 I have a 2012 Escape with the rare manual transmission. The ride is nothing special, and the driver's seat is a little stiff and unsupportive, but that about sums up my complaints. I haven't had a *single* issue in the 40,000 miles that I've owned it. I think it looks really sharp, and is reasonably fun to drive with a manual transmission. The 4 cylinder bogs down a bit if you're in the wrong gear, but if you don't mind shifting fairly often it has plenty of power. I average low 20's mpg in town and high 20's on the highway. The steering is the best I've experienced in any car other than my dad's 1987 Porsche 911... it's light in effort yet quick enough and very precise. I wish every car had steering feel like the Escape. I would highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a practical, reliable and reasonably fun to drive vehicle.