2007 Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Owning a Hybrid Escape was fun during the first 6 months. After that, it started going pretty south fast. The mileage started getting poorer even after its scheduled services, replacing filters, changing tires. The door lock actuator on the driver's side went out. Every once in a while it will work, but in an emergency, your at risk of not being able to get inside your car quick because you have to manually unlock it. Lights on the Gauge Cluster go out sometimes, cant even tell how fast your going at night. 63,000 miles right now, our water pump went out, $1200 for the repair. This car has been a burden on us.
Good gas mileage for an SUV. I can charge my camera with the AC outlet inside! That's about it though. I'd give that up for a warning light to come on when the car overheats instead of it just stopping dead on the highway.
The dash and radio are really low budget. Figure you're spending 30 grand on a hybrid, you should at least get some luxury like an ipod connection. Hybrid Escapes have pretty much the most standard features compared to the XLT. Its pretty much a Mazda tribute with a huge battery.