By Electronhauler on 02/28/05 17:00 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
Having used an Explorer 4x4 for over 10 years, I am really happy with this vehicle, especially in rough road/offroad situations. The Escape is far less agricultural than the Explorer, better handling, and that gas mileage (I'm getting about 28.5) means I'm saving over 2 gallons per hundred miles. The payback is not really there yet, but if gas stays above $2.20 then it's worthwhile. If you're a technophobe I'd stay away until it is more proven.
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By hammer60 on 02/26/05 21:54 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I have been waiting for this Hybrid for a number of years and I am extremely pleased with the final product. The Escape Hybrid replaces my Jeep Wrangler and it is indeed 100% SUV. I'm proud to support hybrid technology and give my highest praises to Ford for creating the Escape Hybrid; a truly unique vehicle. I ordered my Hybrid at the end of October, 2004 and received the call that it was in on New Year's Eve! What a way to celebrate. I ordered AWD, leather (because I wanted the steering wheel), the NAV system for the energy display (hybrid drive!), extra air bags and the appearance group. It's a kick to drive, especially when only the electric motor is powering the vehicle; it is so quiet!
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By Robert Amlaw on 02/10/05 19:48 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
The Escape is an awesome vehicle. The fuel economy is outstanding. I really like how quiet it is when in electric only mode. It gets everyone looking at you when in electric mode. You can only hear the wheels turning from the outside of the Escape when it is in electric. It is outstanding in the snow. I live in Worcester, and there are a lot of hills. The Esape Hybrid goes right up them all even when they are covered with snow. It is so nice that it knows when to shift into four wheel drive on its own. You can't even tell when it goes into four wheel drive. The CVT transmission is so smooth. There are no shift points. I highly recommend it.
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By David Yates on 02/01/05 20:37 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
With gas prices continually going up, it was time to re-think fuel economy. Although I would probably never have considered the Ford Escape (I was looking at minivans) the thought of a Hybrid SUV caught my attention. The Escape has a pleasing body line and the interior is adequate for a family of 5. While I may not be the tree hugging type, it is nice to drive past the local gas stations without turning in. If you are looking for quiet, this is the car for you. No engine noise, no road noise and handling which is very responsive.
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By Rich on 01/29/05 15:15 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I have been a die hard Japanese buyer since 1979. When the American car makers, especially Ford, design an SUV that not only looks as nice as the Japanese models, but also performs as well and has the fit and finish to match, you owe it to reward them for their effort and purchase this only Hybrid SUV at the moment.
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By wilbur on 01/26/05 22:35 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I also have a V6 AWD Escape ('03) so I obviously like the general design, and I'm in a good position to compare the two models, as their only differences are the hybid propulsion & CVT trans. Touted as "no compromises, V6-like performance," it's true! The hybrid handles smoothly and is relaxing to drive in both city and freeway. It has as much or more power than my V6. Got 30 mpg average on a 600 mile road trip from Seattle to Sisters, Oregon, via the Santiam Pass (V6 would get 23mpg). Get 29 mpg in mixed driving near Seattle, and we live 800 feet up in a hilly area. MPG is reduced with driving in hills and with night driving (during the latter, gas engine is on more due to headlights draw.
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By Patti Cornelius on 01/23/05 16:54 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid AWD 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
Although I understand this vehicle is hard to get, if you are looking for hybrid technology I would highly recommend this vehicle. Most of my driving is done in the city and the nearly 40 miles per gallon really helps with $2.00+ per gallon gas prices here in California. This Escape is roomy and fun to drive. The quality, fit and finish is excellent.
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By Ann on 01/23/05 14:38 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I have been driving my hybrid Escape for 2 months. I love how it handles and accelerates but I have been disappointed in other features. The gas mileage is rated at 29 to 32 mpg. The highest I have gotten so far is 24.6 mpg for any city/highway combination. Ford has said it takes 10,000 miles of driving to "break it in". I paid a lot of extra money for the high mileage feature and now may not get what I paid for. Also, the interior fabric and door covering is of a lesser quality. Mine was wrinkled and I had to take it to the dealer to be steamed. I love the low emissions and the way it drives. If the mileage increases, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a midsize SUV.
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By gomermaid on 01/06/05 23:50 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
Excellent performance with good, not great mileage (about 27 mpg), but much better that comparable SUV's. Fun to drive and handles exceptionally well. Cannot think of a major drawback. A little sluggish on pick up, but once at highway speed it's all there. Windshield wipers not balanced and leave major areas uncleaned. Might be just a dealer adjustment.
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By Susan on 01/06/05 01:03 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2005 Ford Escape Hybrid Hybrid Fwd 4dr SUV (2.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
From the moment I first heard about Ford planning an Escape Hybrid, I wanted one. I got mine in early November 2004 and have been very pleased. Except for a faulty computer brake problem (which was quickly diagnosed and fixed at no expense or inconvenience to me), I am delighted to drive this car. My favorite part is the handling -- the manauvering is smooth and easy. I have already hauled some furniture and other large items for my daughter who is moving to her first apartment -- and it is easy to fit things in and move out. My husband and I drove across the mountains in cold weather and it kept pace with or outperformed all the other vehicles on the road at all altitudes.
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