2006 Ford Escape Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,995 to $27,295

Original MSRP

6.2
of 10

expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(32 reviews)
6.2
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
6/10
Technology
5/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
5/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
6/10
2006 Ford Escape Test Drive Review summaryImage

The Ford Escape is America’s best-selling compact SUV, but it’s more than overdue for a refresh after six years in its current form.

The Ford Escape is a comfortable and usable compact crossover CUV that offers plenty of room for four to five passengers and all of their gear. It’s not a sports car, but with up to 200 horsepower from an available V6, the Escape feels lively and quick. Handling and ride quality are both better than expected for a sport-utility. Though it’s small in stature, the Escape can carry more than its fair share of cargo with the seats folded down.

The Escape is targeted at buyers that need a compact crossover that still has plenty of space and comfortable ride. It competes in a crowded segment that includes the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Jeep Liberty, Hyundai Tucson, and even the Subaru Forester. The Escape is built on the same platform and has many of the same features as the Mazda Tribute and the Mercury Mariner.

The Escape is available with a new 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 153 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque, an efficient 2.3-liter hybrid four-cylinder with 155 horsepower, or a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 200 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission is standard for some models, but a four-speed automatic is standard for most.

6/10

The Escape got a new bumper and a host of other new features last year, which updated its looks enough for it to stay relevant, despite it being years since the last major overhaul. Its front end is clean and simple, which is what we’d expect from a small utility vehicle that wants us to believe it’s more rugged than it really is. Lower trims get black bumpers and door handles, but higher trims have body-colored paint for both. There’s little in the way of chrome or decoration, which gives the Escape an uncomplicated look.

Inside, the front seats are wide, but the seat bottoms are shorter than we’d like. This can make them uncomfortable for taller drivers, but there’s plenty of padding to help make up for it. The center console is located far back, which makes it hard for anyone to find a comfortable position for their elbow, and the high, narrow armrest on the door doesn’t do much better. The center stack is neat, with controls organized thoughtfully, and everything is well within reach of the driver’s seat.

The back seat is a flat bench without much padding in the seat bottom or back. This makes it hard to manage longer trips in the rear seat, but kids won’t mind in their car seats. Legroom is generous, as is headroom, but that’s a small consolation when your backside is aching from the hard seats. Models with leather seats are slightly more comfortable, but there needs to be more padding.

Behind the rear seats, the Escape has plenty of cargo space, and the ability to fold those seats down makes it even more useful. It’s not as large as the Ford Explorer, but the Escape is significantly less expensive than Ford’s midsize SUV.

Chris Teague
Published May 25, 2021 by Chris Teague
Chris is an automotive journalist covering new vehicle reveals, news, and technology. He loves digging into the details to tell entertaining and informative stories.

User reviews for 2006 Ford Escape

Write a review
User rating:
by Fred A
Sep 12, 2020
Wonderful dependable fuel efficient comfortable roomy valueable Sep 12, 2020
by Jim M
Dec 20, 2014
I have no complaints with this car other than the layout of the transmission cooler. The hatchback is handy. Its not a large SUV, I've owned an Expedition, this one is just as good in its own way, certainly as tight, just not quite as heavy on the road and missing the third row seats. May be a little light in the back end if you are driving in in climate weather. This transmission has been pushed to the limit and is still tight. I cant imagine many better values out there for your money, short or long term.Dec 20, 2014
by Anonymous
Jan 24, 2014
Overall this was a good car. Good gas mileage. Excellent acceleration as well as quick pickup on the high end. The car held up well externally as well as internally. My biggest complaint about this car would be the road noise.Jan 24, 2014

2006 Ford Escape Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,995 to $27,295
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Truck Features

Running boards: tube

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Running boards: tube

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: MACH · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Overhead console: overhead console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Running boards: tube

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: MACH · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Overhead console: overhead console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: polished aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: MACH · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Overhead console: overhead console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Skid plate(s): front and rear

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Truck Features

Running boards: tube

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: MACH · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: seatback

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: polished aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: MACH · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Overhead console: overhead console with storage · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: polished aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: MACH · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets

Driver Seat

Power adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 2.93

Exterior Features

Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Sunroof: power glass

Safety

Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: reclining · Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: underbody · Size: full-size

Suspension

Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: polished aluminum

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: manual flip-up

See all trims (8)