The 2006 Escape only lasts around 150,000 miles with engine and transmission problems. At $3,292 to $5,568 it’s cheap, but not worth the cost since it will break down a lot.
Is the 2006 Ford Escape a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2006 is a bad year for the Escape. Owner reviews complain about frequent breakdowns, excessive blind spots, and electrical problems.
- Interior material quality is poor, with a lot of cheap plastic trim and seats that are not very padded.
- Reliability ratings are terrible. Models from 2015 are better, but 2005–2014 all have a lot of mechanical issues.
- Performance is average from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 offers good power for the SUV’s size.
- The Escape is reasonably safe, getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is okay at up to 23 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Escape?
- Consumer Reports says the 2006 Escape is worse than the competition and has low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Escape a 4.4/5 liking the optional V6 engine, but disliking the low quality interior.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Escape 4.4/5 and enjoy the comfortable seats, but dislike the high ownership costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Ford Escape Have?
The most common problems on the 2006 Ford Escape are very serious and include transmission failures, worn-out engines, and excessive rust on the shock mounts.
Transmission failures are the most widespread issue, showing up at about 85,000 miles. Owners can have the transmission rebuilt for about $2,000, or replace it with a new unit costing over $3,000.
Engine failures are another very common problem at around 90,000 miles. The components in the engine wear out quickly, and replacing the entire engine costs roughly $4,500 depending on local labor rates.
Rusted shock mounts are another serious issue at around 120,000 miles. The metal is thin in that area and rusts through, increasing the risk of an accident. Installing new mounting brackets costs around $1,000.
There are 6 recalls, with the most serious being for the coolant pump which can cause the engine to overheat if it fails.
How Long Will the 2006 Ford Escape Last?
A properly maintained 2006 Escape can last around 150,000 miles, which is half as long as top-rated competitors like the Honda CR-V. Maintenance costs are higher than rivals, according to Repair Pal, at $475 per year.
Since most Escape models will have over 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the timing chain tensioner for $800, the fuel injectors costing $450, and a yaw sensor which costs $500.
A few problems but overall it is reliable. It burns oil but nothing major. A little rust. Clear coat is peeling on hood.
This vehicle is extremely reliable. One fault would be buggy door-ajar bell that is easily triggered. Did need to have this fixed.
No problems as long as we keep up on it is maintenance we haven't had any major problems the only one we have is if the tire pressure gets to low the alarm goes off.
No problems well major besides the hinges from back truck window are not durable they rust easily and hard to repair.
Yes and no problem it is a very dependable car will get another one in the future love the way it drives.
I had to fix the a/c compressor and inner and outer tie rods. It's leaking a little power steering fluid and it has a small oil leak. It's got some rust underneath but that is to be expected for an Ohio car. No other major problems.
The only problem I have with it right now is the air is not working. It’s a simple fix. I just don't have the time to go get it fix
Very reliable- gets me all over for commuting with little problems. I have only had to do minimum maintenance on the car
How Much Is the 2006 Ford Escape Worth?
Blue book values range from $3,292 to $5,568, making the Escape less expensive than a Toyota RAV4 or Jeep Liberty. When new, the price range was $19,380 to $26,680. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Escape?
There are four models of the 2006 Escape available. Technology was last updated in 2004, with a redesign coming in 2008.
XLS is the entry-level model:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System
XLT is a step up, adding:
- 16-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- Satellite Radio
XLT Sport is next in the lineup with:
- 16-Inch Machined Aluminum Wheels
- Two-Tone Exterior Paint
- Sport Suspension
Limited is the luxury model and has:
- 16-Inch Bright Alloy Wheels
- Leather Seating
- 7-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With 6-Disc Changer
What Engines Come In the Escape?
- The base engine is an average 2.3L-4-cylinder with 153 horsepower, which gets up to 23 MPG combined, and can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
- An available upgrade is the more powerful 3.0L V6, which makes 200 horsepower and gets up to 20 MPG combined. Performance is average taking 8 seconds to go 0-60 MPH, and the maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the Escape Come In?
How Big Is the Escape?
The 2006 Ford Escape is an average compact SUV, similar in size to competitors like the Mazda Tribute or Toyota RAV4. Passenger room is good throughout the cabin, with plenty of legroom for adults in the backseats.
Cargo space is a little lower than rivals with 29.3 cubic feet of room behind the seats and up to 66.3 with the seats folded flat.
How Does the Escape Compare to the Competition?
The Ford Explorer is a competitor costing about $1,800 more. Passenger room and towing performance are better in the Explorer, but the Escape does better off-road. We don’t recommend either for the 2006 model year, since they both have a lot of engine problems.
The Honda CR-V is another rival, which costs about $3,000 more. Technology is better in the CR-V, but the Escape has a bit more room in the backseats. We recommend the CR-V since it lasts twice as long and is more affordable to own.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Escape?
Yes. It gets me to work. We take trips in it. We go to events locally. It makes me money. It is a good car.
Yes, this is a spacious 5 seat vehicle, with the ability to fold down back row for my carrying abilities.
Yes we love our ford's no major problems with either one. We liked our first one so much we bought a second one.
Yes very reliable and the sunroof makes it best for those afternoon summers as well as the spacious trunk even more when you fold down back seats.
Yes love it drives very smooth nice car big inside to take my dogs with me when I go on long trips a lot of room for my grandbabies.
All and all, yes, it's a pretty good vehicle. I bought it used. I have only had minor issues with it. I had to replace inner and outer tie rod ends and the a/c compressor went out. It is leaking a little oil and power steering fluid. No other major problems.
Yes. I love this car. It gets great He'll mileage for a mid size SUV. It’s Rumi comfortable to drive
It is great! I have had it for over 5 years and have had very little problems with it. Very reliable