I own a 2009 Ford Escape and it has been ok for me. I like the exterior and the interior is also very nice. I wish that I would have been more selective with the buying process. The car came to me with a faulty transmission before it was even off the car lot. The dealership replaced the transmission at no cost to me but I should have not bought it and told them to take it back. I only have 28,000 miles on the vehicle and it is 6 years old. It has had some minor mechanical issues that became spendy. The performance is ok, but not the best. Sometimes it has issues going and shifting gears. The fuel economy is worrisome to me in that it barely gets 15 mph in town. It gets about 21-22 mph on the highway. This is a great car to haul little kids around but I think when they get to be teenagers it will be cramped. I absolutely love the sun roof on it. I've always wanted one of those. My kids love it as well. It is a very practical vehicle and would make a good college or school car.