Sorry to revive an old post, but it absolutely pisses me off when people say to buy a toyota rav 4 or a honda crv over a Ford Escape. I mean in one regard they do have a point, hondas and toyotas run forever and never break nor need maintenance..... right? LOL Ford Escape is a fine car. CAR, I would never recommend towing with one. I'm a Senior Master Ford Transmission, Gas, Diesel, you name it certified tech. ASE as well. My sister, cousin, and several friends all own them and have had minimal problems. The guy talking about cross members rusting in half just lives in the salt belt where all cars rust away. Anyways, long time lurker and first post but don't tell me hondas and toyotas run forever with no problems....