Ford Escape - comfortable SUV class

   Since its introduction, the Ford Escape has been one of America's best-selling small SUVs. Considering how many other vehicles are available in this segment (many of them well established before the Escape's debut), this may come as a bit of a surprise. But Ford has a keen knack for designing SUVs that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
   One of the earliest entries in the compact SUV class, Escape is assembled in Kansas City, Mo. Reviewers like its smooth, six-speed automatic transmission, comfortable seating and generous cargo space. Its mileage ratings of 23 mpg in city driving, 28 highway are among the best in this class.
   You can buy an Escape base model for as little as $17,478, according to auto price site TrueCar.com. That's about $4,000 below the dealer invoice price, including a $2,000 rebate. But the list price ranges on up to $33,080 for the best-equipped model.