WE have now owned this 2005 Ford Escape for ten years and it has been great, for the most part. About a year after we bought the car the engine seized, but was replaced because it was still under factory warranty. Other than that, it has been a perfect car. It rides quite well and is quiet on the interior. It has over 100,000 miles now and still drives like new. The interior has held up very well, with little signs of wear and tear. The exterior paint still has a great finish and has held up to the elements better than expected. It has been very useful with a growing family with enough space for a car seats and all of the stuff that has to be carried around when there is a family with young children. It has plenty of space in the back for luggage when traveling, to sleep in if camping or taking the dog to run around the park. We have a great dane and it is even large enough for her. All in all, I would highly recommend this vehicle to a small growing family or even as a first vehicle for a young driver. It has plenty of safety features and is a bit bigger than most standard cars, which can be safer in its self.