As the review mentioned, I've found the computer-controlled AWD system on the Escape to be far more capable than I expected.
Regarding dislikes:
Fuel consumption. Well there were a few hundred Tribute Hybrids made. Good luck finding one.
Cheap interior parts. Check
Noise: cured by lining the interior with aftermarket sound deadening.
Tires: get the LRR Michelin Latitude Touring as used oem on the Hybrid.
The rust check MUST include removing the cargo area side panels to check the tops of the shock mounts.
I've heard that the Tribute's slightly different tailgate styling allowed a 4' wide sheet of plywood to stick out of the opened hatch glass, while the Escape/Mariner can't do this. But this may apply to the earlier generation.
The Escape Wikipedia article has lots of interesting information about these cars, and their relationship between Mazda and Ford.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Escape