In June of 2000, weighing in at 3,750 pounds and zero ounces, Ford welcomed the Escape into its lineup. Eighteen years later, we’ve watched this little miracle grow up before our very own eyes. And in light of the fact that the Escape is now old enough to drink in Alberta, we figured there’s no better time to look back at some Ford Escape fun facts. So strap in, although thanks to the Escape’s Intelligent AWD — it won’t be a bumpy ride.
Over 96% of Escapes sold in the last 10 years are still on the road!
This gives Ford, and the Escape, the “highest brand loyalty” according to an IHS Markit survey. If you own a Ford this will come as no surprise. And if you’re considering buying a Ford, that sounds like some pretty good social proof. If you don’t know what social proof is — it’s when your friend posts on Facebook and says “I just had the best tacos of my life at Tres Carnales!” and you run out the door to go try said tacos (Al pastor. Always, al pastor).
The Escape is the second best-selling Ford vehicle.
Now normally I’d tell you that being number two means you’re just the first loser, but there is no shame coming in second after the F-150 (considering it was the number one selling vehicle of 2017 according to Kelly Blue Book). Not to mention, the Escape is going up against some stiff competition, whether it be the cult favourite Ford Focus RS, or the long-running, fast-driving, good-looking Ford Mustang. All of a sudden, second doesn’t sound so bad.
It’s the first SUV with an available hybrid drivetrain.
While every other manufacturer was busy doing their best to destroy the environment in hopes of a Mad Max-like dystopian future, Ford was there being their usual, innovative self, and slapping a hybrid drivetrain into their 2005 Escape Hybrid. Not just any hybrid either — but a true hybrid, meaning you could oscillate between gas, all electric, or a combination of the two. This little decision only won them the North American Truck of the Year Award for 2005, no big deal or nothin’ (brushes imaginary dirt off of shoulder).
The 2013 Escape had the most comfortable seat — ever!
Nothing is a bigger pain in your butt than a literal pain in your butt. And considering how much time you spend behind the wheel, an uncomfortable chair just won’t do. That’s why Ford engineers, in conjunction with a global seating comfort team chaired by Mike Kolich, researched just about everything you put your butt on. From office chairs to La-Z-Boys to lawnmower seats, all across the world, this team put in the hard work and gruelling hours of sitting necessary to ensure that you could escape lower back pain while driving your Escape. Talk about raising the lumbar!
These are just a few things that make the Ford Escape the exceptional crossover utility vehicle that it is today. Seeing it grow up in front of us, well, it’s enough to bring a tear to our eyes *sniffles*. Aw jeez, I promised myself I wouldn’t get emotional. Before I start blubbering on about the fine vehicle that the Escape is today, let’s raise a glass to the Escape on its eighteenth birthday. Here’s to many more!
