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2007 Ford Escape

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Overview

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2007 Ford Escape Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

In the auto business, it doesn't take long to go from the top of your game to playing catch-up. So it seems is the case with the Ford Escape; a versatile and fuel-efficient compact SUV, but one starting to grow old, and fast. Though given a thorough freshening two years back, the Escape finds itself surrounded by newer and larger compacts, some capable of carrying up to seven passengers. It does not feature the latest advancements in stability control, nor does it offer the latest gadgets such as DVD navigation. Still, the Escape is a sturdy and proven vehicle, one well-suited to the needs of individuals and small families with active life styles and tight budgets.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the feeling of sitting up higher than in a sedan or wagon, and you also need an easily accessible and roomy cargo area, you'll like the Ford Escape. The Escape's manageable size makes it easy to maneuver in traffic and tight parking areas, and its big back seat offers lots of legroom for rear-seat passengers.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for an SUV with a high/low transfer case for serious off-roading or a third-row seat, the Escape is not your vehicle.

What's Significant About This Car?

A keypad entry feature is now standard on all XLT trims.

Driving the Escape

Driving Impressions While the base model's 2.3-liter engine can certainly move the Escape, it's no rocket. If fuel economy is not your top priority, the 3.0-liter V6, which produces a hardy 200...

horsepower, is the engine of choice. The base Escape is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, but it offers an on-demand four-wheel-drive system designed to engage only when it detects wheel slippage. The Escape's suspension is engineered to give it car-like ride and handling characteristics, but is still tough enough to go off-road. Part of the secret to getting a smooth, quiet ride is in the choice of tires. In the case of the Escape, the standard tires are wonderful for highway driving, but may be lacking when going off-road. The truth of the matter, however, is that very few people actually do go off-road, but many drivers must deal with slippery conditions, such as snow or ice. For those situations the original equipment tires should be just fine.

Favorite Features

Expandable Roof Rack
The Escape's expandable roof rack allows for maximum cargo loading.

Big Rear Seat
The Escape's big rear seat offers 35.6 inches of legroom.

2007 Ford Escape Details

Interior

The Escape's interior is practically luxurious, with high-quality materials used throughout the cabin. The instrument panel design is easy to live with, and the redesigned center console moves the shift lever from the steering column to the floor. A roomy rear seat with loads of legroom and a generous cargo hold are the other Escape strong points. Because the Escape does not sit high off the ground, the roof is relatively easy to reach, an important point when loading or removing equipment such as bikes or skis.

Exterior

The Escape looks like a miniature Explorer. It's a handsome little SUV that projects an image of toughness and fun. Bright exterior colors, big wheels and tires and a number of exterior packages can convert the Escape into a weekend beach cruiser or a super-plush family vehicle.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The Escape XLS features a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine, five-speed manual transmission, anti-lock brakes (ABS), air conditioning, rear defroster, engine immobilizer, illuminated keyless entry, dual power mirrors, AM/FM stereo with CD, folding rear seat, tilt wheel, power door locks, rear wiper/washer, power windows and 15-inch steel wheels. The V6 XLT Sport model adds a 200-horsepower 3.0-liter engine, automatic transmission, cruise control, six-disc CD changer, alarm system, six-way power driver's seat and alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Options include a four-speed automatic transmission, auto-off headlamps, four-wheel drive, 200-horsepower 3.0-liter V6, leather seats, roof rails, power moonroof, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags, audiophile stereo system and side-step bars.

Under the Hood

The four-cylinder engine is recommended for those seeking maximum fuel economy. It's peppy, provides good low-end torque and can be mated to a five-speed manual transmission. The V6 is more than adequate to move the Escape quickly, but is available only with an automatic transmission and gets slightly worse fuel economy.

2.3-liter in-line 4
153 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
152 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/29 (FWD manual), 23/26 (FWD automatic),
22/27 (4WD manual), 21/24 (4WD automatic)

3.0-liter V6
200 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
193 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4850 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/24 (FWD), 19/23 (4WD)

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2007 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 1049 Ratings for the 2001 - 2007 models.

Review this car

Value

8.7/10

Quality

8.6/10
Reliability

8.9/10

Performance

8.7/10
Comfort

8.6/10

Styling

8.7/10

Reliable so far, not much to complain about

By Alan (MN) on Thursday, January 31, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 150,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "Gas mlg, easy to park,decent quality, vry reliable"

Cons: "Interior roof handles too low, sticky rear hatch"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Bought this 2003 with 110K and now I have about 150K. Driven it for about 2 years. Had to replace water pump. Very minor rust repair, other than that, very reliable, decent gas mileage. Have the limited version. COuld be I just got lucky with the 40K I've put on it but it's probably one of the most problem-free cars I've ever owned, and I've owned almost 100 cars, although usually not for this long. It's a very short vehicle so it's easy to park, etc. and yet seems to have a good amount of room and I'm 6'5. Did have some problem with the rear latch sticking but after and cleaning and oiling the mechanism that went away. Local mechanics can fix just about everything so repair cost and maintenace are reasonable, if there is such a thing."

12 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Been a great vehicle, buy one!!!!!

By sxrguy (IL) on Saturday, January 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "power, versatile, looks great!!"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I purchased my 06 Escape XLT, v-6, 2wd, about 6 months ago. It has so far been perfect! Very impressive acceleration, mileage I think is great for all the room and power you get in return,(18-24). Even though its 2wd, it is fantastic in the snow!! So far, one of the best SUV's I have owned, very versatile."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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see all 1049 reviews