The Ford Escape was introduced in 2001 to cater to the rising demand for small SUVs and quickly went on to become a best selling car. It shares the same platform as the Mazda Tribute and is available with the option of either a front-wheel drive (FWD) or a 4-wheel drive (4WD).

The 2007 Ford Escape is a 4-door, compact sport-utility vehicle. It is available in 3 main trim levels, with a 5-passenger seating capacity. It is perfect for the average American family; buyers who are looking for a traditional SUV that combines roominess with great styling cues , affordability, and the ride quality of a midsize car. The Escape comes with a basic warranty of 36 months / 36,000 miles.

This Ford is available in three main trims; XLS, XLT and Limited: It has optional packages across trims. The Leather Comfort Group includes a color-keyed leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trimmed seats, front buckets and a 60/40 split rear seat.

This Ford offers a choice of two engines and transmissions: The 2.3L, 4-cylinder 153 horsepower (hp) engine dishes out a torque of 152 pound-feet and a choice of either a 5-speed Manual transmission (MT) or a 4-speed Automatic transmission (AT). Fuel economy amounts to 23/26 mpg (city/highway).

The 3.0L V6 200 hp engine serves up 193 lb.-ft. of torque and a standard 4-speed AT. Fuel economy amounts to 20/24 mpg (city/highway). The 2.3L 4-cylinder engine is standard on the XLS and XLT, while the 3.0L V6 is standard on the XLT Sport and the Limited version. It is optional on the XLT.

The Escape gives off a well balanced character. It has an agile attitude when compared with the Honda CRV. A wide body cladding and clipped front and rear overhangs give it a sporty comportment. A spring-forward stance, bumper guards integrated into its bodywork and large wheel lips render a business-like aura.

Fresh styling cues for 2005 included a new egg-crate grille, revised bumpers, new wheels, fascias, fog lamps and new headlamps. A power moonroof is available on the XLT, XLT Sport and Limited trims.

Standard features on the Escape XLS Manual FWD include; P225/75R15 A/S BSW Tires, 15" styled steel wheels, body side cladding, solar tinted glass, power windows, locks, mirrors, full grip erg door handles, a liftgate with flip-up glass, roof side rails, rear defrost and 2-speed wiper, manifold sideview mirrors.

The Escape has a practical, serviceable and easy-to-use interior layout. It has an excellent stowage area; 33 cubic feet of it behind the rear seats, which can be folded down and extended to approximately 65 cubic feet. The seating in front is comfortable for adults. Seating in the rear is comfortable for kids.

Standard interior features on the XLS Manual comprise; manually adjustable cloth bucket front seats, 60/40 rear seats, a floor shift with a center console, AM/FM Stereo with single CD, air conditioning, dual vanity mirrors, center dome with map lights, tilt steering wheel, rear cargo area light, 4 cargo floor hooks, illuminated entry and a 12V power outlet. The XLT has a premium cloth trim. Premium leather seating is standard on the Limited and optional on the XLT. The Escape XLT, XLT Sport and the Limited feature an AM/FM stereo with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer, clock and 4 speakers.

The Limited Luxury Comfort Package which is optional on the Escape Limited includes a 320-watt Audiophile stereo with a 6-Disc in-dash CD changer, 7 speakers and automatic volume control, dual heated sideview mirrors, heated driver and front-passenger seats, and a Reverse Sensing System.

The Escape displays an impeccable ride quality and delivers the crisp handling of a sedan. Body roll is minimal, while steering is responsive, direct and accurate. Fuel economy is decent. The powerful V6 churns up a brisk acceleration.

The suspension with larger-diameter front shocks and the front stabilizer system has a taut feel to it, minus the wishy-washy ride that is characteristic of large SUVs. The 2.3L four-cylinder engine renders commendable power and decent torque. It mates well with the AT.

The 3.0L V6 engine renders an impressive acceleration performance. It mates well with the 4-speed AT; which offers seamless transitions while opting for appropriate gears. Thanks to the automatic Intelligent 4WD System, this Ford is operable in all weather conditions and functions well in snow as well.

The Escape has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when equipped with the V6 and the Class II towing package.

All Escapes have a standard ABS. V6 models feature 4-wheel disc brakes. The optional Safety Package features the Safety Canopy with front side-impact airbags, which deploy from the headliner on both sides of the vehicle to cover most of the glass area along both rows of seating. A rollover sensor directs deployment in the event of a rollover or certain side impact collisions. The Personal Safety System includes a dual-stage airbag system for the driver and front passenger seating positions and a front passenger sensor system for the passenger seat.