 I made the mistake of buying an Escape a few months after it came out.  I loved it until it stalled on the interstate after only 25,000 miles.  Now that it has 115,000 miles, I have replaced 7 sensors, the alternator, the radiator overflow cup, an engine valve, two sets of brakes, and two sets of tires.  Not to mention it was recalled three different times as well.  I had it tuned up three out of the four years I have had it, but it didn't help.  I also hate the gear shifter being in the way of the radio since I have knocked it into neutral on several occassions while trying to change the station.  Since this car has been so "reliable", I am switching to a Honda or Toyota soon.