Used Ford Escape

The Escape is the most popular SUV produced by Ford, representing roughly one-third of all Ford SUV sales. In fact, it is the company's second most popular vehicle overall, with its sales only exceeded by the Ford F-series trucks. This sort of popularity is no accident, and the Ford Escape has more than earned it through its extreme versatility. As a compact SUV, the Ford Escape offers comfortable seating for five passengers and plentiful cargo space for any daily task. It can even pull a light trailer in a pinch for greater utility. Altogether there is no other vehicle in the Ford lineup that can match the all-around value of the Ford Escape. Because of its over twenty-year history and the large number sold, a used Ford Escape makes for a particularly good buy for drivers wishing to get a quality vehicle at a lower price.

A orange used 2016 Ford Escape is shown from a low angle at sunset.

Generations of the Ford Escape

To date, there have been four generations of the Ford Escape, but the most recent generation is only beginning to reach the used market. Throughout the generations, the Ford Escape has only gotten better. However, this vehicle has been excellent since its beginning. When shopping for a used Ford Escape, there are tons of options due to its lasting reliability over the years.

First-Generation Escape (2001-2007)

The original Ford Escape was first introduced for the 2001 model year and was sold until the 2007 model year. These cars are now beginning to disappear from the used market, but you can still occasionally find one in good condition. While the technology and mechanical features in a first-generation Ford Escape are certainly dated, there is nothing unusable about them. Additionally, the SUV offers a solid 33 cu.ft. of cargo space with its seats up and 63 cu.ft. when they are folded.

When shopping for a used first-generation Ford Escape, keep in mind that there are four engines available. The original base engine is a 2.0L four-cylinder with 130 hp, but this was replaced for the 2005 model year as part of the SUV's midlife refresh. The newer base engine is a slightly larger and more powerful 2.3L four-cylinder producing 153 hp. The refresh also introduced a 155 hp hybrid system that could achieve a fuel economy of 29 MPG combined. However, the top engine remained the same 3.0L V6 throughout the production run. This V6 offers 200 hp, which is less than today's engines but, when combined with the relatively light weight of the SUV, makes for surprisingly good acceleration.

Second-Generation Escape (2008-2012)

The second-generation Ford Escape was produced for the 2008 to 2012 model years and is reasonably available on the used market. While this generation brought significantly updated styling inside and out, it is still fundamentally the same vehicle as the first generation, and its technology remains all but non-existent by modern standards.

Both the base 2.3L engine and the top V6 engine carried over from the previous generation, but the hybrid system was updated to offer up to 32 MPG combined. However, it is best to avoid the 2008 model year as the 2009 model year brought a slew of changes. The base engine was replaced with a 2.5L producing 171 hp, while the V6 gained variable valve timing and jumped to 240 hp on top of receiving a new six-speed automatic transmission. Finally, all trims gained a bit more technology with the basic SYNC infotainment system.

Third-Generation Escape (2013-2019)

The third-generation Ford Escape makes up the bulk of the used market. Produced for the 2013 to 2019 model years, the third generation is an all-new vehicle redesigned from the ground up and presents a much more modern look and feel inside and out. This is the first Ford Escape to include a touchscreen infotainment system and the first to drop the manual transmission option.

Further, the engine lineup was completely overhauled and now consists of a base 2.5L four-cylinder with 168 hp, a middle-of-the-line 1.6L turbo with 178 hp, and a top 2.0L turbo with the same 240 hp as the outgoing V6. The hybrid option was dropped entirely because of the much greater efficiency of the new vehicle. As always, additional features were added over the production run. The infotainment was upgraded to the SYNC 3 system for the 2016 model year, and the 2017 model year brought a refresh and some engine changes. The top 2.0L was boosted slightly to 245 hp, while the middle 1.6L was replaced with a slightly more efficient 1.5L turbo with 179 hp.A red 2018 Ford Escape is driving around a winding highway near Albany, NY.

Reasons You Should Choose an Escape

Everyone has their own reasons for purchasing a specific vehicle. In the case of the Ford Escape, the most common reasons given are its performance, style, and available tech. A used Ford Escape still has these three areas in common with newer models, so let's take a look at what each of these brings to the table.

Performance is one of the biggest reasons for purchasing a vehicle. We all want to know that our vehicle can handle rough weather, that it can do so smoothly, and that it also is capable of handling daily commuter duty as well as fun weekend activities. The Ford Escape comes with front-wheel drive standard, but for Albany drivers dealing with more inclement weather, there is an all-wheel drive option available. Whether you're worried about heavy rain, mud, snow, sleet, or wind, all-wheel drive will help you navigate through each and every season.

Speaking of navigating, another performance-related reason people often choose an Escape is its driveability. Other pre-owned SUVs can often feel stodgy and slow, but the Escape performs more like a sporty car, able to respond quickly while also maintaining a comfortable, quiet ride. As far as styling goes, the Escape also looks less like a bulky SUV and more like a fun family car––it's sleek, powerful, luxurious, and will always catch people's eyes and make you feel like a star.

When it comes to the available technology, it will depend on which model year you choose. However, in recent years, the Escape has come equipped with a variety of modern driver-assist features as well as an infotainment system, navigation, and satellite radio. You can entertain yourself and your passengers with podcasts, playlists, and audiobooks while the Escape helps you get where you're going, and if you're looking into getting a newer used model, you might even get one with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, which is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Awards and Accolades Given to the Ford Escape

It's no surprise that the Escape is Ford's second most popular vehicle. The F-Series truck line is Ford's best-seller, but the Escape is quite capable of holding its own. It has continued to win awards and accolades throughout its time on the market, including recognition from organizations like J.D. Powers and WardsAuto. The "North American Truck of the Year" award was presented to the Escape at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, and it has been named an IIHS Top Safety Pick five times over the years.

One of the most prestigious distinctions given to the Ford Escape is its top spot in the 2020 J.D. Powers APEAL Study, which measures how emotionally attached people are to their vehicles. People seem drawn to the Ford Escape, and it shows in the sales figures Ford records every year. The 2020 model also received a "Wards 10 Best User Experiences" award from WardsAuto, indicating that people really love the Escape due to its versatility, handling, safety, and comfortable cabin. With so much to love, it's no wonder it has been awarded countless times over the last two decades.

The hybrid version of the Escape has also collected many accolades, including the "2020 Powertrain Innovation Award" from ALG, which shows that Ford isn't just looking out for its drivers, but for the environment as well. Being able to have both in one vehicle seals the deal for many Albany residents. No matter which year and version of the Ford Escape you choose, you will be getting an award-winning vehicle.A red 2017 Ford Escape is driving along a coastal highway.

Should You Buy Certified Pre-Owned?

Shopping for used cars can always be something of a gamble. Although the internet has made the used car market easier to navigate than ever before, you still never quite know what potential issues might be lurking in a used car. You can, of course, take some basic precautions to weed out the worst cars. Shopping with a reputable dealership affiliated with an automobile manufacturer and having a trusted mechanic check over any used car before you buy are both good ways to put yourself in the best position possible. But the single best way to ensure that you get a quality used car is to buy a vehicle through the manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program.

Only an affiliated dealership like DePaula Ford can offer a factory CPO model, and any used car carrying this label has to meet a stringent set of requirements laid down by the manufacturer. In the case of a Ford Gold Certified model, the vehicle must be no more than six years old and have no more than 80,000 miles on the odometer. It must also have a clean title and no reported prior damage. However, these requirements are only enough to have the vehicle considered for the program.

A Ford Gold Certified vehicle must also pass a thorough 172-point inspection by certified Ford mechanics that examines every significant component of the car and ensures that it meets factory specifications. Only then is it considered worthy of being listed as a Ford CPO vehicle. But not only are Ford CPO models among the best used cars that you can find, but they also come with extended factory warranty coverage out to seven years or 100,000 miles. If you want the ultimate peace of mind when buying a used car, a CPO vehicle is by far the best option.

We Will Help You Find Financing

When you make the decision to purchase a Ford Escape, often the next step you take is to consider financing options. How much do you have saved up for a down payment? Do you have a vehicle to trade in? What will the monthly payments be, and can you afford them long-term? All these questions can be answered by our team, who will happily guide you through the process. No matter your situation, we will help you figure out how best to achieve your goal of taking home a used Ford Escape.

You can fill out a vehicle financing application on our website, have your trade-in valued online, and use our payment estimate calculator on your own. However, we like to get to know our customers and encourage you to contact us to learn more. We are available by phone to walk you through the financing process, or you can drop by our Albany dealership and speak to one of our team members in person.

If you have saved up for a down payment or you have a vehicle to trade in, you can reduce your monthly car payment. Of course, if you aren't sure what the vehicle trade-in value will be, or you're not set on a certain amount for a down payment, please come visit or give us a call. We'll help you sort everything out. Financing can be a tedious task, but with DePaula Ford, you won't have to feel stressed, unsure, or worried. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide a welcoming atmosphere, intelligent analysis, and great help to our customers. You and your experience are what matters, so if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. We look forward to seeing you soon!

A gloved mechanic is shown changing a tire on a used Ford Escape.

Maintenance for Your Ford Escape

All vehicles will need maintenance every so often. However, the Ford Escape is one of the vehicles that require fewer inspections and maintenance visits than average, another perk that Ford drivers enjoy. While you may like to do basic maintenance and upkeep yourself, it's always a good idea to have a certified technician to go to when something pops up that you aren't totally comfortable with. Keep us in the loop about previous maintenance, and keep those records for when you decide to sell––it's helpful to pass along to the next owner and will increase the resale value of your vehicle.

If you're buying a used Escape that's from the 2008 model year or newer, you'll only need to change the oil every 7,500 miles or every six months. Since the average American driver manages to accumulate over 14,000 miles a year, the six-month limit seems accurate, though, of course, that's with a vehicle that is in prime condition. If your Escape has a little wear and tear, it might be good to check in a little more frequently.

Brakes should be checked every 15,000 miles on average, though again, this will depend on the condition of your specific Escape. You can schedule a routine maintenance check every year, which is helpful in catching small issues before they become bigger and also for peace of mind. As far as the engine and cabin air filters go, they should also be checked every 15,000 miles.

Tires need to be changed when the tread wears out, but depending on the weather and road conditions, you could be replacing them once every two or three years, or they might last up to five. After six years, however, it's recommended that you replace them regardless of how much tread is left. Be mindful of how much you're using your Escape, take notes if anything seems amiss, and contact our Ford service center if you have questions or concerns.

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799 Central Ave., Albany, NY, 12206
DePaula Ford 42.679499, -073.789161.