape once. I had a loaner vehicle for a week which was a 2009 Ford Escape in red when I hit a deer in early December 2016. I had it longer because of the weather. I gotten a 2015 Ford Escape SE in silver grey in late March 2017. I had it for almost 5 years till it died on me in mid March 2022. I have a 2020 Ford Escape SE in black shortly after the last one died. I do liked my current one the best. I liked it rounder and the technology in it. I almost got the 2019 white one with higher trim level. I liked the cloth seats better than leather seats. I even liked using Apple Car Play in my vehicle. To me it is liked using my iPhone. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to the vehicle. My sister drove a 2023 Ford Escape in silver grey for a week as a rental vehicle with her husband. She didn’t want to use Apple Car Play in it. I have my 2020 Ford Escape for 2 years. Every day that I get in and I just loved the smooth ride it is.

[@deetorrance3659]

My mom is still driving her 2003 Ford Escape. Very few issues over the years.

[@davidnesbet8222]

We had a 2011 Ford Escape with the V-6 we bought new. I liked the car because it had plenty of room and was a good car for hauling people and things. My main complaints with the car were low gas mileage when driving in the city, handling that felt a little vague, and problems with the electronic throttle body that would sometimes lead to the car shutting down without warning. The dealer would not acknowledge that this was a problem (even though there was later a recall for this problem I believe). I ended up buying a replacement throttle body at RockAuto and the problem went away. Another plus for this car was that the replacement parts were super cheap! Unfortunately, the car was involved in a fairly minor front collision and the insurance company made us total the car, otherwise we would probably still be driving it!

[@Xiploc3991]

My 2011 3.0 fwd model is at 300k kilometres and still going strong. Love this car

[@adribouss]

Original tranmission?

[@scottyellis3442]

I got my daughter one of these year's ago. I don't remember the year, but it had just over a hundred thousand miles when i pixked it up & now it's well over two hundred thousand miles. No issues at all so far. Tough little SUV.

[@thomasrossi31]

We’ve had 2. A 2003 Mazda Tribute over 200k miles and still going (under water during Hurricane Sandy @ 125k miles) and a ’06 Ford Escape Hybrid that we added 100k after we bought it. It rusted out before the mechanicals died.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Thank good for rust! :)

[@marshallgorski5108]

I like the old one. Use to have a old one that was orange(burnt copper, or something like). Was a 4 banger. That vehicle to this day is the best run around town car I have owned. Lots of space to put things and used very little gas.

[@12taurus]

The original Escapes were far better than the current ones. They sat higher, they had better seats, they had useful features like a roof rack, and they were actually reliable. I knew a guy who rented a new 2020 a few years ago and it smelled like coolant every time he accelerated. I actually didn't realize it was a Ford until I saw the badge. My mom bought a 2005 Escape in 2007 and it was all the things mentioned above. She had it until 2019 and it had 293,751 miles when she traded it in for her Rav4. It was even better in deep snow than the Rav4. It'd push through 3+ feet and use the front bumper as its own plow.

[@smartG1123]

Literally just got almost the same 2011 Ford escape for my first car same color too I'm so thrilled 💯

[@optionsf]

I own an Escape 2020 Titanium. Yes the new ones cost much more but they have an incredible range of engines (1.5, 2.0, hybrid. PHEV, and many levels of trim to make it how you want. Yes the high end isn’t the best interior but the tech is fabulous: every driver assistance tech you ever imagined, auto park, and a great infotainment system and display. Every mfr went from boxy to aerodynamic, and just now going back to boxy, so better they brought back Bronco sport than nothing.