My daughter will be turning 16 in about 6 months. Starting to look at various vehicles and she likes small SUV type because of the visibility. Seem to see quite a few of the Ford Escapes (new style) that are used for decent money. Anyone have any experience with them, pro or con?

No direct experience. A buddy had one several years back. Three of us loaded it up for a fishing trip starting in CO, and camped/ fished are way thru WY - MT - ID and back; 12 days in all. It was comfortable. He now has a Subaru outback and likes it more. I had a Subaru years ago and really liked it; don't overlook those.

Thanks for the information.

Bought my wife an SE only had one problem lost the tranny at 11k Ford knew they had a problem with this 6 speed auto they treated me like a king with a free loaner a loaded Edge for a month,Ford Garenteed the tranny for as long as I own the car,got her back and have had 38k miles with no problems at all.great eco-boost with 4wd 30mpg hwy 25 city,comfortable.Goes very well on back tote roads and snow.

Is there any way to avoid circumvent that auto shutdown/start feature?
Does not strike me as backcountry friendly thing to have

There is a button to turn it off after you crank the vehicle, you do have to turn it off every time no permanent off!

Wifey has a 2017 Titanium it's a very nice vehicle,

Mike

I (still) drive a 2007 model at my employer. 2wd 80k ish miles. It has been very dependable and no real issues. For a teen it would be great - good visibility out all windows. I'm 6'2 and the back seat is a no go for me unless it's a really short ride. The front is decent with the power seat you can jack it around enough to get some leg room.

They have a good, domestic rep.

I have followed this as well, as I have a son that will be 16 next fall. The wife and I have promised him a vehicle as long his grades are kept up. I bought the oldest two cars, one was a POS that broke down, but he pissed us off thinking he was entitled. After spending more to keep it running than it cost to buy, I bought him a used Ford Focus from the neighbor's co-worker. That was a great little car, but he totaled it when he hit a patch of black ice. We got almost double from the insurance than what we paid for it, so I paid of my 09 Dodge Ram and gave it him, and I got a new Silverado. The youngest will be learning to drive in the spring, and has asked for a small SUV or truck. For the price, the Ford Escape looks like a deal. I have a former co-worker that had two of them and drove the wheels off them. My problem, is I wanted some other reviews than just his.

I've rented a couple on long trips, they were comfortable for us, but neither of us are tall people (I'm 5'7", wife is 5'). Both of them were pretty nice vehicles, but it was all highway driving, so we didn't stress them any at all. Both times were in the middle of summer, and we went to Arizona, which wasn't a fair test for the A/C, which might have been outmatched a bit. Those cabins have a LOT of glass letting sunlight in the car. They get hot. That's any SUV, though.

My mom has had one since they come out in 01 or 02. She had the first one 12 years and got another new one a few years ago. She's had 0 issues with either.

My dad had a 2010 that he put 250K miles on with no issues, (travels for work) and now has a 2015 with 180K. The 2015 has had a few issues with bearings and seals, and had to replace some injectors I think. He said he'll get rid of this one at 200k.

They both love them in the winter. Both rave about the traction.

There is on my truck. There is a button on the dash that shuts it off. Also, when the defrost in on, it doesn't shut off at stop signs/lights.

thanks for the updates. I have a couple of friends that are car dealers and they have said that it is quite easy to find them at auction, off lease type.

We had one. No troubles, but they are a fleet, lease vehicle. With this said they lose value fast if bought new.

We've had two, both driven by my wife. A 2002 purchased with 7,000 miles in 2004 (a Hertz car) and a 2012 purchased in 2015 with 25,000 miles on it. My wife likes the older style because it has much better rearward visibility. Both have been trouble free. She sold the 2002 with 155,000 miles on it and we still see it around town. Both have the V6 engine because we use it to tow our small boat. They both have decent towing capacity (as compared to the Acura RDX which is listed as having no towing capacity). It would be a very good first car.

In that size SUV, I'm a fan of the Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander.

I have owned several Ford Explorers, Lincoln Aviators, and Mercury Mountaineers and like them enough to buy them repeatedly.

I also like the 2008 or newer Subaru Tribecas, but they are far less common than the Pilot or Highlander.

Full-time AWD is generally more practical for a less experienced driver.

Whatever you buy, a good set of tires and well maintained brakes should be factored into the purchase price.

Our 2009 has way too much power for a 16 year old. However, If looking for a good escape, that's the generation I'd buy. They are fairly inexpensive and the 3.0 duratec is a hell of a good engine. We have 262,000 miles on ours and it does not use a drop of oil in 5000 miles. Still runs like a champ and gets 26 mpg... Serious note on the power though. I've lit all 4 up on the pavement, could get a youngster in trouble. Just sayin...

Wife has a 16se

We have 70k miles on it. Zero issues as of yet.

All maintenance done at recommended intervals.

-Jake

Thanks for the info

Ended up getting a good deal on a 2017 Jeep Renegade. Have only put about 1000 miles on it so far, but seems decent, especially as a daily driver for a high school kid, not many miles per day