From what I have found out on my own the Escapes have been noted to have some transmission problems,and the Mazda Tribute has been known to have some better quality control+less problems,but everyone I spoke to who owns one(Escape)- loves it-I'm under pressure from the S.O. to get her one but the Contour stays.
Svt's out here are going for around $14,500,that was last fall and it only had 70K on it.

96 contour SE,E1 rims w 205/60/15 Comp TA's VR4's,optimized y-pipe,SVT doorsills,KKM intake,BULLIT MUSTANG fuel door,painted grill,every available option w/leather ! 95 mystique LS,every option minus leather,optimized y-pipe+exhaust