Having driven a Ford Focus previously, I was very surprised at the huge increase in room when moving up to the Escape. Excellent cargo space, and roominess for all passengers without a big sacrifice in sportiness. All the comfort of a full sized SUV with the gas mileage of a smaller car means you can have it both ways. This is a great car for a small family, especially if it's the only vehicle. The ride is smooth and the handling is tight. This vehicle is great for driving to the mall, or talking on a road trip. Roof racks mean it's easy to carry items up top on long trips. If you are into active sports, it's a perfect choice.