Pinsan ko has a 2002 manual escape 2 liter. From what i remember as a passenger very spacious and comfortable ang seats and the ride from the suspension was great. Comfortable if it means softer compared to 1999 gen1 crv and also a 2001 gen2 rav4 that other family members also owned. As far as driving it laging na dra-drag yung clutch from a standstill. Pinalitan na ng brand new yung clutch kahit anong timpla ng gas at clutch nag dra-drag pa din. Correct din na mas malakas sya sa gas compared sa crv and rav4.
HTH.