YES YES YES.  I am on my second Escape.  Bought  the first one its first model year, 2001.  Put 185,000 mi on it.  Traded it in last fall for a 2012 Escape.   Both vehicles have peformed wonderfully, no disasters.  Very comfortable.  Can work hard on the farm and haul when you need it to, and dress up and go out on the town when you need it to.  DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.