Used 2007 Ford Escape SUV Used 2007
Ford Escape SUV

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

The front-wheel-drive XLS trim has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,805, while the same trim with four-wheel drive and an automatic transmission has an MSRP of $22,215. The XLT trim starts at $22,920, the XLT Sport at $24,550 and the Limited at $25,290. A look at the Fair Purchase Price will show you the typical transaction price for the Escape, a helpful tool to have when negotiating your best price. The Escape is expected to maintain an average resale value over a five-year period, better than the Jeep Liberty, on par with the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Santa Fe, but behind the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.