 I love my Escape. I was nervous about it being the first model year, but I took the plunge.  I've never regretted it.  The Escape has great 'get up and go', is fun to drive, sporty & fits everything I need it to.  Best of all -- I have not had a single problem with it in 4 years & over 70K miles!  I hope to keep mine for another year, and may even go with another Escape when I do finally decide it's time for a change.