The Ford Escape made its debut in the year 2000 and it was an instant success. Since then, the competition has made itself known; but the Escape has managed to keep up. Ford has been making major overhauls to the Ford Escape since 2008. In 2009, the renewal process was completed with changes made to the engine, transmission, suspension and brakes.

The newer changes that were introduced with the 2010 Escape will make this the second best recorded sales year ever. The 2011 Ford Escape will virtually keep the same mechanics except for one or two changes; the Sync system and HD radio.

The 2011 version for the Ford Escape has added a Sync system that enables using voice control over the cell phone, navigation system, and MP3 player. This feature also has the capability to give real time traffic, sports and weather information among other specialized information.

MyKey has been made standard for the 2011 Ford Escape. This allows the user to set vehicle speed limits and control volumes. This comes in handy when there is a teenaged drive in the house. Escape also has an Auto Park option for the driver who is not good at it. Auto-park will identify a parking space and, with the driver maintaining the gas and the brake, maneuvers itself into the available slot.

This compact model can seat 5 people comfortably. It can be purchased in XLT, XLS and Limited:

Limited – includes everything the XLT package does with the additions of rear parking sensors along with the rearview camera and dual automatic climate control. Stand alone options for this package consist of parallel parking assist and the passenger back seat entertainment system. The navigation system will include HD radio upgrades and Sirius Travel Link.

XLT – automatic headlights, auto dimming rear view mirror, fog lamps, audio controls for steering wheel, satellite radio and 6-way power driver’s seat. With the leather option, come leather upholstered front seats that are equipped with the heating feature. Sun & Sync additions allows for Sync and Sunroof. There is also an upgrade, if chosen, to a seven speaker stereo system.

XLS – offers standard equipment such as: 16 inch alloy wheels, outside mirror with blind spot viewing, keyless entry, MyKey control, power accessories, air conditioning and the 4 speaker stereo with CD player. Sync options include iPod and Bluetooth interface.

The 2011 Ford Escape’s 4-cylinder with front wheel drive fuel economy is suggested to be 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway; this is a combined mpg of 23 overall. Front wheel drive comes in at 19 mpg for city, 25 mpg for highway and 25 mpg overall. The all wheel drive drops the level to 17 mpg for city, 24 for highway, with a combined mpg of 20.

Safety testing found the 2011 model at a 5 star rating for front and side crash tests. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test, the 2011 Escape scored the highest rating in the frontal and side tests.

The electric power steering is designed for easy maneuverability. The suspension system allows for a smoother ride over rough terrain than its predecessor. It is equipped with 4 doors and a lift gate with an opening back glass.

Although the Ford 2011 Escape remains mostly unchanged from the 2010 version, the additions will serve to make it a force to be reckoned with among its competitors. Any additional changes for the Ford 2011 Escape can only create a better SUV.