If you’re actively shopping, you can also run a Car IQ Report to see which years and models are most reliable using U.S. government-backed data insights.
If you’re wondering are Ford Escapes good cars, the growing popularity of this compact SUV in the used market suggests many buyers think so. I’ve been watching the trends closely, and models like the Escape continue to be top choices for their value, practicality, and reliability.
With used cars now selling in just 34 days on average (down from 43), it’s clear that smart buyers are recognizing the value. I find the Ford Escape particularly interesting because it offers that perfect balance of city-friendly size with enough space for family adventures, all without the steep depreciation of a new vehicle.
Growing Popularity of Used Car Purchases
I’ve noticed more people choosing to buy used cars these days, and it’s easy to see why. In June 2025, the average price of a used car in the U.S. is $25,547. These prices have started to drop after hitting record highs in recent years, making used cars more attractive to buyers.
Used cars are now selling faster than they have in a long time. The average time it takes to sell a used car has dropped from 43 days to just 34 days. This shows how many people want to buy used vehicles right now.
One big reason for this trend is the money you can save. New cars lose a lot of their value in the first few years. When you buy used, you avoid this big drop in value. You get more for your money this way.
The Ford Escape is one of the popular choices for people looking at used compact SUVs. It makes sense – these vehicles give you a good mix of city driving and family use. They’re not too big, offer a comfortable ride, and have enough space for passengers and cargo.
If you’re thinking about getting a used Ford Escape, you’re in good company. Many buyers like them because they come in many different model years, trims, and engine types. You can find traditional gas engines, turbo versions, and even hybrids depending on what you need and what your budget allows.
The Ford Escape in the Compact SUV Market
When I look at the Ford Escape, I see why so many people want one. It’s the right size for most drivers – not too big, not too small. You can park it easily in the city but still have room for family trips.
The Escape gives you a smooth, comfortable ride. I find the seating works well for both short trips and long drives. There’s plenty of space for passengers, and the cargo area fits groceries, sports gear, or luggage without a problem.
One thing I like about shopping for a used Escape is the many options available. You can choose from different years, trim levels, and engines. Whether you want a basic model, something with more luxury features, or a fuel-saving hybrid, there’s likely an Escape that fits your needs.
If you’re careful about which model year you pick, you can find ones known for good reliability. The mid-to-late 2010s Escapes generally have better track records than some earlier years. Some older models had engine or transmission problems, so it’s worth checking the reliability ratings of any car you’re considering.
The Escape holds its own against other small SUVs when it comes to features and price. Many people find it gives them a good balance between what they need and what they can afford. With so many on the market, you can take your time to find one with the right combination of age, mileage, and features.
Advantages of Buying a Used Ford Escape
I find that buying a used Ford Escape makes good financial sense. The price difference between new and used models is big – you’ll pay much less for a used one. After a new Escape leaves the lot, it loses value quickly in the first few years. When you buy used, someone else has already taken that hit, and your car will lose value more slowly going forward.
Some Ford Escape model years have proven to be quite reliable. If you pick the right Ford Escape model years, you might avoid many repair bills. The mid-to-late 2010s Escapes tend to have fewer problems than other years. Before you buy, I recommend checking reliability ratings for the specific year you’re looking at.
Another plus is getting newer features without the new-car price tag. Many used Escapes from recent years come with good safety features like backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, and improved airbag systems. You can even find hybrid models that save on gas money. These newer-model used Escapes give you modern tech and styling at a fraction of what you’d pay for a 2025 Ford Escape.
You might also find certified pre-owned options at Ford dealerships. These cars have been checked over and often come with a warranty. Even with private sales, you can find well-maintained Escapes with plenty of life left in them.
Disadvantages of Buying a Used Ford Escape
While a used Ford Escape can be a good choice, I need to point out some downsides too. Not all model years are created equal when it comes to reliability. Some older Escapes have known problems with their engines and transmissions.
The 2013-2014 models, for example, had issues with their 1.6L EcoBoost engines that led to recalls. Before you buy a used Ford Escape, check if there were any recalls for that year and if they were fixed.
Gas mileage is another concern with non-hybrid Escapes. Older models especially don’t match the fuel economy of newer SUVs or even some competitors from the same time period. If you drive a lot, this extra fuel cost adds up over time.
Like any used car, there’s always the risk of hidden problems. A used Escape might look fine on the surface but have electrical issues or wear that isn’t obvious during a quick test drive. These surprise problems can be costly to fix.
Some older Escape owners report lower satisfaction with their vehicles compared to other small SUVs. Common complaints include uncomfortable seats on longer trips, less-than-smooth performance as they age, and higher maintenance costs than expected. The 2011-2012 models, for instance, scored lower on owner happiness surveys than later versions.
If you still want to buy a used Ford Escape, get a thorough inspection by a mechanic who knows these vehicles well. This small step can save you from big headaches later.
Are Ford Escapes Good Cars?
I need to stress how important research is when you’re looking to buy a used Ford Escape. Not all model years perform the same, and some have more problems than others. Taking time to check out the specific year you’re interested in can save you money and stress down the road.
When I research used Ford Escapes, I start with tools like CARFAX and Kelley Blue Book. These sites give me information about a car’s past, including accidents and service records. I also check Reddit and owner forums where people share their real-life experiences with different Escape models.
Alongside Reddit and Car Forums, I also use Car IQ Report to get a full picture of a vehicle’s reliability and safety. It pulls complaint and recall data from NHTSA and shows which years have known problems — or which are safe bets.
Many people ask, “Are Ford Escapes reliable?” The truth is, it depends on the year. Some model years, especially mid-to-late 2010s versions, have better track records than others. The 2017-2019 models, for instance, tend to have fewer reported problems than the 2013-2014 ones.
How Long Do Ford Escapes Last?
Another common question is “How long do Ford Escapes last?” With good care, a Ford Escape can go well over 150,000 miles. Some owners report their Escapes running strong at 200,000 miles or more. But this long life mostly happens with well-maintained vehicles and depends a lot on which year you buy. I can’t stress that enough.
Before making any decision, I always look up recall information. This tells me if there were serious safety issues with Ford Escapes and check with the seller if these recall fixes have been made.
Remember, the time you spend on research can lead to years of happy driving with fewer surprise repair bills.
Where is the Ford Escape Made?
The Ford Escape is primarily manufactured at the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. This U.S.-based facility has been the main production site for the Escape since 2012, where it shares the assembly line with the Lincoln Corsair. Some earlier models were also produced in Kansas City and even internationally, but today, most Ford Escapes sold in North America are proudly built in the United States.
Securing a Warranty for Peace of Mind
When I buy a used vehicle, I always make sure to get a warranty. This is one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because even if you pick a good model year, any used car can have problems that pop up after purchase. A warranty helps cover these surprise repair costs, which can be quite high with SUVs.
You have several warranty options when shopping for a used Ford Escape. If you buy from a dealership, you might find certified pre-owned (CPO) models that come with manufacturer-backed warranties. These often cover major systems for a set time or mileage. Another choice is an extended warranty, which you can buy from Ford or the dealer. Many third-party companies also offer warranties for used cars.
I think warranties are especially important for Ford Escapes because the reliability can vary so much between model years. For example, if you buy a 2013 or 2014 Escape, which had some engine troubles, having coverage for major repairs could save you thousands of dollars. Even the more reliable years can develop problems as they age.
The peace of mind a warranty gives you is worth the cost. When my transmission needed work on my 2016 Escape, the warranty covered the $2,800 repair bill. Without it, that expense would have been a big hit to my budget. For most used car dealers, a good warranty is not just nice to have—it’s necessary protection for your investment.
Tips for Selecting the Best Warranty
When looking for a warranty for your used Ford Escape, I first check what needs to be covered based on model year and mileage. For a higher-mileage Escape (over 75,000 miles), I want coverage for the engine, transmission, and electrical systems since these are the costly repair areas.
For Escapes with all-wheel drive or 4×4 capability, make sure the transfer case and drivetrain components are included in your warranty. These systems face more stress, especially if you drive in snow or off-road.
I always compare at least three different warranty providers before deciding. Look at:
- The monthly cost and deductible amounts
- What parts are covered and for how long
- Whether labor costs are fully covered
- If the warranty transfers to a new owner if you sell the car
Read the fine print about exclusions. Some warranties won’t cover “wear items” like brakes and clutches, while others exclude pre-existing conditions. I’ve seen warranty companies deny claims because the owner didn’t keep perfect maintenance records.
The claim process matters too. Some warranties require you to pay upfront and then get reimbursed, while others pay the repair shop directly. I prefer the second option since it’s easier on my wallet.
For my 2018 Escape with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine, I chose a warranty that specifically covered turbocharger issues, since these can be expensive to fix when they go wrong.
Recommendation for Potential Buyers
When you’re deciding whether to buy a used Ford Escape, I think it’s smart to weigh the lower price against possible repair costs. A used Escape can save you thousands upfront, but some model years might cost more in repairs later.
I suggest focusing on Ford Escapes from 2017-2019 if your budget allows. These years have fewer reported problems than earlier models. The 2013-2014 years had engine issues that you might want to avoid unless the car has service records showing these problems were fixed.
Always get a vehicle history report and have a mechanic check the car before buying. This small cost can save you from bigger expenses later. Look for signs of good maintenance like regular oil changes and timing belt replacements.
For peace of mind, I recommend getting a warranty, especially for Escapes with more than 80,000 miles. Make sure the warranty covers the transmission and engine at minimum.
Think about how long you plan to keep the car. Most Ford Escape model years can last 150,000 to 200,000 miles with good care. If you drive 15,000 miles yearly and buy an Escape with 90,000 miles, you might get 4-7 more years from it.
Consider your driving needs too. If you need all-wheel drive for snow, look for an Escape with this feature. If fuel economy matters most, the hybrid models offer better gas mileage than the standard versions.
A well-chosen used Ford Escape can be a good buy if you do your homework and pick the right year with proper protection.
Final Thoughts on Buying a Used Ford Escape
I believe a used Ford Escape can be an excellent investment if you approach the purchase with your eyes wide open. The key is doing thorough research on specific model years and getting a comprehensive inspection before signing any papers. Those mid-to-late 2010s models, especially from 2017-2019, typically offer the best balance of modern features and reliability.
Remember that the money you save upfront should include a buffer for potential repairs or a good warranty. With the right precautions, you’ll enjoy the benefits of this versatile compact SUV without the new-car price tag. A well-chosen used Escape can provide years of dependable service for your daily commute or family adventures.
