Ford Escape Overview

Ford Escape is a good choice among small, affordable, road-going SUVs. The Escape offers agile handling, a smooth ride, and comfortable seating for four. It also provides brisk acceleration when equipped with the optional V6 engine. It's compact but practical. Folding down the rear seats reveals a flat, moderately sized cargo area. Best of all, its price is relatively low.

First introduced as a 2001 model, the Escape benefited from upgraded interior materials for 2003, and is unchanged for 2004. There are, however, a couple of new packages aimed at enhancing value.