2009 Ford Escape Consumer Reviews Page 7

Good, not great

Written by: Dan on 04/16/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Not a bad vehicle for what it is. Not perfect though. Some nice improvements over the 08's with the extra HP, new transmission, and other minor tweaks. Getting about 23mpg mixed driving (30city/70highway mix). Nice looking inside and out for what it is. Still a lot of cheapness though with some of the plastics used. Even with the 240hp v6, still not impressed with everyday driving power. Still feels like an overburdened 4cyl unless you really get on it. Transmission has trouble finding the right gear a lot of times, particularly at lower speeds. Has the potential to be very quiet but excessive wind noise comes noticeably from side windows and rear hatch. This isnt a lexus after all though.

Favorite Features

Ground clearance, Sync, good MPG for what it is. Styling inside and out.

Suggested Improvements

You can tell the cabin is well insulated from noise, but the excessive wind noise from front windows and hatch ruin it. Such pin pointed sources of noise is annoying. The chrome ring around the shifter reflects the sun into your face during the day. Improve shift logic in transmission.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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My experience

Written by: Spike on 03/23/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Review

I researched all the mid suv's and narrowed it down to the Hoda Crv and Escape. I actually made up my mind on the Crv. I drove quite a few of them and gave Ford another look. The Escape drives a lot smother, the Crv was bumpy, had less leg room, noisey 4 cylinder, and the styling was sort of ugly. My Escape is loaded, the stereo is 320 wts. Leather is very comfortable, steering great, ride quiet, got the 17" wheels, so handling is sports car like, shifts very smooth, so far I love the Escape. I hope it's as reliable as the Honda. Every time I pass a Crv I say to myself, glad I didn't buy one. Get the locking lugs for the expensive mags and cargo mat. I got the 4 cyl. for mileage.

Favorite Features

Moon roof, elec. steering, leather, audiofile stereo, looks, ride, handling, 17" wheels, comfort, quiet ride, and back up alarm. Bluetooth is very handy and works well. I highly recommend this vehicle.

Suggested Improvements

Telescoping wheel, cargo net, not getting the estimated mileage, I get 20 city, 23 highway.

47 out 47 people found this review helpful

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Great Vehicle at a great price.

Written by: barb's ride on 03/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I was concerned about fuel economy, but on a ride over country roads, 270 miles later we averaged 29.5 MPG. On the interstate our average is about 25 MPG. Purchased the Escape over the Rav4, saved about $6000, between the low interest rate and rebates. Ford got the 09 Escape right.

Favorite Features

Sync, power seat on XLT model. Quiet ride and plenty of passing power. Fuel economy.

Suggested Improvements

Steering wheel that adjusts in and out.

28 out 28 people found this review helpful

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Perfect Pick

Written by: Pete on 03/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Review

My new car purchase was a reat experience. I enjoyed every bit of the process thanks to my salesperson. I own an 09 limited 2wd..everybody falls in love with the interior. it is very stylish and sexy.

Favorite Features

sync & ambient lighthing

Suggested Improvements

-in very cold weather there are squeaks from the front console -ambient lighting that changes the console lights as well -transmission isn't that smooth sometimes in lower gear..

9 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Hybrid fwd

Written by: Stock on 03/09/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Review

Our 2nd Hybrid; 1st was an 05 right out of the box (sr # 123) ; it was faultless. Our 09 is even better - worth the wait. More power in both engines w/no reduction in gas mileage.Transmission greatly improved over 05 cvt. Firmer footprint on road, best looking interior of any compact suv in the world. Steering much improved & less pitch over bumps. We had tire tread remaining after 66k on the 05 but the 09 tires are even better. Compare Mariner w/ livery package to Limited.

Favorite Features

Driving it. Interior. Thermostat controlled heating w/ separate controls for driver & passenger. Recycled materials in interior (even floormat in cargo area, which is made out of old bluejeans). Backup sensors.

Suggested Improvements

Tailgate a little heavy to pull down - maybe a strap would fix this small issue. Gas engine noise.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Good purchase

Written by: Maggie on 03/04/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I tried several small SUVs and decided that the Escape was the best for me. Others had visability issus, headrest issues and even the ease of getting into the back seat. I travel from Santa Cruz to Lake Tahoe and have grandkids with me. I don't get the gas mileage that they say (26 highway) as I am only getting 22.7 at best and I am not a speed demon. Even driving alone I don't get the gas milage. So I may trade in sooner than I ever planned for another Escape. Others seem to be getting the better gas milage. I would also like to see the front seats maybe an inch or so longer in lengh. I am only 5'1 but it seems short even to me.

Favorite Features

I love the sync and moonroof. Also the controls on the steering wheel. Great job Ford!

Suggested Improvements

A larger glove box. More storge space. Seats for 5 - how about 5 cup holders. I notice no car builders make enough cup holders for the back seat.

6 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Limited

Written by: David on 03/03/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Got a great deal, has all options and it cost me 28k, 5k less than expected. The navigation system and sync work very well, and if you get bored you can do voice recognition training so your car understands you better, though it's not neccessary. The ambient lights have several colors and are a nice touch. Suprisingly the performance is close to my 07 Fusion with the same engine. My only complaints are that the rear seats don't fold completely flat, and that the front seats are a little tough on the lower back, but then again I haven't really looked for the lumbar adjustment.

Favorite Features

Sync and Navi system

Suggested Improvements

Allow for the rear seats to fold down fully, would provide a few cubic inches.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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A US Vehicle Worth The Look

Written by: rjtroodon on 03/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)

Review

We love this vehicle. We purchased this vehicle because of the great deals and the need for a dependable winter tranport. We previously had a 2001 Tribute(an Escape twin)which we loved. The new Escape is noticably improved. The 6-speed automatic is smooth and accelerates nicely. The fuel economy is beyond my expectations (26 on the highway with our V6 AWD). Around suburbia, 21+ is easily feasible depending on how agressive drive. The handling is truck like but this is desired. Great in the snow which is in part why we have it. The lthr is improved & of good quality. This is an excellent option if you want to buy a quality product made in the USA at a good price.

Favorite Features

The Sync system is excellent (especailly the phone & iPOD connectivity). Nice Interior and Layout. Dependable Handling. Great fuel economy for a V6 AWD SUV

Suggested Improvements

Trunk should be standard. Reclining rear seats are missing. Ford should try to make more items standard when financially viable (this works well for Acura) and makes it easier to find the car that fits your needs.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Ford builds fun

Written by: Ched on 02/26/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape XLT 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)

Review

I had a 2005 Escape and traded it for a new 2009. These are two completely different SUV's. The new Escape seems bigger, heavier, smoother and easier to steer. However, mine "bucks" as it shifts through the gears. I brought it in and they said all is normal. That is the only downside to this vehicle. Once it is cruising, it is like driving a Cadillac. As much as I liked the other Escape, I like this one more. This is a fun vehicle to drive and turns heads. (Ditch the heated seats- they barely warm up.)

Favorite Features

Cool blue color. Get the 17 inch wheels with chrome. No brake dust. Sat. radio. The leather is so comfortable. Ambient lighting is wonderful at night.

Suggested Improvements

Snych system works, but not fully with my phone. Improve the shifting smoothness. (Prosepctive buyers, test drive and see if you like it) The back seats fold down, but they stick up about an inch so things can't slide easily back there. (Disappointing) Even the best sound system needs improvement.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2 weeks old

Written by: Michigan Guy on 02/19/2009

Vehicle

2009 Ford Escape Limited 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6A)

Review

Great looking car, lots of room inside, very nice layout. Good steering/seating. Lots of nice electronics toys. Good on crappy roads for an SUV. Quality of build the center console hard to open (replaced already), little squeaks from the dashboard/radio area when cold. Found dirt under paint and was wet sanded out from dealer. That's the reason for the low scores.

Favorite Features

Electronics toys, looks inside/outside. New transmission (6 speed) New engine power (240 HP). Fold down seats for more room. Auto open rear glass door

Suggested Improvements

Adjustable gas/brake pedals. Telescoping steering wheel. Better choice of wheels (clad chrome will melt in the salt ) .

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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