 Have owned my AWD Escape XLT V6 for 15 trouble free months now and I continue to be impressed by the overall quality and versatility of this little SUV. Car-like ride, powerful engine, excellent handling and braking capability.  I live on a small farm and occasionally have to drive it over some rough terrain. It is a tough little SUV, and Ford was smart enough to put all-terrain tires on the Escapes.  This is a definite advantage over the Honda CR-V , Toyota RAV-4 and several other "pretenders." Would highly recommend the Escape to anyone.