Base Price: $20,100
Price as Tested: $24,530
Why We Drove It: The Ford Escape ranks among the top three compact multi activity vehicles in Initial Quality. The Escape is also among the safest models in its class, receiving a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
 
In surveys that J.D. Power and Associates has conducted with verified owners of the 2008 Ford Escape, the people that actually own and drive one told us:


"I love the look and the feel of this vehicle. [It is] fun to drive and very comfortable."


"Nice combination of size and safety features for this class of vehicle."


"The interior is beyond impressive! The piano black dash is exquisite!"


"The rear back-up sensors are a god-send and should be standard on all vehicles."


"My wife weighs 135 lb., but sometimes the passenger airbag de-activates."


"The seats are comfortable, and everything is easy to use."


"The elevated height [gives me] good visibility for driving."


"I feel as though I fit into this vehicle and the ride is incredible."


"The 4-cylinder is surprisingly peppy and acceleration is very good."


"It feels like it could flip when you go fast around a curve."


Top 3 Things Owners Like About the Ford Escape:
1. Appearance of exterior paint
2. Front-end styling
3. Forward visibility from driver's seat
 
Top 3 Owner-Reported Problems with the Ford Escape:
1. Trunk/Hatch/Tailgate   Hard to open/close
2. Excessive wind noise
3. Windshield Wipers/Washer   Difficult to use/Poor location