2006 escape 4 cylinder, manual trans, very low power, especially going up hills. gas pedal was stuck in place a few mornings, linkage ok. pushed on it hard a few times not stucking any more. i changed fuel filter, no help. still low power, gradual onset. ideas?

My guess is you have a timing issue - some cylinders are not firing or the wires are so bad that not enough current is transferred through to the spark plugs.

You may also need a new throttle linkage cable for the gas pedal sticking problem, but this is not related to the engine power, more likely a maintenance issue such as not being regularly cleaned and lubricated or lubed with the wrong type of lube that hardens in cold temperatures.

Are you parked on a significant incline? You may need to have your car CAREFULLY pushed slightly uphill by another vehicle while moving the shift lever. Not on a hill or a light uphill push doesn't help? Check to see if your brake lights are working. If your brake lights do not come on when you depress the pedal, your brake light switch or brake light circuit fuse may be the culprit, as that is where the release solenoid for your gear shift receives its power. Correct the brake light circuit issue and your problem will be cleared.
If your brake lights are working correctly, listen for a light click at the gear shift lever when you depress the brake. If you don't hear one, suspect the locking solenoid is jammed (can usually be corrected with a shot of oil, once you get to it).
Another possibility is that the shift linkage has jammed. Check the linkage for broken parts. It is also possible that the "parking pin" in your transmission has become jammed, especially if the car was run into while parked. If that is the case, you'll need to have the park pin replaced.

Plugged catalytic converter ?

That cylinder is known as the clutch slave cylinder. It should push against the clutch fork every time the clutch pedal is depressed to allow gear changes. If it doesn't, suspect a faulty slave cylinder, or clutch master cylinder.

if the fluid is low, the hydraulic system is bad. plan on replacing the master and slave cylinder. If the fluid is OK, then watch the linkage when pressing the clutch pedal. I ASSUME it has linkage but I dont know what year or model you have? the trans will have to come out to service the clutch slave and in that case you may need to replace the clutch assembly. Plan on a new clutch, master and slave cylinder.

low trans oil level.old trans oil.dirty trans filter.plus the obvious, air filter dirty, plugs need changing,ht leads weak,dirty injectors.....

It may be stuck due to pressure from being parked on a hill. If that is the case get help to push the car up the hill releaving the presure and the shifter should move. Note someone has to try moving the shifter while the car is held pushed up the hill. If a hill or incline is not the probllem, go under the hood and disconnect the shift cable. With the cable disconnected try to shift the car at trans. Use help so car doesn't roll when checking. If you can move the shift linkage at trans, try moving the shifter. If it doesn't move the shift cable will need replaced. To double check this also disconnect the cable at the other end and try to move the shifter, it should move. That confirms the cable is bad.

check fuel filter and system for clogs/low fuel pressure.
Also check the air filter.
Any codes?

it sound like u have a catalistic covertor problem get it ck out at any muffler shop,,

get a 6 cylinder motor drop in this is best gas saver for most vehicles 4 cylinders dont have the ability to push all the weight of a vehicle but runs smoothly
6 cylinders are as i put in words are evenly balanced for everyday use and not gas guzzler either