Hey everyone, I need to get a new car since my Hyundai Tucson was a total loss after it got stolen by some pros, not just the usual suspects. I’m torn between getting a Ford Escape or a Ford EcoSport. I had a 2006 Escape for about 14 years and loved it, but I’ve driven a rental EcoSport recently and found it pretty punchy. Thought I’d ask you all for your thoughts. Thanks!
Definitely go with the Escape. The EcoSport is pretty bad… it’s hated by a lot of people on this forum and is one of the most disliked cars out there. Save yourself the trouble and avoid the EcoSport.
Bryant said:
Definitely go with the Escape. The EcoSport is pretty bad… it’s hated by a lot of people on this forum and is one of the most disliked cars out there. Save yourself the trouble and avoid the EcoSport.
The first-gen EcoSport had the distinction of being the slowest 0-60 MotorTrend ever tested, clocking in around 10 seconds or more.
@Chandler
That was the 1.0L engine. The 2.0L with paddle shifters was a much better drive.
chrisco said:
@Chandler
That was the 1.0L engine. The 2.0L with paddle shifters was a much better drive.
Yeah, the 1.0L might have had potential but it was just too weak for the EcoSport.
@Chandler
No way, the 1.0L is not a good engine. The belt-driven oil pump is a nightmare waiting to happen. We’ve replaced a lot of those engines. Plus, parts are hard to find and Ford isn’t restocking them.
@Katherine
I had high hopes for the 1.0L, kind of like those 1000cc motorcycles.
@Chandler
Oh no, I was referring to the 1.0L when I mentioned my comment.
@Chandler
Is it worse than the first-gen Scion xB?
Tara said:
@Chandler
Is it worse than the first-gen Scion xB?
Not sure, that was just what the reviewers said.
Tara said:
@Chandler
Is it worse than the first-gen Scion xB?
Not sure, that was just what the reviewers said.
The xB is faster… how is that even possible?!
@Tara
Maybe it weighs less? 
@Chandler
That doesn’t sound right. Motor Trend must have slower tests, maybe older models.
Monica said:
@Chandler
That doesn’t sound right. Motor Trend must have slower tests, maybe older models.
Could be for newer models. I remember older cars like the Olds diesel that were way slower. I tested one once; it was okay on highways… after a while!
Bryant said:
Definitely go with the Escape. The EcoSport is pretty bad… it’s hated by a lot of people on this forum and is one of the most disliked cars out there. Save yourself the trouble and avoid the EcoSport.
People only buy the EcoSport if they have bad credit but need a new car or are older folks who need a small SUV for its ground clearance.
That belt-driven oil pump on the 1.0L EcoSport would make me think twice. I had a 2014 Escape for 6 years and 100k miles, and it was a great experience.
EcoBoostEmissary said:
That belt-driven oil pump on the 1.0L EcoSport would make me think twice. I had a 2014 Escape for 6 years and 100k miles, and it was a great experience.
I’ve got a 2014 2.0 EcoBoost with over 110k miles, and it’s been solid. The shift from 2nd to 3rd can be rough, and it uses a bit of coolant, but it’s handled a lot of hard miles well. Just wish it had better gas mileage.
EcoBoostEmissary said:
That belt-driven oil pump on the 1.0L EcoSport would make me think twice. I had a 2014 Escape for 6 years and 100k miles, and it was a great experience.
That’s mostly a problem on the 1.0L models.
Take it from a Ford tech and current EcoSport owner: go for the Escape, especially with the 2.0. The 1.5 and 1.6 engines are more likely to fail. If you can spend a bit more, the Explorer with the 3.5 is an even better option. The EcoSport isn’t the worst car, but its gas mileage is bad for its size, and that wet timing belt setup will eventually cause failure.
@Ethan
How reliable is the 2.5?